liketoride2
New member
I did a search and found two fairly recent threads about RT exhaust pipes breaking at the welded joint below and in front of the gas tank. I have also just experienced this, the pipe breaking completely in half as shown in the picture. My RT began sounding like a straight piped Harley and when I stopped and removed the gas cap a blast of fumes and fine gas droplets came out of the tank and the filler tube was very hot, a quite dangerous situation I would think. The machine is currently at the dealer awaiting a new pipe.
In the previous two threads there is discussion debating whether the primary cause might be poor welds or vibration. In my case I am wondering about vibration. I had previously had the vibration causing nut/frame issue taken care of, resulting in a very smooth running machine. Recently the Spyder began having a new vibration, like the original in type but extending over a wider RPM range, everywhere up to the low - mid 6000s whereas the previous vibration from the nut contacting the frame was confined to about 4500 - 5500 RPM. It occurs only when the engine is under load. When riding an undulating stretch of road with the cruise control on it would begin like clockwork at the beginning of every incline and stop immediately at the top of each small hill.
What makes me wonder if this vibration caused the pipe breakage is that the vibration disappeared, or almost disappeared, after the pipe broke. I've asked the dealer to try to find a cause for this new vibration. Does anyone have any opinions? Thanks for any input.
There are now at least three cases of the RT exhaust pipe breaking at this joint, creating a potentially dangerous situation. Hopefully BRP will address this. I intend to put a clamp (from Summit Racing) over this joint on the new pipe, as was suggested in one of the previous threads, hoping this will reinforce the joint and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Mike
In the previous two threads there is discussion debating whether the primary cause might be poor welds or vibration. In my case I am wondering about vibration. I had previously had the vibration causing nut/frame issue taken care of, resulting in a very smooth running machine. Recently the Spyder began having a new vibration, like the original in type but extending over a wider RPM range, everywhere up to the low - mid 6000s whereas the previous vibration from the nut contacting the frame was confined to about 4500 - 5500 RPM. It occurs only when the engine is under load. When riding an undulating stretch of road with the cruise control on it would begin like clockwork at the beginning of every incline and stop immediately at the top of each small hill.
What makes me wonder if this vibration caused the pipe breakage is that the vibration disappeared, or almost disappeared, after the pipe broke. I've asked the dealer to try to find a cause for this new vibration. Does anyone have any opinions? Thanks for any input.
There are now at least three cases of the RT exhaust pipe breaking at this joint, creating a potentially dangerous situation. Hopefully BRP will address this. I intend to put a clamp (from Summit Racing) over this joint on the new pipe, as was suggested in one of the previous threads, hoping this will reinforce the joint and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Mike
