2022 Work Period - My Spyder

[Rednaxs60]

Have the Spyder back together. Cleared the error codes. The error code(s) was from the front wheels being stationary when I was adjusting the belt tension/alignment. Took it around for a short ride around the complex, more adjustment to be done.

Have to rethink the wiring a bit. There is a fuse on the power wire to the GPS mount, but it is behind the right side mid panel. If it fails, have to take off a few panels. Going to route it over to the accessory fuse block, but not right now. When I do this I will install a relay to make the fuse block switched power.

Done for the time being.

 

[Rednaxs60]

Revisited the ACS calibration. A bit of a challenge in one's garage, need lots of weight to get to the desired height limits using those well calibrated wooden blocks.

Put the trailer hitch on. Have to hook up the trailer and go for a ride with it attached.

Went for a road test and all's good.

Mentioned in a previous post that I was changing the M2 front shock springs to a 300 lb/in spring in place of the 250 lb/in supplied. The 2014 RTL being a bit more top heavy than an F3 has increased roll/lean in the corners, highway cloverleafs and such. Found the change to be quite good, roll/lean characteristic reduced. Straight riding was quite plush considering the increased shock spring rate. Thinking close to the sweet spot regarding shock spring rate. Will ride for the next few weeks, solo and two-up to get a good "feel" for the change.

 

[Rednaxs60]

Went for a two-up ride over the Malahat to Mill Bay for a light lunch at Tim's. Good ride, weather was great.

Upgraded front shock springs worked well. Changed the 250 lb/in for 300 lb/in. As mentioned thinking very close to the sweet spot. Have found 325 lb/in shock springs that I think I'll try. Don't have OCD regarding this, enjoy the learning and having fun.

Checked the belt alignment. Will ride the Spyder a few more times to let it settle in, then make a final adjustment. Checked the belt visually three times during yesterdays ride. The first stop the belt outside edge was even with the outside rear sproket splines. Second check, the belt was in the middle of the rear drive sprocket. The third check was on returning home. Final viewing and measured, 5 mm gap - this is the max allowable. Small adjustment required, but that will be done in a few days if nothing changes.

The first pic was taken at Tim's when we stopped for lunch. The second picture is when we returned home.

 

[Rednaxs60]

Monitoring the drive belt It seems to be floating between 5 mm and 1 mm on the rear drive sprocket. Will look at the service manual and have a chat with the local dealer.

Took it for a ride with the Mrs over the Malahat for coffee and treat this afternoon. Hooked up the N-Line trailer to test the towing. Didn't know it was there; however, it was lightly loaded and did shuffle/wobble ever so slightly. Only had some 30ish pounds in the trailer. Noticed that when the trailer is directly behind the Spyder, there is a slight up angle to the trailer. This, too, can make the trailer shuffle/wobble a bit. Thinking a trip to my local welder and discuss lowering the hitch connection to make the trailer sit more level. The trailer hitch connection is not the normal receiver/ball affair.

getting the Spyder ready for the trip cross Canada this summer is prgressing well.

 

[trikermutha]

You can adjust the dampening of the M2 shocks as well. It took me several adjustments between the spring and adjusting the dampening to find my sweet spot.

Same for the rear. Dont need the compressor anymore but is still hooked up on mine.

I wouldnt worry about the fuse for the GPS just leave it for now. I never had any issues when I had the 660 hooked up , now I have a 590 on that same circuit.

 

[misterbc]

Monitoring the drive belt It seems to be floating between 5 mm and 1 mm on the rear drive sprocket. Will look at the service manual and have a chat with the local dealer.

Took it for a ride with the Mrs over the Malahat for coffee and treat this afternoon. Hooked up the N-Line trailer to test the towing. Didn't know it was there; however, it was lightly loaded and did shuffle/wobble ever so slightly. Only had some 30ish pounds in the trailer. Noticed that when the trailer is directly behind the Spyder, there is a slight up angle to the trailer. This, too, can make the trailer shuffle/wobble a bit. Thinking a trip to my local welder and discuss lowering the hitch connection to make the trailer sit more level. The trailer hitch connection is not the normal receiver/ball affair.

getting the Spyder ready for the trip cross Canada this summer is prgressing well.

I lived in Cobble Hill from ‘03-11, know the area well. Camped in an 86 Westphalia all over the PNW and VanIsle. Good times.
You have a memorable trip on tap with your trans-Canada ride. Wishing you and the missus all the best.

 

[Rednaxs60]

Finished up some work on the Spyder. Mentioned that I found the drive belt to be "floating" between 1 cm and 5 cm on the rear drive sprocket. Did the belt tension again with the belt tensioner disconnected. Belt is now tensioned properly. Had to set the belt alignment. With the belt tension correct, belt alignment was easy.

Everything needed to be done has been. Spyder is as ready as possible.

Will be leaving for our cross Canada trip in 3 weeks. Starting to lay out items for the trip. Trailer is being outfitted. Taking camping gear, never know about accommodations.

Have bought an Osmo Action camera for the trip, actually bought two. Thought it would be good to be able to get some video of the trip, sort of like the '60s with the 8 mm cameras. Take videos and pics, invite friends and family over for an annoying evening of death by video/pictures.

 

[Rednaxs60]

Post trip maintenance started. Hit a couple of decent road bumps in Alberta, the ones where the asphalt has gotten so hot that the trucks/cars force the asphalt up into a bump. Two back to back on the right front wheel, interesting experience - had a vibration at approximately 85 KPH after this. Took front wheels off, cleaned, polished, external weights off, balance beads in - 2.2 ounces per wheel (rear tire already has balance beads - 3 ounces), and all is well. One steering knuckle cap went for a walkabout - on order.

Ordered and received the transmission filter and cover. Increase of some $34.00 CDN in one year - ouch. Have taken the Gold Wing out from the sidelines, Himalayan is sidelined for now. Have a bit of maintenance to do on the Gold Wing then I'll start on the Spyder.

The local dealer had a SeatoSky RT on his lot when I picked up the parts. Colour was a satin black (?). Very eye pleasing. Nice ergonomics, and I thought about how I would get me this. It's their demo so it will be a reduced price. Like the luggage it has, especially the rear trunk that holds two full face helmets. When I sat on this Spyder, rocked the chassis and noticed that the front suspension is firmer than my 2014 RTL. Didn't look too closely at the front shocks. Very nice Spyder.

 

[Rednaxs60]

I lived in Cobble Hill from ‘03-11, know the area well. Camped in an 86 Westphalia all over the PNW and VanIsle. Good times.
You have a memorable trip on tap with your trans-Canada ride. Wishing you and the missus all the best.

Thanks for the wishes. It was a great trip, now to collect my thoughts on it and post a trip report of sorts.

Went back to the dealer to get some pictures of the '22 S2S. Nice colour scheme. Looked at the '22 RT Limited - silver, gloss black accent. The sales person doesn't like the gloss black - finger print issue. Looked at the specs and there is not a lot of difference mechanically/electronically. It appears to be the exterior items such as paint scheme, wind deflectors and such. Not a huge upgrade for some $3K dollars. Told the sales person to think about me, he knows my Spyder. I like the luggage arrangement, especially being able to put two helmets in the rear trunk. Have to ask if a belt tensioner comes installed from the factory.

 

[Rednaxs60]

Been giving the Spyder the once in a decade clean/detailing while I'm waiting for parts for a 1200 GW engine put back together work period. Took the front trunk off and apart. Had bugs where there should not have been any. New head lamps, had one out - replaced both. Oil/filter change. Working from front to rear. Took the front trunk off to get at the rads, picked up a few eastern bugs along the way. Started Sunday, expect to be done Thursday. Not being too anal about the timeline, enjoying riding my Gold Wing.

 

[Rednaxs60]

Finished the cleaning detailing of the Spyder. Looks good and shiny. Broke one bolt that I will be removing, drill and easy out. Not in a critical spot so it's on the list. The lock tite product that BRP uses is quite good except when removing bolts and such. Have come to the realization that when removing a bolt or other item that this lock tite product is used on, you must not stop. If you do, the lock tite product has heated up and will seize/keep the bolt in place. If you try to continue removing the bolt, you can snap the bolt. If you stop turning, you must let the bolt cool down before continuing to remove the bolt. Haven't tried this yet, but will be keeping it in mind for next time. I also chase the bolt holes before putting back together, blue LocTite on bolt threads on install.