Belt vibration

[lstayner]

I recently had the dealer change rear tire to the Kuhmo. After about 1,000 miles, when I ride there is a significant vibration that occurs when I am under load like going up a hill. Is the belt tension wrong?

 

[2dogs]

Very likely. Set the tension to around 260/280 on the cricket gage.

 

[azprince]

Reset to 160 to 200 on cricketon the ground; no more V damper required. I have one for sale, cheap.

 

[bluewoo]

Very likely. Set the tension to around 260/280 on the cricket gage.

Don't set it this high!!!! Lowered mine to around 160/180

A lot of info on this site

 

[arude1]

I agree with about 160 . No vibes.

 

[2dogs]

I apologize I meant to say 160/180. That's what I get for not proof reading my posts, twice, or more. Absolutely, 160/180 with the cricket. Thanks everyone for correcting my error.

 

[h0gr1der]

When I first started lowering my belt tension I hit a sweet spot, no vibration at any load or speed. Pulled the rear wheel off to replace the tire, never found the sweet spot again, even though I knew the tension measurement. I've changed the tension on the belt about a dozen times hunting it, but finally gave up and installed a Roadster Renovations vibration dampener. It works good, no more vibrations from the belt. Running 140-150 wheel on the ground measured with the dampener on the belt. The dampener adds 7-10 lbs to the Krikit number. Mine runs very smooth like this.

Note about any belt vibration dampener. Any time you have the panels off, at minimum of annually. lift the roller and inspect it. Rollers are cheap, belts are not. Replace the roller as necessary, if it feels notchy, weird or crunchy.

 

[canamjhb]

First, the dealer should not have changed the tension during tire change. Secondly, if they did, they probably followed "The Manual" and set it to the original (and incorrect) tension. I would have them recheck tension to ensure it is set to current (TSB) specs if they messed with it. Otherwise, you can fix what they have done to you by lowering tension to 160-180 yourself..... Jim

 

[lstayner]

Thank you for the information. I am getting the oil changed today so I will have the dealer reset the belt tension. If they won't I will do it myself.

 

[RTSJohn]

I just finished a 1700 mile trip and found the same vibration issue when under load. It seemed to be most concentrated in the 60 to 70 mph under load (hills or acceleration. It sounds as if a correction of tension might very well be in order. :banghead: