Belt Tensioner, use it or do not use it?? What’s y’all opinion on that.

[Clopez68]

Hey all, I did remove my original belt tensioner from my F3T but feel uncomfortable with the vibration that starts when I’m doing 75 MPH to 80 MPH. I do have the Spyder F3T 2018. What’s y’all opinion on that. The only concern that i have is that my belt seems to move on the rear sprocket left to right. The original belt tensioner , since it was plastic< just melted away with the side of the belt rubbing on it. Thanks in advance for y’all’s opinions.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Hey all, I did remove my original belt tensioner from my F3T but feel uncomfortable with the vibration that starts when I’m doing 75 MPH to 80 MPH. I do have the Spyder F3T 2018. What’s y’all opinion on that. The only concern that i have is that my belt seems to move on the rear sprocket left to right. The original belt tensioner , since it was plastic< just melted away with the side of the belt rubbing on it. Thanks in advance for y’all’s opinions.

I'm Anti-belt tensioner ...... I lowered my tension to 160 lbs with tire on the ground .... and have No noticeable Vibes .... There have been folks here that had the tensioner pulley FAIL and it shredded the Drive belt. ... That's about $500.00 repair ( not including towing etc. ) .... If that thought doesn't upset you ... then do get it ...... OR just live with the minor irritation. ...After all it isn't a Cadillac it's an Mtc. ..... good luck .... Mike :thumbup:

 

[2dogs]

Readjust your belt tension, slow down a bit and the vibration will go away. Your belt will move from side to side. So as long as it does not move off the edge of either sprocket you're good.

 

[Navydad]

I don't want one, but that's me. If you install a tensioner just keep an eye on it from time to time. They can fail and belt damage may occur if they do.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I don't want one, but that's me. If you install a tensioner just keep an eye on it from time to time. They can fail and belt damage may occur if they do.

Yes that can work ..... however IMHO it won't help you .... There's NO warning light on the dashboard like you would have with FOBO ( which I recommend for any TRAILER being towed ..... good luck ... Mike :thumbup:

 

[Woodaddict]

I have never used one. Did lower tension to 160

 

[troop]

If it came with one, use it. If not, don't.

 

[EdMat]

I've tried the lower tension and all it did was change the MPH range that the vibration occurred. I'll use it and keep check on it.

 

[larryd]

I'm a fan of belt tensioners...There's a reason BRP started installing them from the factory...Changing the belt tension just moves the vibration to a different speed...

Spend a little more and buy a QUALITY SMOOTH SPYDER belt tensioner...You'll never have a problem...Yes I have one...larryd

 

[Rattlebars]

https://www.lamonstergarage.com/belt-tensioner-idler-pulley/

I have an OEM tensioner with a Lamonster bearing...

 

[Peteoz]

https://www.lamonstergarage.com/belt-tensioner-idler-pulley/

I have an OEM tensioner with a Lamonster bearing...

My ‘21 RT came with one from the factory. There is no way I am going to modify it, even though Lamonster’s roller is a better unit. If the OEM dampener fails and shreds the belt, there is only ONE party accountable for the repair.

Pete

 

[Yabbadabbadoo]

My 2020 F3S came with the OEM dampener. It failed at about 9,000 miles and shredded the belt. My dealer covered it and the belt under warranty. I got the Lamonster improved roller but decided not to install it at the time - with the idea that there is one less thing to fail. Belt tension set at 160 as recommended by several people here. I've ridden the bike for the last 12000 miles without the dampener. But the belt vibrations were annoying. After a 3,000 mile ride to Nova Scotia to do the Cabot Trail, I decided to re-installed the dampener with the Lamonster roller and now the bike is back to smooth running. I'm going to keep it this way and just check the roller frequently.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

My 2020 F3S came with the OEM dampener. It failed at about 9,000 miles and shredded the belt. My dealer covered it and the belt under warranty. I got the Lamonster improved roller but decided not to install it at the time - with the idea that there is one less thing to fail. Belt tension set at 160 as recommended by several people here. I've ridden the bike for the last 12000 miles without the dampener. But the belt vibrations were annoying. After a 3,000 mile ride to Nova Scotia to do the Cabot Trail, I decided to re-installed the dampener with the Lamonster roller and now the bike is back to smooth running. I'm going to keep it this way and just check the roller frequently.

Glad to hear BRP covered your loss ..... however if your new roller fails ...... $$$$$$$$$ from your pocket .... unless LaMonster warranties His roller ..... good luck .... Mike :thumbup:

 

[SmackDabb]

For the cost of these bikes you'd think BRP could at least make some effin quality parts for them out the door. I mean seriously, these machines are cheaply made in my opinion.

 

[Ronbo]

I put SMOOTH SPYDER belt tensioners on my 2015 F3, made a world of difference to me. A HUGE DIFFERENCE!
In my humble opinion, I think they are a must!

 

[MrMagicFingers]

For the cost of these bikes you'd think BRP could at least make some effin quality parts for them out the door. I mean seriously, these machines are cheaply made in my opinion.

1000% agree...

I don't understand why they are not shaft driven. Sooo much better in all accounts.

Tim

PS... LOVE LOVE LOVE your Rune. I'm a GoldWing guy. The Rune is a work of art. I almost had one of those once. I should have pulled the trigger.