belt tensioner

[NancysToy]

Mines a 2011. I don't think that is it. You feel it in the foot pegs only. And it is a quick hammering like vibration. Almost like a bearing going bad feel. But again it doesn't always happen so it can't be like the rear bearing or something. I keep thinking its belt but I get a different speed related vibe there. I road 200 miles today and did not feel it once today.

Bob

It is really an inherent thing in the Spyders. Both of mine have exhibited vibration in the same spot. With a 2011 I would suggest having the engine to frame clearance checked. That was more of a problem with the 2010's, but with motor mount compression and minimal clearances, contact is possible. You might also clear up any slight misfire that may be causing it by changing your spark plug wires to BajaRon wires, if you haven't already done so. It is most likely a tuning and harmonics thing, possibly maginified by belt flop. One sure cure would be to ride an old Harley or Triumph for several thousand miles. Your Spyder vibration would still be there, but it would be so much better than the others that you would be thankful for the reduction. :roflblack:

 

[finless]

Thanks but I don't think it is tuning. I would think misfiring would be noticed in other ways other than just a vibe.
But plug wires are on my list for next oil change.

But just as this vibe started to show up about 1000 miles ago, it appears to have gone. I have not felt it since my last post and I did 300 miles since then. So I am going to stop worrying about it. I was not really worrying about it to begin with, it was just a new vibe I had not felt. The more I ride the more the whole damn spyder changes as you put on miles. You know, you get use to sound, rattles, vibes, etc on any vehicle and when something changes you think about it. But this spyder those things seem to change over time. At least that's what I am noticing.

I am just going to go with the spyders vibe flow

Bob

 

[Mike on a Trike]

NEW SMOOTHSPYDER BELT TENSIONER REVIEW (This is from one of the threads I started)
Hi guys I installed the new and improved Smoothspyder on my 2013 RT last week. First off right out-of-the-box I could tell it was built very well has some nice weight to it. Second the installation was pretty straightforward pretty simple. You remove the nut on the bottom of the rear shock bracket, Slide on the new belt tensioner bracket which also acts as a belt guard, Install the new Grade 8 nut that is supplied with Loctite then bolt on the spring and pulley. Set the tension and you're good to go.
Now for the test ride. I was having some serious vibrations due to belt slap especially when the bike was underload like going up a hill or riding two up. Sometimes going up a hill I would have to ride in third gear to get rid of the vibrations bike would feel like it was lugging. On highways at highway speeds always had to ride in fourth gear fifth gear would be too much vibration. Well all that is gone now. Now while riding shifting seems much smoother I'm riding in higher gears than I normally used to WHAT AN IMPROVEMENT.
Just want to give a shout out to Capt. Jim spoke to him on the phone a couple times very nice gentleman to speak to. Customer service was great I ordered it had it in a few days.

Apologies for a hijack of sorts; I am a noob and looking at upgrades. You mention the tensioner acts as a belt guard as well.....can you have both a spyderpops missing belt guard installed simultaneously? Or just the tensioner? Thanks!