Belt Squeaking and Rattling on start-up only - should I be concerned??

[ElleSal]

Hi, guys. I have 13,000 miles on a '23 F3T.

My concern: for the last 2000 miles or so, my belt rattles or squeaks when I start my bike. After that, no squeak - or at least I don’t hear it.

Should I be concerned?

It runs well, but I do ride hard. I had the check-up at 9300 miles and no concerns then. New rear tire at 10,000 miles.

 

[Peter Aawen]

I gotta ask, which belt are you talking about?? There's really only one belt on your Spyder, but are you thinking the rattly engine noise on start up is coming from a belt, that's a whole 'nuther thing!?!

So is it the rattly/squeaky sorta 'tin can half full of gravel being kicked down the road' that these motors all have on start-up, even if it's damped & made less obtrusive under the RT's tupperware, that's one issue that could be being made worse by running the wrong type, quantity, or grade of oil...

But if it's the drive belt you're talking about, is it rattling or squeaking 'on start-up' before you start moving, or does it only make noises for a while once you actually start riding off??

If it's the former of those drive belt noises mentioned in the para just above, then something is drastically wrong!! Look at the front sprocket for the dreaded 'red dust' or movement before the clutch is engaged, and seek the help of a knowledgeable Spyder Tech!!

The latter of the drive belt noises, try adding a single pea sized dab of a silicone grease to the teeth on the rear sprocket, then ride for a while to evenly distribute it around the belt & the front& rear sprocket cogs - if it still rattles or squeaks after that, check the belt & both sprockets very carefully for signs of damage, abnormal wear, &/or correct tension! The OEM Spec belt tension on these belts (which many consider excessive! ) can cause all sorts of noises &/or bearing wear that, once it's proceeded far enough, will also make lotsa expensive sounding noises too!

 

[BajaRon]

I am as confused as Peter here. A rattling belt at startup? Have no idea but that can't be your drive belt. And like Peter says, that's the only one on the bike.

For the squeak (which could be belt generated if you're moving)
Step 1, Check belt alignment.
Step 2, Check belt tension.
Step 3, Check front pulley for 'The Red Dust of Death'. The rattle you hear could be this pulley.
Step 4, If all the above check out 'Good'. Go to the grease application suggested by Peter above.

Good luck!