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Belt Tensioner

Grayfox

New member
Looking to install a belt tensioner on my 2012 rt's sm5. I seen one on here that had a gas spring tensioner on it. Wonder how long it might last. Smoothspyder has one that looks better but cost more. Thanks for your thoughts.
 
Looking to install a belt tensioner on my 2012 rt's sm5. I seen one on here that had a gas spring tensioner on it. Wonder how long it might last. Smoothspyder has one that looks better but cost more. Thanks for your thoughts.

I'd like to know that too.:helpsmilie:
 
Smooth Spider

I have the "Smooth Spider" works great..:yes: I believe there is a 30 day return policy….:dontknow:
 
I was reading on SL last night from a search I did about vibrations and was thinking about one myself. Baker makes one also and said it can be installed in 10 minutes. How was the smooth spyder install?
 
Can't speak..!!

for the others but we have the smoothspyder and it works well. You can adjust the tension and are supplied with a fish scale to do it with. Scale has become a helpful tool in the shop..maybe folks with the other model will speak up...:thumbup:
 
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belt tensioner

I have the SmoothSpyder as well. It did remove the belt slap and it made a noticeable difference to me. Installation took about an hour and a half, I was moving slow and double checking everything. Making sure that the pulley is properly aligned with the belt is very important. Ensure sure you do the installation correctly and check the alignment after you run the bike a few miles.
I have also noticed that since the belt vibration went away, I can feel other vibrations! I think I might need a wheel balancing and/or alignment.
 
I have a new model available now that I have been testing for a while.
The patent pending bracket attaches easily and quickly to the rear shock mount and includes a new 15MM grade 8 lock nut and Lock Tite.
It uses the heavy duty, maintenance free, torsion spring tensioner from the GS/RS with self lubricating bronze bushings.
The bracket is powder coated cold rolled plate steel, it won't crack from vibration.
The bracket also serves as an effective belt guard and includes a top plate to help keep any rocks thrown from the rear tire from damaging the belt. This alone will pay for the entire unit if it keeps just one rock from destroying the belt.
The tensioner is now marked with corresponding marks to set the tension, no more scale.
No pulley alignment required.
RS turbo friendly.
Proven design and purpose built components for reliable and consistent performance.
Fits all 2010-2013 RT's, all ST's and all 2011-2013 RS's
As with all Smoothspyder tensioners, all parts have an unconditional lifetime warranty, including the idler pulley.
30 day money back satisfaction guarantee. It goes on easy, it comes off easy, send it back if your not happy.
$280 shipping included.DSC00342.jpgDSC00338.jpgDSC00345.jpg
 
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I installed the Baker Build tensioner a few weeks ago and it works well. The harmonic vibration is not noticeable any longer. It took about 20 mins to install. Great addition to the bike.
 
I have also installed the Baker Built and it works great. You also do not get that whining sound I have read about on the other.
 
I have a new model available now that I have been testing for a while.
The patent pending bracket attaches easily and quickly to the rear shock mount and includes a new 15MM grade 8 lock nut and Lock Tite.
It uses the heavy duty, maintenance free, torsion spring tensioner from the GS/RS with self lubricating bronze bushings.
The bracket is powder coated cold rolled plate steel, it won't crack from vibration.
The bracket also serves as an effective belt guard and includes a top plate to help keep any rocks thrown from the rear tire from damaging the belt. This alone will pay for the entire unit if it keeps just one rock from destroying the belt.
The tensioner is now marked with corresponding marks to set the tension, no more scale.
No pulley alignment required.
RS turbo friendly.
Proven design and purpose built components for reliable and consistent performance.
Fits all 2010-2013 RT's, all ST's and all 2011-2013 RS's
As with all Smoothspyder tensioners, all parts have an unconditional lifetime warranty, including the idler pulley.
30 day money back satisfaction guarantee. It goes on easy, it comes off easy, send it back if your not happy.
$280 shipping included.View attachment 78027View attachment 78028View attachment 78029

You should have told me about the new model before I bought the older model (1 month ago) - this looks easier to install.... I would have bought this one. :-(
 
You should have told me about the new model before I bought the older model (1 month ago) - this looks easier to install.... I would have bought this one. :-(
Sorry, I introduced this as quickly as I could. I do not feel comfortable releasing a new product without testing and feedback, which takes some time. Myself and many others wish like hell we knew the 2014's were coming out with a big motor and 6 speed before I purchased my 2013, such is life.
 
Sorry, I introduced this as quickly as I could. I do not feel comfortable releasing a new product without testing and feedback, which takes some time. Myself and many others wish like hell we knew the 2014's were coming out with a big motor and 6 speed before I purchased my 2013, such is life.

Can the bracket be purchased and use the parts off the old style?
David
 
Can I return the Smooth Spyder tensioner I just bought for the new one?
You can if it was purchased within the last 30 days. "If your not happy for any reason" is what I advertise and I will stand behind that. A man is only as good as his word.
Of course I hope you wouldn't go to the trouble to pull it off if it's already installed and working well and used, but it's your call and not a problem for me. You will be gaining a belt guard for your efforts or getting one from spyderpops may be a lot easier, his work quite well.
Both tensioners work the same as far as the vibration and the your present extension spring tensioner is rated to 16 Lbs. and certainly up to the task and adequate. I'm only using the heavier duty model because the shorter length fits this application and the other tensioner arm would be hitting the CAT.
The newer or GS/RS heavy duty torsion spring tensioner is rated 0- 42Lbs., but much more than you will ever need.
10-12 Lbs seems to work the best for most, and I really don't like to go much over that, and more tension is not always better either, some have less vibration with 6-8 Lbs, it is about finding the sweet spot where the harmonics occur the least and having the adjustability to do so. The new model is more accessible if you want to experiment.
My return policy is my return policy, I'm not going to dodge the question or run away and hide or not respond for a month, if I have to eat some or sell them in the used section that's what I will do, it's really not a problem.
I can understand the frustration of some of the recent purchasers but can't do much about it except honor my return policy.
 
Can the bracket be purchased and use the parts off the old style?
David
You can use the GS/RS tensioner if you traded in your bike and kept the tensioner, the RT tensioners are too long and the arm will hit the Cat as they mount on the inside of the belt with the new bracket, similar to the GS/RS setup. The bracket will be minus the cost of the tensioner and include the aluminum spacer. If you already have a tensioner on your RS I wouldn't purchase the bracket just to get the guard, which is the only benefit you would receive, Spyderpops will be much less costly and provide a little more coverage.
 
I have a new model available now that I have been testing for a while.
The patent pending bracket attaches easily and quickly to the rear shock mount and includes a new 15MM grade 8 lock nut and Lock Tite.
It uses the heavy duty, maintenance free, torsion spring tensioner from the GS/RS with self lubricating bronze bushings.
The bracket is powder coated cold rolled plate steel, it won't crack from vibration.
The bracket also serves as an effective belt guard and includes a top plate to help keep any rocks thrown from the rear tire from damaging the belt. This alone will pay for the entire unit if it keeps just one rock from destroying the belt.
The tensioner is now marked with corresponding marks to set the tension, no more scale.
No pulley alignment required.
RS turbo friendly.
Proven design and purpose built components for reliable and consistent performance.
Fits all 2010-2013 RT's, all ST's and all 2011-2013 RS's
As with all Smoothspyder tensioners, all parts have an unconditional lifetime warranty, including the idler pulley.
30 day money back satisfaction guarantee. It goes on easy, it comes off easy, send it back if your not happy.
$280 shipping included.View attachment 78027View attachment 78028View attachment 78029



Do you have to drill holes with the new tensioner?...That's what has been holding me back...Thanks!
 
No drilling involved. Remove the nut from the shock bolt, install 2 washers and the bracket with a new nut and locktite, put the tensioner on the bracket and set the tension.
 
You can use the GS/RS tensioner if you traded in your bike and kept the tensioner, the RT tensioners are too long and the arm will hit the Cat as they mount on the inside of the belt with the new bracket, similar to the GS/RS setup. The bracket will be minus the cost of the tensioner and include the aluminum spacer. If you already have a tensioner on your RS I wouldn't purchase the bracket just to get the guard, which is the only benefit you would receive, Spyderpops will be much less costly and provide a little more coverage.
Forgot to mention. I no longer have my spyder. I have the tensioner on my wife's RT. Was wondering if I could buy the bracket and use the other parts off the old tensioner.
David
 
Smoothspyder:thumbup:

If the new style is half as nice as the older one is, you can't go wrong. A quality product from a quality guy.
 
Forgot to mention. I no longer have my spyder. I have the tensioner on my wife's RT. Was wondering if I could buy the bracket and use the other parts off the old tensioner.
David
The original RT tensioner won't work with the new bracket, the tensioner is too long. Even if it would work there would be no benefit other than the belt guard addition, of which Spyderpops makes a great one at a reasonable price. The original RT setup is not inferior by any means other than the labor of installation an no belt guard, it has worked well for many millions of miles.
 
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