belt tension

[baldeagle55]

I've been thinking about checking and adjusting the belt tension my self on my 2011 RTSE. I've had it done professionally before, but thought i could do it myself next time. Any advise or suggestions, is it very difficult?

 

[Dudley]

Do you have a service manual? Read through the procedure, and determine if it's within your capabilities. Most people use the Kriket tension tool. I used a Harley deflection gauge. The dealer uses a really expensive sonic tool. Maintaining pulley alignment is also part of the tensioning process..... Nothing wrong with checking the tension, but once it's set correctly, you shouldn't have to adjust it again until the rear axle is loosened.....

I agree. Mine only gets adjusted at tire changes, ie., at 11,000 miles or so intervals.

 

[Bob Denman]

. Most people use the Kriket tension tool... The dealer uses a really expensive sonic tool. Maintaining pulley alignment is also part of the tensioning process..... ...but once it's set correctly, you shouldn't have to adjust it again until the rear axle is loosened.....

:agree: The Krikit II seems to be the simplist way to get an idea of what the tensuion is. BUT... :shocked: that number won't relate to anything that you see anywhere. Basically if your bike and belt are living the good life together, just take a reading and note what it is for future references... :2thumbs:

 

[wyliec]

As just a checking method and mentioned on here a few times, grab the belt at the center line between the front and rear pulley and you should be able to twist to 90 degrees , not too much more or too much less (not an exact science, I know). Then, take a Krikit reading. I used this shade tree mechanic method after my rear tire was replaced.

 

[3Willie]

Switched to Belt Tensioner

Added a SmoothSpyder Belt Tensioner recently to my 2008 GS Spyder. I have only ridden about 50 miles since installing the tensioner, but can tell you it has made a big difference. If all is correct on the instructions, keeping the correct belt tension should no longer be a problem.

 

[bluestratos]

The belt tensioner will not work if the belt is too loose. I bought and installed it with no improvement so I called the company and I was told it would not fix loose belts that are at the low end of the new specified range. BRP lowered the belt tension due to bearing damage I was told.

Regards,

Randy

 

[BajaRon]

The belt tensioner will not work if the belt is too loose. I bought and installed it with no improvement so I called the company and I was told it would not fix loose belts that are at the low end of the new specified range. BRP lowered the belt tension due to bearing damage I was told.

Regards,

Randy

:agree: The belt tensioner is not designed to compensate for an improperly adjusted belt. You're better off with the belt adjusted properly and no belt tensioner than you are with an improperly adjusted belt and the belt tensioner.

The tensioner simply takes out the slack on the loose side (non-driven) of the belt reducing or eliminating vibration.

 

[ridesilver2009]

Belt Tension Adjustment

I've been thinking about checking and adjusting the belt tension my self on my 2011 RTSE. I've had it done professionally before, but thought i could do it myself next time. Any advise or suggestions, is it very difficult?

I use a Krikitt II from NAPA. Set the tension at 180-200 , then set the
Smooth Spyder Belt Tensioner at 10 Lb. Made all the difference in the world. Recheck at each oil change.
REALLY SMOOOOOTH
When I get an RT, SMOOTH SPYDER will be installed at first service..........

 

[NancysToy]

I use a Krikitt II from NAPA. Set the tension at 180-200 , then set the
Smooth Spyder Belt Tensioner at 10 Lb. Made all the difference in the world. Recheck at each oil change.
REALLY SMOOOOOTH
When I get an RT, SMOOTH SPYDER will be installed at first service..........

A reading of 180-200 is probably way too high for the latest BRP belt tension spec. As was said, the belt tension was reduced to fight drive sprocket and drive shaft problems. On Nancy's Spyder, the tension was 180-200 after being set by the dealer to the initial 2008 spec. After the belts on her 2008 and my 2010 were been adjusted by the dealer to the newest spec, the belt tension typically read 130-150 (Spyder on the ground) with the Krikit. My 2011 read the same or lower. I urge all owners who wish to use a Krikit to check their belt tension to have the belt adjusted at the dealer, then take a Krikit reading to get a baseline comparison. Remember to take the average of readings three places on the belt, and to read the Krikit the same way every time. The dealer should check tension with the Spyder jacked up, but most owners check at home with the Spyder sitting on the ground. Adding cargo or a passenger would change the reading, too. You need to do it the same way every time.

 

[capt.jim]

The static tension should be set at the top of the latest tension spec's, 450Nm.+-150Nm., for the tensioner to work the best. 600Nm. is still plenty loose, and some dealers are setting them up a little tighter also just to keep the customer happy somewhat. The tensioner for the GS/RS is rated at up to 42Lbs., a slick medium duty torsion spring unit, but for a motorcycle belt application 8-12 lbs. is recommended and should do it for most. If 12Lbs. doesn't stop all the belt vibration, the belt might need to be tightened up a little bit. The RT tensioner uses 2 compression springs and is rated to 16Lbs., plenty adequate and more in line with what the factory would probably use for this application, except they didn't. A few have tried to run the belt very loose and use the tensioner at a much heavier setting, but it did not work well. The tensioner is used on the spyder with just enough spring loaded tension to keep the belt slap from occurring while under power or a load, without adding anymore tension than necessary to the static tension.

 

[3Willie]

Valid points on Belt Tension

Well noted comments on proper belt tension. My belt tension is very close to what it should be using the Krikit II to check. Agreed that the belt tensioner device is only to smooth out the long belt's inherent vibration tendency. I plan to have the belt tension checked by a dealer during the next service appointment and haved planned all along to keep the belt correctly adjusted.

The installation instructions with the belt tensioner specifically warn about using the tensioner to compensate for an incorrect belt tension.