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Belt cover/guard: needed or not?
I've had my RT for over 2 years now, and have read on this website plus elsewhere that without a cover on the exposed drive belt there is a chance of having gravel or other debris from the road get caught in the belt. Is this a real worry or not?
2021 Spyder RT
2023 Royal Enfield Hunter 350
Retired U.S. Army
Life Member, NRA
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It’s s a cheap fit that Spyder vendors carry………Cheaper than a $350 belt.
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Yes, it's cheaper than being stranded; needing a tow; & eventually an expensive BRP replacement belt. However, it's also avoidable if you simply don’t drive on gravel, chip rock, or similar. If that's unavoidable, keep under 15mph (preferably less) & hopefully only ride on that stuff for a short time. Then inspect the belt when you're clear & it's safe to do so. Extra peace of mind is helpful & recommended, if you travel in gravel prone areas.
Last edited by Peter Aawen; 02-28-2024 at 11:43 PM.
2013 STL SE5 BLACK CURRANT
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Originally Posted by vito1943
I've had my RT for over 2 years now, and have read on this website plus elsewhere that without a cover on the exposed drive belt there is a chance of having gravel or other debris from the road get caught in the belt. Is this a real worry or not?
HI vito,1943,
Get a belt cover & a belt guard which will help to prevent gravel, stones and etc. getting int the belt.
Deanna
Current Spyder - 2023 F3 LTD Special Mineral Blue
Red LED NANO Saddlebag Marker Lights with Full Illumination
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Lamonster "Top Cuff" with adjustable drink Holder
SpyderPops Missing Guard Belt
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Former Spyder - 2014 RTS SE6 Cognac SOLD
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I rode belt drive Harleys from 2002 to 2019 when I bought my first spyder. Been riding Spyders since then and I've never had a belt failure.
2021 Spyder RTL chalk/black/chrome bought in March 21. Previous rides: 2019 Spyder RTL, Orange/chrome. 2015 Harley Heritage, 2002 Harley Heritage, 77 Harley Electra Glide, 75 Harley Electra Glide, 72 Harley Sportster (first bike bought new)
My Spyder Mods
Rider backrest, F&R cup holders; F3 handlebars; BRP LED driving light; LaMonster front fender and mirror turn signals, LaMonster Saddlebag lights, Auxito LED rear turn signal blubs w/ built in load resistor; Brake lite modulator/flasher; LaMonster flags on trunk; Garmin Zumo XT. LaMonster Bluetooth adapter for Phone & GPS through Spyder speakers. LaMonster floorboard risers; FOBO tire pressure monitors, Vredestein front and rear tires; BajaRon sway bar.
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Originally Posted by WDAVEY
I rode belt drive Harleys from 2002 to 2019 when I bought my first spyder. Been riding Spyders since then and I've never had a belt failure.
Same experience with me. Notice you winter in Florida and summer in Central New York. Why don't you put down some roots in South Carolina. We ride year round.
My wife is in real estate so if we can help call. Or if you decide to keep going back and forth-Enjoy life.
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Originally Posted by Bfromla
Yes cheaper than being stranded,-tow & eventually a BRP expensive belt. However also avoidable if simply don’t drive on gravel, chip rock, or similar. If unavoidable keep under 15mph (preferably less) & hopefully short time. Inspect when clear& safe to do so. Extra peace of mind is helpful & recommended if Travel gravel prone areas.
! If I'm out on the far side of beyond and run into a stretch of loose gravel I can't avoid, in addition to slowly maneuvering through it, once I'm out of it I take the time and effort to check the belt and rear sprocket.
Artillery lends dignity to what would
otherwise be a vulgar brawl.
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Cognac 2014 RT-S
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It's cheap insurance in my book, but even with it covered, you should use your head and slow down when your running gravel roads that stuff can fly in weird ways. good luck
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Rode a Harley Trike conversion for over 20 years with no belt guards at all. Never had a problem with anything getting in the belt. If there is a belt guard, it should be designed so that any gravel or rocks can get back out if they do get in the belt guard. I have not removed the belt guard from the Spyder. It has spaces where rocks can get back out if some do get inside. I don't plan to remove it and run without one, but don't think it would be much difference with or without.
Last edited by Peter Aawen; 02-29-2024 at 07:44 AM.
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Very Active Member
No need for an inner belt guard until you need one.
Caused by a pebble from R wheel getting stuck in the pulley - 2 week old trike.
spyder-belt.jpg
The best substitute for brains & knowledge is....................silence.
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From my home, I have 4/10ths mile of gravel before I get to a hard surface road. In 18K miles, I have run 2 chunks thru the belt-drive, just getting home and it felt like the swing-arm broke.
No damage was done, but I bought a guard for the inside of the belt. I think it's called the "Invisible Guard" or something similar, and cost about $40. It's cheaper than a "tow", or a visit to the dealer!
I've had no issues since.
2020 Spyder RT Limited; Deep Marsala/Chrome
Formosa AZ01 165/50/R16's on PPA Recluse wheels up front
General Altimax RT43 215/60/R15 on factory rear
Primary exhaust: RLS Cat delete w/ his baffle; secondary, custom built w/ Flowmaster HS2
Suspension: BajaRon swaybar (highly recommended!), M2 coil-overs, front & rear (also highly recomended!)
Extra LED lighting and misc. to suit my needs/wants
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Like some above stated, rode Harleys for years and no belt problems- sure not same design set up but close enough. Rode marble/gravel roads in Yukon and Northwest Territories for hundreds of miles-no issues- not say that it can and will happen....
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Very Active Member
Originally Posted by Freddy
No need for an inner belt guard until you need one.
Caused by a pebble from R wheel getting stuck in the pulley - 2 week old trike.
spyder-belt.jpg
I had to enlarge this one before I could see the damage. I've never seen such a thing.
2022 Petrol Metallic RT Limited / 'PYDER'
Peter Pan has struck again!
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The belt guard was one of the first farkels I put on my .
Lew L
Kaos----- Gone but not forgotten.
2014 RTS in Circuit Yellow, farkle-ing addiction down to once every few months. ECU FLASH IS GREAT.
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It really does depend on YOUR OWN riding style. I've had them on both my Spyders and Not had any belt problems. I frequently ride on gravel roads, even two tracks. Some folks never leave well maintained paved roads.
Safe Rides,
David and Sharon Goebel
Both Retired USAF Veterans
2018 Anniversary Edition RT Limited
Baja Ron ultimate swaybar. Vredestein tires, Baja Ron Front Shock Pre-load adjusters, Pedal Box, See my Spyder Garage
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I bought one 2 years ago and it's still sitting in the box. Been contemplating putting it on because of how tight the gap is between the belt and the tire. I'll have to look at it again. I don't drive on too many gravel roads but I have driven on them and if the guard works, I'd rather spend the time putting it on than spend the money fixing the damage.
2021 RT Base - Petrol Blue
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Very Active Member
For a long time, Inspector Gadget had the template on his Spyder webpage. The intent from him was you could buy one from him, or, utilize his template, free of charge, and make your own.
A couple months ago, I wanted to fabricate a guard. Seems since Inspector Gadget is less into Spyders these days, when his website had issues, the template is no longer there. Actually, pretty much his entire website did not want to load.
Possibly I saved the file somewhere, just have not found it, or looked seriously for it.
The premade guards are available as an aftermarket item. Guy named Dan Kummer sells them.
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