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2020 RT Belt Tensioner

IdahoMtnSpyder said:
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.
Click to expand...

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
 
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.
 
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
 
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.
 
obiwan57 said:
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.
Click to expand...

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
 
forbigd said:
......
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
Click to expand...


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.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
forbigd said:
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
Click to expand...

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!
 
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.
 
Truckie said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
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!
 
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.)
 
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.
 
forbigd said:
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
Click to expand...

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.
 
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!
 
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