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  1. #1
    Active Member Doug's Avatar
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    Default Smoothspyder belt tensioner vs Baker belt stabilizer

    I believe from what I've read they both do the same thing by preventing the flapping of the belt and decreasing the harmonics, which in turn reduces or eliminates the vibration. If in fact this is true and the installation of this product does not create any other problems or void any warranties, which one is recommended, Baker or Smoothspyder.
    2017 F3-S , circuit yellow

  2. #2
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    I have the smoothspyder and have had for a year I like it, not sure about the other product. The dealer does not know how to deal with the smoothspyder there not to bright. I highly recommend the smoothspyder it also works as a deer whistle.
    jtpollock

  3. #3
    Registered Users Captain Fin's Avatar
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    Default Happy

    I installed the Smooth Spyder and have been happy. It makes a slight turbo whine and does a great job of reducing belt slap.
    Don't just dream the dream! Live the dream! Sent from my coconut using tap-a-nut. Spyderlovers Southern-Most Member.

  4. #4
    Very Active Member oldgoat's Avatar
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    I'm happy with my SmoothSpyder.
    2008 GS SM5, Full Moon Silver
    2007 Piaggio MP3 - 250cc

  5. #5
    Very Active Member jthornton's Avatar
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    My dealer adjusted the belt at the last service and my vibrations from the belt went away.

    JT

  6. #6
    Active Member bobnaquin's Avatar
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    Smoothspyder. It does sound like a turbocharger and I have not seen a deer or dog since I put it on 17,000 miles ago.

  7. #7
    Very Active Member Jim&Teresa's Avatar
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    Default Happy with Smoothspyder Belt Tensioner

    My choice is the Smoothspyder....don't know much about the other one. I like the design of the Smoothspyder.
    Happy and safe rydin'
    2014 Spyder RT Limited - January 2014, Cognac/Black Seat, #958, born on 1-8-14
    2014 RT Limited , Cognac

  8. #8
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    Interesting question, as I have been wondering the same thing.

    The Baker touts itself as a super quick install and shows pics on their website to back that up.

    How is the install of the Smoothspyder? There are no instructions on the website.
    --
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    2010 RS-S SE5 Pearl White

  9. #9
    Active Member kyspyder's Avatar
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    Default Smoothspyder belt tensioner vs Baker belt stabilizer

    I have the Baker Built Belt Stabilizer and am very pleased with the reduction in vibration.
    It was a simple 3 minute installation and works very well with no noise.

    KYSPYDER

  10. #10
    Very Active Member Chupaca's Avatar
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    Default Here's the problem..!!

    most have one or the other. Now they can comment on the one they have and if working well will not buy the other. Trick is to find someone who has had both and is not one of the manufacturers...Oh we have the smoothspyder so you know our opinion...

    Also consider the smoothspyder has been out longer than the baker
    Last edited by Chupaca; 08-29-2013 at 11:20 AM.
    Gene and Ilana De Laney
    Mt. Helix, California

    ​2012 RS sm5
    2012 RS sm5 , 998cc V-Twin 106hp DIY brake and park brake Classic Black

  11. #11
    Very Active Member AbNormy's Avatar
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    Default

    Deer whistle?

    Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk 2
    2012 RT A&C bought new 42312 sold July 2018 56k miles currently driving a 2014 RTSE6 LTD bought October 2018 w 6800 miles nicely farkled
    2014 RT SE6 LTD , White

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by bobnaquin View Post
    Smoothspyder. It does sound like a turbocharger and I have not seen a deer or dog since I put it on 17,000 miles ago.
    Believe it or not I have seen an RT with a Smoothspyder that made a significant turbine whine. We changed pulleys and bearings and nothing helped. Then the owner cleaned the road grime off the back of the belt where the pulley runs and guess what- noise was gone almost entirely.

  13. #13
    Active Member bobnaquin's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by mrb View Post
    Believe it or not I have seen an RT with a Smoothspyder that made a significant turbine whine. We changed pulleys and bearings and nothing helped. Then the owner cleaned the road grime off the back of the belt where the pulley runs and guess what- noise was gone almost entirely.
    I don't mind the whine but I am going to try this and see what happens. Then if I hit a deer it is your fault..like that is going to matter.

  14. #14
    Active Member Glider3J's Avatar
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    I have the Baker and am very happy with it.

  15. #15
    Very Active Member MMcc's Avatar
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    Default smooth spyder

    I had the smooth spyder on my 2008 GS. I believe it made a great improvement. How do I know. When I took the bike in for replacement of the rear brake pads which were always squealing the dealer/tech had never seen one and so he took it off thinking it was not to be there. When I picked up the bike I noticed the vibrations immediately. Returned to the dealer and asked where is the belt tensioner pully. The service manager did not understand what I was talking about so I showed him the brackets which remained on the frame. We then went to speak to the tech who finally admitted that he had removed it as it was not standard equipment. Got them to re install it and left. Had to adjust it again which was not difficult. BTY I never took the bike back to that dealer for service again. This past winter I noticed that they had closed the doors. It was a close 50 miles ride to them and 150 to the next dealer but I never looked back.

  16. #16
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    Default cleaning belt

    Quote Originally Posted by mrb View Post
    Believe it or not I have seen an RT with a Smoothspyder that made a significant turbine whine. We changed pulleys and bearings and nothing helped. Then the owner cleaned the road grime off the back of the belt where the pulley runs and guess what- noise was gone almost entirely.
    what did you clean belt with, some ind of cleaner? thanks

  17. #17
    Very Active Member Flanker's Avatar
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    Had a good laugh about the Smooth Spyder unintended deer repellent feature!

    2018 F3 S, BRP SS Grill, Spoiler, Attitude Bars, #1 linkage kit, Chopped R Fender, TBR S1R slip On exhaust, Elka Stage 2 R Shock, Shad saddlebags

  18. #18
    Active Member vstrommer's Avatar
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    Soooo now that time has passed does anyone have any comments on the different belt stabilizers on their maintenance and reliability record and preference? I still wonder which one I should get after reading about them...
    2019 900 Rally , Black

  19. #19
    Very Active Member Bfromla's Avatar
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    Smooth spyder Fyi i only have the backrest but Jim makes fine products. & great customer service I believe the tensioner also doubles as a bely guard for rocks,
    not sure, but Farkle that does double

    2013 STL SE5 BLACK CURRANT
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    2013 STL , Stock Stock Black currant

  20. #20
    Very Active Member finless's Avatar
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    Default

    Lots of info and videos here:

    http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/s...ng-performance

    Bob
    2011 RT-S SM5 - Black
    Bought June 2013 with 450 miles. 27K on 8-1-2017.
    Farkles - DIY Trunk Break Light, HMT Break Light, DIY Mirror Turn Signal Lights, DIY Bluetooth Dongle, DIY iPod Setup, DIY Alarm System Install, Show Chrome front fender / rear saddle bag lights, 4th break light around the trunk, Vented Windshield, Baja Ron Sway Bar, DIY GPS setup, Smooth Spyder, BRP Chrome Mirrors, Adjustable deflectors, Triaxis handlebars, NVB Pegs, Bad Boy Airhorn... More to come
    2011 RT-S SM5 , Baja Ron Black

  21. #21
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    Default

    I know there been topics on this in the past and if you take it back to the dealer they should have a service bulletin about belt adjustments..
    From my understanding they suggest to lower the belt tension to cut down on vibrations.
    Attached Images Attached Images

  22. #22
    Very Active Member finless's Avatar
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    BRP has changed the belt spec 3 times (maybe more). My 2011 is still running the spec before they upped it in 2013 to reduce the vibe.
    Smooth Spyder still helps as you will never get rid of the vibe since it is speed/load related.
    All the change did was make it not happen at most people's cruising speed but now you will get it an other speeds.

    Just my take...

    Bob
    2011 RT-S SM5 - Black
    Bought June 2013 with 450 miles. 27K on 8-1-2017.
    Farkles - DIY Trunk Break Light, HMT Break Light, DIY Mirror Turn Signal Lights, DIY Bluetooth Dongle, DIY iPod Setup, DIY Alarm System Install, Show Chrome front fender / rear saddle bag lights, 4th break light around the trunk, Vented Windshield, Baja Ron Sway Bar, DIY GPS setup, Smooth Spyder, BRP Chrome Mirrors, Adjustable deflectors, Triaxis handlebars, NVB Pegs, Bad Boy Airhorn... More to come
    2011 RT-S SM5 , Baja Ron Black

  23. #23
    Active Member vstrommer's Avatar
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    Does anyone know if the Missing Belt Guard from Spydrepops work with one or the other belt tensioners or both on a 2015 RT ?
    2019 900 Rally , Black

  24. #24
    Very Active Member Lew L's Avatar
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    Thumbs up Ya, me too

    Quote Originally Posted by vstrommer View Post
    Does anyone know if the Missing Belt Guard from Spydrepops work with one or the other belt tensioners or both on a 2015 RT ?
    This may be my next farkel, so I would like to know also as I already have the MBG installed.

    Thanks,
    Kaos
    Kaos----- Gone but not forgotten.

    2014 RTS in Circuit Yellow, farkle-ing addiction down to once every few months. ECU FLASH IS GREAT.
    2014 RTS , Circuit Yellow

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