Baker Built Belt Tensioner

[Gunner3773]

New to the forum since we took delivery of our 2015 RT Limited a little over a week ago. After 41 years of two-wheel riding, I decided to try three-wheel riding and both me and my wife really like it.

One of the things I found to be a problem is the drive belt vibration in the 71-76 mph zone. I searched the forum and found numerous post regarding the SmoothSpyder and Baker Built tensioners. I am considering the Baker Built tensioner. I was just wondering if anyone has a Baker Built tensioner with a lot of miles on it? I am looking for info regarding its longevity and reliability. And if there is any wear on the bracket that is attached to the shock mount (aluminum bracket up against a steel shock mount).

I asked my dealer about the tensioners and his comment was that he has seen a few come into the dealership on bikes when they get serviced, but there doesn't seem to be a lot of them coming in.

BTW, the amount of information available to a newbie in this forum is fabulous.

Thanks

Gunner

[jcasey]

They make great products. I haven't needed any but have not heard of any complaints. Welcome to the zoo!!!

[coz]

I'd like to hear some responses myself.

[happyspyder2039]

New to the forum since we took delivery of our 2015 RT Limited a little over a week ago. After 41 years of two-wheel riding, I decided to try three-wheel riding and both me and my wife really like it.

One of the things I found to be a problem is the drive belt vibration in the 71-76 mph zone. I searched the forum and found numerous post regarding the SmoothSpyder and Baker Built tensioners. I am considering the Baker Built tensioner. I was just wondering if anyone has a Baker Built tensioner with a lot of miles on it? I am looking for info regarding its longevity and reliability. And if there is any wear on the bracket that is attached to the shock mount (aluminum bracket up against a steel shock mount).

I asked my dealer about the tensioners and his comment was that he has seen a few come into the dealership on bikes when they get serviced, but there doesn't seem to be a lot of them coming in.

BTW, the amount of information available to a newbie in this forum is fabulous.

Thanks

Gunner

sounds like belt is not adjusted properly. mine dosent make a noise or i ryde too fast to hear..

[hawkiii]

Gunner3773, welcome to SpyderLovers. I am looking to go with the Baker tensioner also. The F3 has the same problem. If you can master the search function you can find answers to just about every question in the book.
Enjoy your Spyder.

[joebryanjr]

I have the Baker-Built tensioner. About 1,000 mi since installation. No problems. On 2014 RT

[fratzba]

- I'm interested too!

-Fratz

[Chupaca]

They are good tensioners. I got the smoothspyder way before baker builts were mentioned. I have had it for 3 years and had no issues. This to attest to its effectiveness only. Smoothspyders are all steel so don't know about the durability of the aluminum..

Welcome to the spyder world and this most informative site..if we stay on track... congrats on your new ryde...

[Firefly]

The baker uses a shock that will eventually need replacing. The smooth Spyder is a superior design and build in my opinion.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Gunner3773]

Do the tensioners have to be removed when tensioning or adjusting the tracking of the drive belt?

[stormtrooper]

I have a tensioner on my 2014 RT not the Baker and it does nothing.I have it set on the high side and still get the same 70-80 mph vibration.Dealer checked belt and they said its within specs and still had the vibration.I purchased the tensioner and set it high set it low set it in the middle and still have the vibration

[modagwood]

They are good tensioners. I got the smoothspyder way before baker builts were mentioned. I have had it for 3 years and had no issues. This to attest to its effectiveness only. Smoothspyders are all steel so don't know about the durability of the aluminum..

Welcome to the spyder world and this most informative site..if we stay on track... congrats on your new .

Gene: where can A STEEL tensioner like yours be purchased? Thank you

[Chupaca]

The one I have is from Smoothspyder.com one of the sponsors here. Check the home page.

[jcthorne]

The baker uses a shock that will eventually need replacing. The smooth Spyder is a superior design and build in my opinion.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

100% agree. Bought and installed the SmoothSpyder on our RTs. Waiting for him to release one for the F3. Do not want the Baker.

[coz]

The op was asking about the baker tensioner, and how is it with some miles on it. As usual, it's turned into the baker vs. smooth spyder debate. Does anybody have the BAKER tensioner, with a good amount of miles on it ? WTF ?

[ursamajor35126]

I have the Baker tensioner and have over 5000 miles on it..... No problem..... kills the vibration, easy install, good product.

[ChicoFowler]

I have a 2014 RTL and installed the Baker belt tensioner. Although it has reduced the vibration, it hasn't eliminated it. But I have better peace of mind and feel it was worth it. Some will say the bike just vibrates and doesn't do any harm. That may be true, but I feel better with the reduced vibration.
Welcome to the 'fam' .... safe riding to you.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I have a tensioner on my 2014 RT not the Baker and it does nothing.I have it set on the high side and still get the same 70-80 mph vibration.Dealer checked belt and they said its within specs and still had the vibration.I purchased the tensioner and set it high set it low set it in the middle and still have the vibration

.......Are you sure it's the belt ????..........Mike

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I'm starting to feel depressed .....It seems like 4 out of 10 Spyder owners feel BELT vibrations.....I must be totally numb or maybe I'm DEAD ....On my Kritkit my belt tension is 200 ( on the ground ) ( 2014 RT ).....and yes I know this is way under spec...... But maybe , just maybe a really tight belt CAUSES BELT VIBRATION ..........Mike

[Empty Pockets]

I've had the baker build tensoner on for around 17,000 on my 2012 RT. it's working well for my needs.

[Omcge]

I have one of each with about 8000 miles on each. I would go with the Smooth Spyder.
The little gas shock on the Baker is weak.

[beefybudds]

I just installed the smooth Spyder belt tensioner and it eliminated that nasty vibration.
I had the part in my garage for months and didn't want to install it ...but I wish I did the install the day I got it.
Great product.
Joel