Devious56
New member
Well, I don't really know how to do this, because to do it right will take a while but, here goes. I just got back from the first ride on my 2015 RT Limited with the BRP belt idler kit and Doc Humphreys adapter kit. I was a little concerned about the installation as I had to remove my Smooth Spyder belt tensioner, and will admit that doing that was harder than installing the new set up. I think the hardest part of the whole installation was pushing down on the new tensioner to get it flat and the bolt holes lined up so the bolts would go into the holes. When everything was lined up, it was pretty easy. Doc even provides the recommended thread locker in his kit. I was also worried that I would have to adjust my belt but that too was wrong, I didn't touch it. I did check the tension and it was 180 # with the tire off the ground, and 240 # with the tire on the ground. I was using a Krikit !!, and wish I knew how to convert the Krikit reading into foot pounds or Neutons. That's it for the installation. My wife just informed me that lunch was ready, so there will be a slight break before I get to my ride, hang onto your hat.......David VonStein
Now that my tummy's full, let's see how the ride went: I live out in the country, and while putting on my helmet and gloves, I let my Spyder warm up and wondered exactly what I was going to experience. I had the Smooth Spyder belt tensioner installed shortly after I got my Spyder, and was very happy with the smoothness of the ride it gave me. I had very little belt slap since having it installed, but, there was times when it did show up, and most recently when the tack came down thru 4,500 rpm decelerating it would really shake things. I rode a couple of miles, headed for the closest highway, and run it up to the speed limit, 65 mph. Pleasantly surprised, my ride was never this smooth. Keep in mind that this is a motorcycle, a mechanical device, but now it is smooth as silk. I still had it in my head, that I was going to have to adjust the belt, from what little I know, the 240# Krikit reading was on the high side. Wrong again. Now I must ask you not to be too hard on me, but I wanted answers. I went thru the gears, up to 7,500 rpm, no vibration, NO belt slap. I'd roll off the throttle, no belt slap.I was in awe! I went up to 100 mph in 5th gear, smooth as silk, 105 in 6th gear, I was in heaven. Accelerating, and decelerating, absolutely no belt slap. I did get a little vibration, from time to time, but it was more like a buzzing than an actual vibration. Like I said, I think my belt is a bit tight, but, it is tracking perfectly, 1.5 mm off the pulley flange, I am not going to mess with it! I hope I have covered everything, and if not, I'll be glad to answer any questions you might have.. As one of the testers we were asked to write our opinions of Doc's installation kit, and this is mine, as honestly as I could write it, I hope I've up held my end of the barging. I know that Kenny Butler is one hell of a mechanic and an all around nice guy, and I am waiting to see what he has to say. Everyone have a Happy Thanksgiving, and I honestly hope that your experience is as good as mine. I am impressed, it was easy to install, and performs as advertised. I think instead of calling it a belt tensioner, I would call it a harmonic dampener. .....//David VonSteinI have to add, that my testing was done solo, as my wife was getting stuff done for Thanksgiving. But, most of my riding is done double, so I am anxious to see how things go with my wife on the back. I don't expect things to be much different, but I will post again after the next ride.
David
Now that my tummy's full, let's see how the ride went: I live out in the country, and while putting on my helmet and gloves, I let my Spyder warm up and wondered exactly what I was going to experience. I had the Smooth Spyder belt tensioner installed shortly after I got my Spyder, and was very happy with the smoothness of the ride it gave me. I had very little belt slap since having it installed, but, there was times when it did show up, and most recently when the tack came down thru 4,500 rpm decelerating it would really shake things. I rode a couple of miles, headed for the closest highway, and run it up to the speed limit, 65 mph. Pleasantly surprised, my ride was never this smooth. Keep in mind that this is a motorcycle, a mechanical device, but now it is smooth as silk. I still had it in my head, that I was going to have to adjust the belt, from what little I know, the 240# Krikit reading was on the high side. Wrong again. Now I must ask you not to be too hard on me, but I wanted answers. I went thru the gears, up to 7,500 rpm, no vibration, NO belt slap. I'd roll off the throttle, no belt slap.I was in awe! I went up to 100 mph in 5th gear, smooth as silk, 105 in 6th gear, I was in heaven. Accelerating, and decelerating, absolutely no belt slap. I did get a little vibration, from time to time, but it was more like a buzzing than an actual vibration. Like I said, I think my belt is a bit tight, but, it is tracking perfectly, 1.5 mm off the pulley flange, I am not going to mess with it! I hope I have covered everything, and if not, I'll be glad to answer any questions you might have.. As one of the testers we were asked to write our opinions of Doc's installation kit, and this is mine, as honestly as I could write it, I hope I've up held my end of the barging. I know that Kenny Butler is one hell of a mechanic and an all around nice guy, and I am waiting to see what he has to say. Everyone have a Happy Thanksgiving, and I honestly hope that your experience is as good as mine. I am impressed, it was easy to install, and performs as advertised. I think instead of calling it a belt tensioner, I would call it a harmonic dampener. .....//David VonSteinI have to add, that my testing was done solo, as my wife was getting stuff done for Thanksgiving. But, most of my riding is done double, so I am anxious to see how things go with my wife on the back. I don't expect things to be much different, but I will post again after the next ride.
David
)
