Belt tension - How much should it change between oil changes?

[Isopedella]

There seems to be a huge amount of belt tension problems.
It appears then reappears. Blokes with problems with the tension.
Once its set correctly, well does it really change that much?
So much it causes vibration problems?

Which begs the question for a newish owner - how much change should I expect say between oil changes for instance?

And yes I do have a Krikit, and check it regularly. No changes noticed yet.

 

[Woodaddict]

its kevlar strand fibers with rubber. not supposed to stretch. the rubber teeth knubs wear out on sprocket, but sometime around 150K? i don't run a belt dampener, i only have vibes for a short time. seems like a bump turns it on the another bump turns it off. i can deal with the short time it occurs

 

[UtahPete]

There seems to be a huge amount of belt tension problems.
It appears then reappears. Blokes with problems with the tension.
Once its set correctly, well does it really change that much?
So much it causes vibration problems?

Which begs the question for a newish owner - how much change should I expect say between oil changes for instance?

And yes I do have a Krikit, and check it regularly. No changes noticed yet.

35,000 miles, no adjustments.

 

[2dogs]

55K no adjustments.

 

[Isopedella]

Ok. Ta for the reply's.

So why oh why are the Spyder sites littered with belt problem threads.

Are the Techs so ongoingly incompetent ???, and the home wrenches accordingly.

Set it correctly, ride the crap out if it. No worries. Not really rocket science or is it?? Shirley???

Is it really that difficult. I have had my front pulley off within weeks of owning my first Spyder. Felt like Captain Kirk but got the job done..

Still in spec.

 

[Navydad]

My thoughts are belt threads are like oil and tire threads and I ignore 99% of them. I inspect tire pressures and belt condition a couple of times a month and while the tire pressure may vary a bit the belt hasn't. Run what compatible oil you like, run what tires you like, if your belt suits you check it for damage a couple times a month and ignore 99% of the threads. The Spyder is not as complicated as the computer makes it. Ride more worry less.

 

[BajaRon]

The belt tension should not change at all unless something is specifically done to change it. The belt will outlast the Spyder if taken care of and no traumatic damage occurs. You can even 'Over-tension' it with no harm to the belt. Over-Tension will, of course, destroy the rear wheel and output shaft bearings. But the belt has a service tension of 600 lbs. The bearings will go away long before you get anywhere close to this tension. The belt on our Spyders is WAY over-engineered. Which is a good thing.

You need to take it easy on a new belt to let it seat in uniformly. Other than this, you should have no worries.

Miss-Alignment of the rear wheel, rocks, etc., are what usually takes out a belt. But you can flog it all day long and the belt doesn't care.

Ride More... Worry Less! A saying that we all need to be reminded of from time to time.

 

[Isopedella]

Ride More... Worry Less! A saying that we all need to be reminded of from time to time.

Very good advice. Ride More... Worry Less!

I guess I am "that guy" you hear about from time to time.
Tickety-boo seems to be my middle name.

 

[remus]

I rode an Aprilla Atlantic for a while. The belt was supposed to last about 100,000 miles. There was also a time limit on the belt. I believe it was about 10 years. The rubber in the belt would dry out and crack. The belt would then be brittle and could break, leaving you stranded.

 

[BajaRon]

Very good advice. Ride More... Worry Less!

I guess I am "that guy" you hear about from time to time.
Tickety-boo seems to be my middle name.

We all see things that are concerning. Sorting out what needs attention and what mostly does not is just part of it. Not a problem.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I rode an Aprilla Atlantic for a while. The belt was supposed to last about 100,000 miles. There was also a time limit on the belt. I believe it was about 10 years. The rubber in the belt would dry out and crack. The belt would then be brittle and could break, leaving you stranded.

How long ago did you buy that bike ?????? ..... I don't think there is ANY rubber used in the Spyder belts. I don't recall anyone on this forum who has actually WORN a belt out...... JMHO ..... Mike ....... maybe SpyderAnn will chime in

 

[wolfeman]

My thoughts are belt threads are like oil and tire threads and I ignore 99% of them. I inspect tire pressures and belt condition a couple of times a month and while the tire pressure may vary a bit the belt hasn't. Run what compatible oil you like, run what tires you like, if your belt suits you check it for damage a couple times a month and ignore 99% of the threads. The Spyder is not as complicated as the computer makes it. Ride more worry less.

Nailed it Navydad.