2020 RT Belt Tensioner

[upsdoctor]

Has anyone put a belt tensioner on the 2020 RT? If so, which one did you use?

[bikerbillone]

I have found no need but following this thread, maybe there's a need and I don't know it.

[NEXUS]

I just ordered 0ne from Slingmod Wednesday 4/8 the (SpyderExtras Billet Aluminum Belt Tensioner / Idler for the Can-Am Spyder RT)
The problem was they were unsure if it would fit a 2020 RT it looks the same to me having it apart and waiting for it to get here.
The picture that they have on their site looks identical to this new 2020. But he said he would take it back if it didn't work.

It's supposed to be here Saturday. I will post how it turns out

Mine is vibrating between 70 and 75 mph not bad, but when I start pulling the trailer. It's going to be worse.
I've already checked the belt tension and alignment before I ordered.
Might as well fix it now while I'm waiting on a trailer hitch.



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[bikerbillone]

Thanks Nexus, I'll be following for your experience with the tensioner.

[Peter Aawen]

Thanks Nexus, I'll be following for your experience with the pensioner.

Geez bikerbill, I hope that's an 'auto-correct' error?! :dontknow:

I'd really hate to think you're gonna install a pensioner on your belt to stop it vibrating at 70-75 mph?! :shocked:

[bikerbillone]

Oh my, gotta make a typo correction, ain't nothing like a good proof read, thanks Pete. :>)

[NEXUS]

Geez bikerbill, I hope that's an 'auto-correct' error?! :dontknow:

I'd really hate to think you're gonna install a pensioner on your belt to stop it vibrating at 70-75 mph?! :shocked:

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:roflblack:

[bikerbillone]

Holy Christmas, have to give myself a big chuckle on that one. I brought a ray of sun light into the forum this morning. GiddyUp! :pray:

[SpyderAnn01]

I did not experience any belt vibration on the 20 RTs tgat we had on our demo tour.

[bodymanpainter]

My RTL has a belt vibration at 75 to about 85 MPH but I will wait until the 3000 mile
service to have my dealer check belt tension before I do anything about it.

Toby

[NEXUS]

I did not experience any belt vibration on the 20 RTs tgat we had on our demo tour.

There has not been many reports of any belt vibrations on 2020 RT's

I am definitely sure mine is from past experience. At the moment
if I wasn't going to pull a trailer I probably not worry about.

But once you start pulling a trailer with a load in it that little vibration
becomes very loud and annoying.

The 2020 RT's were going to have a OEM belt dampener like the F3 but
were pulled at the last minute. My first PDF service manual even showed it.

My 2014 RT was terrible about the belt vibration till I put a damper on.
Maybe it is unnecessary on the 2020 RT I will know after I put it on.

[samewok]

I got the one from Spyderpops.com. I had the vibration at 3500 Rpm in 6th gear which was about 70 mph. None now

[Mikey]

I got the one from Spyderpops.com. I had the vibration at 3500 Rpm in 6th gear which was about 70 mph. None now

Every time I get up to 70, I get a shot in the ribs from the auto pilot in the rear!!:roflblack:

[upsdoctor]

Nexus, thanks for the info. Please let me know how you make out. I will order the same parts if you are successful.

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

I just ordered 0ne from Slingmod Wednesday 4/8 the (SpyderExtras Billet Aluminum Belt Tensioner / Idler for the Can-Am Spyder RT)
The problem was they were unsure if it would fit a 2020 RT it looks the same to me having it apart and waiting for it to get here.
The picture that they have on their site looks identical to this new 2020. But he said he would take it back if it didn't work.

It's supposed to be here Saturday. I will post how it turns out

Mine is vibrating between 70 and 75 mph not bad, but when I start pulling the trailer. It's going to be worse.
I've already checked the belt tension and alignment before I ordered.
Might as well fix it now while I'm waiting on a trailer hitch.

I think it should fit unless there is something new in the vicinity of the swing arm where it mounts. The part # for the swing arm is the same for 2020 as 2019.

[NEXUS]

Nexus, thanks for the info. Please let me know how you make out. I will order the same parts if you are successful.


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I did about 100 miles Sunday 4/12 with this belt dampener no vibration at all.
Traveled interstate for 30 miles testing different rate of speed from 70 to
90 with no vibration luckily I didn't bump into any state troopers.

As far as installation it took about 10 minutes to put the belt dampener on
once you get the Tupperware off. I give this level about a 2 from 1 to 10.
Purchase it through will Slingmods ( SpyderExtras Billet Aluminum Belt
Tensioner / Idler for the Can-Am Spyder RT)-$179.00 no tax or shipping.
There may be cheaper ones out there but this is well-designed and roller
bearing assembly is replaceable.

You could easily do this in two hours if not less once you get the Tupperware off.
I can post a more detailed step-by-step instruction on how to get the Tupperware
off if needed.

[bikerbillone]

Thanks Nexus, sounds like you are happy with the belt dampener.

[Guzzi]

Nexus! Send instructions on how to remove Tupperware, please.

[bikerbillone]

Yep, someone is gonna do a You Tube on that eventually, I hope!

[NEXUS]

Nexus! Send instructions on how to remove Tupperware, please.



There are many ways to take things apart this is my mine.
Many of you will have another way.

1 – raise seat and front hatch.

2- pull number 1 first that just snaps in

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3- pull number 2 off it also just snaps in

4- remove screws and pushing rivets on number 3 very easy to see. One thing on this
careful on removal of the sharks tooth that hangs out in front it rubs on that large
plastic piece.

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5 - remove both number 4’s the floorboard is just three Allen screws and
one bolt holding on the passenger step. You may not need to really remove
the floorboard but it's so easy to do to get it out of the way.

6- this one large piece number 5 only has one screw it it the rest are plastic pushing rivets
the one underneath the front nose is a Phillips plastic screw unscrew this it popped
right out. There is one push in rivet that's hard to see and get to. I point this out because
it is a little difficult to get to pop out without lifting it up a little or using a mirror.
On this large piece pull the front out from underneath rotated up to get it out from underneath
the back.

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Putting on the belt dampener from here is really simple follow their instructions or video.

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Also have a place or blanket to put your plastic parts on its easy to scratch these things.

[Peteoz]

I think it should fit unless there is something new in the vicinity of the swing arm where it mounts. The part # for the swing arm is the same for 2020 as 2019.

So you’re saying it should fit unless something gets in the way, Idaho? :joke: Sorry, I know that’s not exactly what you meant, but it made me chuckle :ohyea:

Pete

[Redtail]

Thanks a bunch for the detailed instructions, Nexus. I haven't experienced belt vibration on the 2020 RTL yet (purchased 7/3/20), or maybe I just don't recognize it when it happens. I'm not the most mechanical guy, but I'll be able to follow your instructions should the need arise.

[forbigd]

Hi all, just trying to start posting... My 2020 RT Limited immediatly had the vibration above 60 mph. It was very strong, you could feel it in the floorboards, and there was slight distortion in the mirrors. This was just me riding it home. Later with the wife it happened all the time. If you give it steady accellerartion and you slowely gain speed, the vibration comes and goes, stronger then weaker, then gone, then back. It is about the speed of the belt, the load on belt, and the adjustment.
There was also a noticable vibration during decel. When you let off the gas at certain times you would get it for a second or two until it passed the magic speed/load/tension magic spots.
Took it back to the dealer at 600 mile service and the tech said she had adjusted it and it tested ok. It was better, but mostly just raised mph. The vibration started at 65+ insted of 60. And it was less, but certainly noticable.
Bought the Slingmods 179 buck one and it solved it completely. No vibration at all. Super happy.
Sorry if this info is redundant, but I saw an oportunity to add info.

forbigd

[obiwan57]

I don't have vibration issues on my 2020 RTL. I didn't have vibration issues on my 2013 RTL. A belt drive is going to vibrate, its the nature of the system.
With that said, it's a choice of the owner. I figure BRP has engineers that know what characteristics the belt drive has and vibration ranges.

I won't be adding a belt tensioner, just another aftermarket piece with a mean time between failure to worry about.

[forbigd]

I don't have vibration issues on my 2020 RTL. I didn't have vibration issues on my 2013 RTL. A belt drive is going to vibrate, its the nature of the system.
With that said, it's a choice of the owner. I figure BRP has engineers that know what characteristics the belt drive has and vibration ranges.

I won't be adding a belt tensioner, just another aftermarket piece with a mean time between failure to worry about.

Of course. I totally agree. I wonder...why would yours not have any vibration, and mine was so bad I would not have bought it had they let me go fast enough to feel it during the test drive. Weight? I am pretty heavy, (260 ish), that seems to be a problem. Two up makes it worse, and windscreen up makes it even worse. The more the load and speed, the worse it was.
I wonder why BRP didn't put a shaft in it to begin with, probably cost. I think the Rykers have a shaft. Anyway there is no way BRP would want the bike vibrating like it was. All the plastics would eventually fall off, bearings failing perhaps? Screws backing out (teeth falling out!). I guess I just got one with a finicky belt. The tech that adjusted it was touted to be the best in the area on CanAms, but she couldn't make it go completely away and suggested I get an idler. The idler makes it all go away. If someone else has a problem with vibration, the idler is a great deal. If you are fine, then of course not. It has a bearing spinning all the time, it will be something to keep an eye on. Thanks for your comments! Cheers all!

forbigd

[NEXUS]

......
I wonder why BRP didn't put a shaft in it to begin with, probably cost. I think the Rykers have a shaft. Anyway there is no way BRP would want the bike vibrating like it was. All the plastics would eventually fall off, bearings failing perhaps? Screws backing out (teeth falling out!). I guess I just got one with a finicky belt. The tech that adjusted it was touted to be the best in the area on CanAms, but she couldn't make it go completely away and suggested I get an idler. The idler makes it all go away. If someone else has a problem with vibration, the idler is a great deal. If you are fine, then of course not. It has a bearing spinning all the time, it will be something to keep an eye on. Thanks for your comments! Cheers all!

forbigd


BRP was going to put a belt dampener standard on the RTL but then decided not to. The first
parts manual showed it on their but they were early versions and they deleted it later.

You're right about one thing weight makes the vibration and the harmonics more extreme.
If you pull a passenger and a trailer it just exacerbates that even more.

I found out without a passenger and trailer it was not so bad but once I added that and in my case
around 65 and up the vibration was absolutely terrible no matter how I adjusted the belt.

So yeah one more thing I have to keep an eye on now the belt dampener bearing roller but at least
the vibration is gone. Just came back from a week in the Smokies and many miles no vibration.

[Mikey]

Hi all, just trying to start posting... My 2020 RT Limited immediatly had the vibration above 60 mph. It was very strong, you could feel it in the floorboards, and there was slight distortion in the mirrors. This was just me riding it home. Later with the wife it happened all the time. If you give it steady accellerartion and you slowely gain speed, the vibration comes and goes, stronger then weaker, then gone, then back. It is about the speed of the belt, the load on belt, and the adjustment.
There was also a noticable vibration during decel. When you let off the gas at certain times you would get it for a second or two until it passed the magic speed/load/tension magic spots.
Took it back to the dealer at 600 mile service and the tech said she had adjusted it and it tested ok. It was better, but mostly just raised mph. The vibration started at 65+ insted of 60. And it was less, but certainly noticable.
Bought the Slingmods 179 buck one and it solved it completely. No vibration at all. Super happy.
Sorry if this info is redundant, but I saw an oportunity to add info.

forbigd

You sure it's the belt, and maybe not a tire out of balance? Just a thought, and have you check the belt tension to see where its set? Some say if it's to tight you'll get more vibrations!

[Papa103]

This is what happened when mine failed. I purchased it from BRP it had over 10000 but less than 14000 miles on it when it failed. Mine is a 2019.

https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/images/attach/jpg.gif

https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/images/attach/jpg.gif

[Truckie]

I installed a tensioner from Spyderpops - RT (2014-UP ONLY) BELT TENSIONER WITH LAMONSTER DOUBLE BEARING ROLLER KIT INSTALLED

I too had a belt harmonics vibration when cruising above 60. When under throttle, the vibration was minimal, barely detectable. However, when the power was even across both sprockets, it was a noticeable vibration. The belt tensioner resolved it.

Hoping to avert Papa's experience is why I went with the Lamonster roller vs. OEM... the jury is out. I certainly desire the roller to last way north of 10K miles.

[BeRight]

I installed a tensioner from Spyderpops - RT (2014-UP ONLY) BELT TENSIONER WITH LAMONSTER DOUBLE BEARING ROLLER KIT INSTALLED

I too had a belt harmonics vibration when cruising above 60. When under throttle, the vibration was minimal, barely detectable. However, when the power was even across both sprockets, it was a noticeable vibration. The belt tensioner resolved it.

Hoping to avert Papa's experience is why I went with the Lamonster roller vs. OEM... the jury is out. I certainly desire the roller to last way north of 10K miles.

Same here - got mine from Lamonster - his roller is better quality (double bearings) - easy to check now and then - still going strong on my brother's 2015 F3-S (but he only has 4K miles on it).

BRP does offer their tensioner as an accessory - probably a warranty issue on why it is not standard - accessories only 1 year warranty

Unfortunately u have to take off tupperware from almost the entire left side and floorboard (easier install if u do), for a 5 minute install.

Upside one gets to see all the stuff that is hiding behind the tupperware.

[2020RTLimitedDRM]

I bought my Spyder in July and noticed the same thing around 70 or so with the vibration. I just got it back from the dealer on 10/9/20 for having the trailer hitch put on that I have been waiting for since I bought the bike. Had them check the belt for vibration and the mechanic said that he couldn’t find anything. He checked the belt and tension and it was fine. Told me that the bike was designed to be running around 4000RPM and if I feel it drop down a gear??? I thought then why do they have ECO mode tell you when to shift up??? I asked about the tensioner and the owner said that they don’t recommend it?? I noticed the vibration at all speeds above 50mph, while the cruise control was on, and if you drive a long time at a set speed without the cruise on. I would appreciate any advise on from the forum riders that ride these bikes all the time. Don’t care about the cost as I want a smooth ride!

Thanks for your help! Ride Safe!

[MONK]

The RT drive belt vibration is a known issue. It happens more often than not. Some have been able to eliminate/decrease the issue by loosening up the drive belt, others have had to either live with it or add a belt tensioner. It is what it is. If I need to add a tensioner, I'll pay the shop to install it as I'm not very comfortable removing all the tupperware. No garage so if I get stuck, I have to leave the nekkid bike out in the weather. (I know it won't hurt anything but I still don't want to leave my bike out nekkid.)

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

A Technical Service Bulletin from BRP a few years ago essentially says to set the belt tension to whatever will cause the vibration to occur at a speed the owner seldom rides at. The vibration is a physics issue caused by a combination of the belt tension, length, and speed. If adjusting the tension doesn't solve it for you then the tensioner is the only answer, except as MONK says, live with it.

[larryd]

I think this is the BEST belt tensioner available and he's a forum sponsor...(yes I have one)

https://www.smoothspyder.com/belt-tensioners/

(don't know if it fits 2020 & 2021?)

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

I think this is the BEST belt tensioner available and he's a forum sponsor...(yes I have one)

https://www.smoothspyder.com/belt-tensioners/

(don't know if it fits 2020 & 2021?)

That's the one I had on my 2013 RT and have on my 2014 RTS. Been working great for me. I don't know about the others but this one you can adjust the force the tensioner puts on the belt.

[MONK]

A Technical Service Bulletin from BRP a few years ago essentially says to set the belt tension to whatever will cause the vibration to occur at a speed the owner seldom rides at.

I wonder if they can set it for 250mph? I seldom ride at that speed. :)

[TIMMB]

I have the Smooth Spyder on my 2020 RTL best one, heavy duty, adjustable, works great!

[stebrock]

Hi all, just trying to start posting... My 2020 RT Limited immediatly had the vibration above 60 mph. It was very strong, you could feel it in the floorboards, and there was slight distortion in the mirrors. This was just me riding it home. Later with the wife it happened all the time. If you give it steady accellerartion and you slowely gain speed, the vibration comes and goes, stronger then weaker, then gone, then back. It is about the speed of the belt, the load on belt, and the adjustment.
There was also a noticable vibration during decel. When you let off the gas at certain times you would get it for a second or two until it passed the magic speed/load/tension magic spots.
Took it back to the dealer at 600 mile service and the tech said she had adjusted it and it tested ok. It was better, but mostly just raised mph. The vibration started at 65+ insted of 60. And it was less, but certainly noticable.
Bought the Slingmods 179 buck one and it solved it completely. No vibration at all. Super happy.
Sorry if this info is redundant, but I saw an oportunity to add info.

forbigd

Just so you know...
There is no "600 mile service" on the 1330 motor. Check your owner's manual. The first service on your 2020 Spyder is at 3000 miles. This includes an inspection and oil change. The original 998 motor had the first oil change at 600 miles. So either your dealer doesn't know the requirements or they ripped you off. You might want to ask them to show you this "reqired service" in the manual. Subsequent oil changes are every 9,300 mile or once per year whichever comes first. so your second would be at 12,300 miles. Obviously you can change it more often if you desire.

[Long]

I just installed one on my 2020 RT and it works great. I had a lot of vibration driving home from the showroom. I ordered the one from Lamonster garage. Vibration is gone!

[MONK]

I installed the Lamonster version a couple weeks ago. No vibration now. Works beautifully.

[Supercrawler]

My brand new 2021 RTL has only 450 miles, today had bad so call,, belt vibration it acuur between 78-82 miles when twist throttle.
And it dispear when let throttle go, if wasn't from this forum
I wouldn't tell what went wrong.
The both floorboards vibrated so bad first thought it's coming from the transmission.
This issue been mentioned many Can Am spyder riders why not dammed bps never take care this problem for well over 30.000 toy.
Would like to know who makes best belt tensioner kit greatly appreciated.

[Doug44]

My brand new 2021 RTL has only 450 miles, today had bad so call,, belt vibration it acuur between 78-82 miles when twist throttle.
And it dispear when let throttle go, if wasn't from this forum
I wouldn't tell what went wrong.
The both floorboards vibrated so bad first thought it's coming from the transmission.
This issue been mentioned many Can Am spyder riders why not dammed bps never take care this problem for well over 30.000 toy.
Would like to know who makes best belt tensioner kit greatly appreciated.

LaMomster has what you need. I installed one on my 2020 RTL and it solved the problem. The reason you want his kit is because it uses the factory arm BUT with his improved roller. Read a few of the post here on this thread!

[Dodgedad]

Well i will be getting one for mine as well . Not a big issue but why not make the experience always more enjoyable. There was talk they were going to put them in the 2020 rtl’s. im thinking they put them on the 2020 F3’s. look at any vehicle on the road these days and they all have belt tensioners on them because of the serpentine belts are so long and flat

[2020RTLimitedDRM]

Very nicely done. I was wondering how to get all this off so I could do my belt tensioner! Thanks a bunch!!!

[GeorgeXP700]

After watching the video by Lamonster on the OEM tensioner, I upgraded to his tensioner assembly. Fit and finish is fantastic. Taking my time start to finish including installing his handlebar riser I had 2hrs labor in. It might be me but after riding at various speeds it feels smoother vs the OEM.

[Mikey]

After watching the video by Lamonster on the OEM tensioner, I upgraded to his tensioner assembly. Fit and finish is fantastic. Taking my time start to finish including installing his handlebar riser I had 2hrs labor in. It might be me but after riding at various speeds it feels smoother vs the OEM.

Make sure you keep a eye on the bearings in the little wheel!! Make it one of those things that you look at when you change your oil!! Loosing a drive belt because of a $2 bearing would suck!!