2020 RT, What should it sound like ?

Hi, I'm reaching out from Turkey. I've owned various Spyders: RS, RTS (1330), F3 limited, and now a 2020 RT limited. I believe I am the first owner of a 2020 RT in Turkey, and I do not have any references that I can compare.

I've noticed some sound differences from the other model's that I've had:

When going at 90+ kph (56+ mph), I get this high pitched noise (https://youtu.be/5xd_3PLsjk0). When I apply more gas, the noise gets louder. When I lower the gas, the noise goes down. When I stop the gas completely, the noise goes away. It does sound like a Supercharger hum.

When going at around 60-80 kph (35-50 mph), the sound profile changes to a sine wave, and it gets a lower pitch (https://youtu.be/oB3HirYwJrs). You can hear the sound even when there is no gas. Also, the tone changes when slowing down or speeding up.

I've made sure the belt tension is set, but that did not change the sound. Is this expected from this model? If not, what could be the issue? Is it safe to ride, or should I stop until I figure out what is happening?

Thank you!

I don't have a 2020 but I have heard of some talk about that type of sound coming form the fuel pump that and that it gos away after putting on some miles. How many miles have you put on your Spyder? I think I remember see something like the sound gets less and less until about 2000 miles than its gone. Hopefully someone with 2020 or have see the same info will confirm that. Not sure about the miles it maybe less.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CopperSpyder

I don't have a 2020 but I have heard of some talk about that type of sound coming form the fuel pump that and that it gos away after putting on some miles. How many miles have you put on your Spyder? I think I remember see something like the sound gets less and less until about 2000 miles than its gone. Hopefully someone with 2020 or have see the same info will confirm that. Not sure about the miles it maybe less.

---

Thanks for the swift reply! My RTL is currently at around 370 miles (600 km). The closest issue with my other models that I remember is that my 2014 RTS had its fuel pump replaced twice but it made the noise while stationary so maybe they are related. Do you know of any other posts about 2020 RTL that mentions this or similar issue ?

In his latest YouTube video, Shawn Smoak's talks about that sound and thinks its caused by the shape of the plastic under the windshield.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAQnSD4fYOk&t=985s

old post about 2020 RT sound "click: https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...2020+fuel+pump and "click: https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...2020+fuel+pump

I've experienced this on my '20 RTL between 48-51 mph. I decided it was main drive belt related. I have 2100 miles now, the sound is still present but is a lot less noticeable now that I have some miles on the bike.

If you think it's a belt related noise, a 'quick & simple' test to confirm that is to spray some water on the rear drive sprocket teeth then ride.... the water will only last a mile ot two a best tho! :lecturef_smilie:

A longer term 'fix' for any belt noise on our Spyder's 'toothed drive belts' is to put one pea sized dab of an appropriate belt grease in one of the visible hollows between the teeth on the rear drive sprocket - it only takes about 8-16 revolutions of the drive sprocket before that one dab has been picked up and spread onto all the teeth on the belt and sprocket, and it can't cause any slippage.... well, not unless your belt is so loose that it's a miracle if your Spyder moves at all!! :shocked: Just make sure you get/use a grease that's safe to use on our 'non-rubber' drive belts.... it's generally not hard to find some tho! :thumbup:

So if it's a belt noise.... there's one solution :ohyea:

:cheers:

Re a couple comments above about the Smoak You Tube, I follow him real close, a guru on the RT, beliEve he refers it to a whirring noise, pay no attention, it's normal. I have a 2020 and believe I have the similar sound, I am not concerned. If it troubles you, take to your dealer tech, let him ride it and give you his thoughts.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DoubleA

I've experienced this on my '20 RTL between 48-51 mph. I decided it was main drive belt related. I have 2100 miles now, the sound is still present but is a lot less noticeable now that I have some miles on the bike.

---

I've got about 300 miles on my 2020 RTL and experience a high-pitched whine also at 48-51 mph. I asked the dealer about it, and he said it should go away with break in. Keeping my fingers crossed. I spend a lot of time at the speed on the NC back roads.

I just put 150 miles, and noticed sound at 70+ MPH, my thought was that this is the air makes sound around spoilers.

To the best of my recollection, the whine in the YouTube video sounds similar to the noise my 2014 fuel pump made, that was replaced under warranty. It doesn't sound harmful to me. If it gets worse or louder, then I might be concerned.

-I have a 2020 Spyder RT Limited. I also have a engine whine that increases with speed. Mentioned it to my dealership. Asked him if he had heard of this problem from anyone. I have been waiting for this to appear on Spyder Lovers. It seems this has become a problem with the 2020. Now I can tell my dealership that mine is not a isolated problem. Thanks

My 2020 RT definitely has the whirring sound at 50 mph. Dealer said he was going to put a ticket in to BRP.On a different board they were discussing this and said BRP has changed this sound from normal to not normal. That post was about a month ago.

My 2020 RT definitely has the whirring sound at 50 mph. Dealer said he was going to put a ticket in to BRP.On a different board they were discussing this and said BRP has changed this sound from normal to not normal. That post was about a month ago. It is definetly the belt.

I have about 1100 miles on mine and between 40 & 50mph I can hear the whine and it sounds like drive train noise, it is there under a load and less when I let off. Pretty sure it's mechanical. I just hope it disappears before the 3000 oil change.

Has anyone heard anything concerning the whining sound coming from engine on my 2020 RTL. Reported to my dealership. I now have 2400 miles on my Spyder and the whining sound has not let up. Begins around 45 and up, Very annoying when on a long ride.

I'm having the same issue. 2020 Spyder RTL. Just hit 250 miles. The whining noise appears to be getting louder.
Seems most noticeable at 50 mph. Goes away at about 53 mph and up, and about 48 mph and down.
I'm planning on calling the dealer this week to get their opinion. Sure hope this goes away!

I am having the same noise, especially around 2900 RPM - 49 mph in 5th gear. I am currently at 3800 miles and no sign of letting up. It sounds like a mechanical high pitch whirring sound - hurts my ears and very annoying.

It almost sounds like the front pulley sound Shawn Smoaks refers to in one of his videos. He said it's present on all 1330 RTs but because of the change in fairings on the 2020+ models, the sound is now heard. He said the 2021 lates have a new front pulley that's supposed to fix this. From other SL members research, it appears the pulley is just over $100 plus labor to replace unless you're really handy. IMHO (not that this matters much), BuRP should retroactively replace that front pulley with the new one on ALL 2020+ RTs.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MONK

It almost sounds like the front pulley sound Shawn Smoaks refers to in one of his videos. He said it's present on all 1330 RTs but because of the change in fairings on the 2020+ models, the sound is now heard. He said the 2021 lates have a new front pulley that's supposed to fix this. From other SL members research, it appears the pulley is just over $100 plus labor to replace unless you're really handy. IMHO (not that this matters much), BuRP should retroactively replace that front pulley with the new one on ALL 2020+ RTs.

---

Has anyone found the part number for that pulley yet? A correctly aligned belt with reduced tension (180#) cut the noise by about 50%.

There is another thread here about it in which Shawn Smoak says that the 2021 late models, ones that will begin production in Jan 2021, will have the new pulley on them.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Papaloco

I have about 1100 miles on mine and between 40 & 50mph I can hear the whine and it sounds like drive train noise, it is there under a load and less when I let off. Pretty sure it's mechanical. I just hope it disappears before the 3000 oil change.

---

Same for my F3 Ltd. Gear box mechanical noise I reckon. Way too loud to ignore.

Put mine in the shop Monday to have them take a look - just put 3200 miles on it last 1-1/2 week riding and the noise remained the whole trip.