Burning smell after ride

[Brentc]

I had the dealer install my trailer hitch and wiring harness on my 2014 rt-s. I have finally narrowed down a slight burning smell to the left rear of the bike after I ride. If I remember correctly isn't this the area where the wiring harness is tied into the spyder for the trailer hitch? Does anyone have any ideas on what could possibly be burning? It smells like heated rubber more than electrical. I have checked the belt and it is cool,to the touch after a ride. I am not sure what else is in this area. I'm thinking I may need to remove the left rear panels and do some exploring.

 

[fjray]

smell

I have no idea if it is the same thing but on my 15 rtl there is an oil leak that is getting on the exhaust and burning. synthetic oil and synthetic blends will smell a lot like rubber or plastic burning.
Mine is off to the dealer as soon as I find a trailer wide enough.

 

[Brentc]

Don't think it is oil

Believe it or not, I smelled all around both sides of rear of bike quite extensively and can only detect smell from the left, non exhaust, side. It also is very noticeable when I open the luggage compartment on that side which is why I'm leaning towards the trailer hook up. I thought that you needed to make trailer connection right under the left luggage compartment.

 

[exwinger]

rubbing

Have you looked under the bike to see if the cable was routed improperly and may be rubbing the tire ? Mine wasn't routed properly and when it fell against the tire and shorted out and wore through it will also bring the spyder from warp speed to limp.

 

[SpyderAnn01]

Believe it or not, I smelled all around both sides of rear of bike quite extensively and can only detect smell from the left, non exhaust, side. It also is very noticeable when I open the luggage compartment on that side which is why I'm leaning towards the trailer hook up. I thought that you needed to make trailer connection right under the left luggage compartment.

The trailer hook up is definitely at the left rear.

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

I thought that you needed to make trailer connection right under the left luggage compartment.

Earlier models, yes. But starting with 2012 or 2013 it's routed from under the seat and down to the hitch.

 

[SpyderAnn01]

Earlier models, yes. But starting with 2012 or 2013 it's routed from under the seat and down to the hitch.

It still ends up under the left rear compartment.

 

[Brentc]

Burnt control module?

For those of you who have posted on other threads about burned out control modules after trailer hitch install, do you remember any similarity to what I am experiencing? I'm planning to take some panels off today and look around, but any info prior would be appreciated.

 

[trikermutha]

I smell rubber all the time more after a long hwy ride..I believe its the rears tire with this smell. Hasn't been a problem for me as I haven't seen any signs of a issue yet.. :shocked:

 

[KX5062]

My 2014 has an occasional burnt smell after a ride. It is only occasional and I can't find a source and neither can the dealer, so...............

 

[stillriding]

For those of you who have posted on other threads about burned out control modules after trailer hitch install, do you remember any similarity to what I am experiencing? I'm planning to take some panels off today and look around, but any info prior would be appreciated.[/QUOTENever had any odors when my modules fried.

 

[Brentc]

Couldn't find anything under seat

My 2014 has an occasional burnt smell after a ride. It is only occasional and I can't find a source and neither can the dealer, so...............

I pulled the rear trunk no the left side Tupperware off and let the bike run for 10 minutes. Could not track down issue, but still was able to detect a faint burning oder. I check all of the wires in the area, no kinks, no charred wires, no heat issues.....

 

[SpyderCruiser]

I have the same odor. Notice it more in the warmer months. It smells exactly like burning rubber. I forgot to mention it when I had the bike in for the 3,000 mile service.

 

[Dar]

My ex 2010 RT had this problem. Figured when I got the 2014 RT problem would be solved. Nope same smell. Sometimes only takes a couple of blocks to get that smell.

 

[trikermutha]

The smell reminds me the days I use to burn rubber doing burnouts in the car..:yes:

 

[Bob Denman]

:shocked: Try cutting down on the Habanero Burritos, before going out on a ride. :yikes:

 

[trikermutha]

:roflblack::roflblack::roflblack::roflblack::clap::clap::clap:..Not sure if I ever recreated the rubber smell yet that way..

 

[Bob Denman]

We're not judging... :thumbup:

 

[Bluehole]

Had that same.....

smell on my 2014 RT-L until I replaced the cat with just a pipe. Smell went away. Figured it was the heat off the cat being so close to the belt that gave the smell.

 

[Grandpot]

Rotten eggs

If the smell is more like rotten eggs than rubber, it very well may be a bad catalytic converter. When the internal element fails, this is a common symptom.