Damned Vibrations

[OldCowboy]

Prior to my 600 mile service, which was done at 873 miles, the only time I felt any vibrations on my floorboards was around 5,000 RPM. Once I got to 5500 it was gone and everything was smooth as silk up to 8500. The first thing I noticed after the 600 mile service was increased vibration in the 4500 - 5500 range. Since that time, the vibrations have gotten worse, to the point that they are there between 4000 - 8500 RPM. There does seem to be a second contributor in the 4500 - 5500 range (belt harmonics?). Additionally, since the 600 mile service, when the :f_spider: is going up hill or accelerating, the vibrations are noticeable in the handlebars and grips as well.

Thinking that the dealer may have set the belt tension to the pre-2013 value of 450 N rather than the 1050 N value for the 2013s, I purchased and installed a Baker Built belt stabilizer. It didn't help in the least. I also noticed that there is an annoying buzzing sound that wasn't there before and which increases in frequency as the engine RPMs increase.

I bought a Krikit II gauge and checked the belt tension according to the manual. I repeatedly got readings of 160-170 lbs. I realize the Krikit is not designed for our belts, but can anyone tell me value you should be getting with a Krikit on properly tensioned 2013 belts?

I'm hoping Scotty or Lamont or one of the other more knowledgeable folks can give me an idea of what's going on. I will be calling Pit Bull on Tuesday and setting up an appointment to have this looked at.

 

[NancysToy]

Prior to my 600 mile service, which was done at 873 miles, the only time I felt any vibrations on my floorboards was around 5,000 RPM. Once I got to 5500 it was gone and everything was smooth as silk up to 8500. The first thing I noticed after the 600 mile service was increased vibration in the 4500 - 5500 range. Since that time, the vibrations have gotten worse, to the point that they are there between 4000 - 8500 RPM. There does seem to be a second contributor in the 4500 - 5500 range (belt harmonics?). Additionally, since the 600 mile service, when the :f_spider: is going up hill or accelerating, the vibrations are noticeable in the handlebars and grips as well.

Thinking that the dealer may have set the belt tension to the pre-2013 value of 450 N rather than the 1050 N value for the 2013s, I purchased and installed a Baker Built belt stabilizer. It didn't help in the least. I also noticed that there is an annoying buzzing sound that wasn't there before and which increases in frequency as the engine RPMs increase.

I bought a Krikit II gauge and checked the belt tension according to the manual. I repeatedly got readings of 160-170 lbs. I realize the Krikit is not designed for our belts, but can anyone tell me value you should be getting with a Krikit on properly tensioned 2013 belts?

I'm hoping Scotty or Lamont or one of the other more knowledgeable folks can give me an idea of what's going on. I will be calling Pit Bull on Tuesday and setting up an appointment to have this looked at.

Belt (or engine) harmonics should only be evident over a relatively narrow range. The fact that the band moved after your service (belt was retensioned?) points to belt harmonics alright, but the widening band indicates that something else is likely in play. One of the first suspects would be a stone, tar, or debris picked up in a sprocket. Close inspection and carefully checking every single groove will prove or disprove that possibility. I scrape every groove with a screwdriver. Also check the belt for damage or imbedded stones. The other most likely suspect is bad tires. If your dealer will cooperate, you can swap tires with another machine to find out. The fronts are the normal culprits, but the back can be bad, too. You could also ride a demo machine to compare. I would definitely report this to your dealer, and contact BRP Customer Care to open a case file if necessary. What you are seeing is not normal.

 

[capt.jim]

My ST arrived new at 200 Lbs. on the kriket and 3000 miles later is still exactly the same. The belts don't stretch much if any. At 4.4N to the pound I figured mine to be at 880N, and yours about 750N, although you can't really use that figure to equate Lbs. to Newtons accurately in the context of belt tension. Take your kriket to the dealer and check some other 2013's and you may get an idea how much yours was lowered.

 

[ulflyer]

No idea about the '13 belt but the kriket figures you give are in the range of my '11 belt after it was set by the dealer.

 

[OldCowboy]

Well, I checked the belt and sprockets and they were clean as a whistle. No rocks, no tar, no debris, no nothing. Both the belt and the sprockets looked like they'd just come from the factory. Given the buzzing noise that has begun accompanying the vibrations, I'm wondering if it could be a bad bearing in the front sprocket? :dontknow:

 

[jerpinoy]

I don't know why you are trying to trouble shoot it yourself. If you have belt hormonics and vibrations. I suggest that you take your spyder to the dealer and let them know.

 

[StanProff]

Well, I checked the belt and sprockets and they were clean as a whistle. No rocks, no tar, no debris, no nothing. Both the belt and the sprockets looked like they'd just come from the factory. Given the buzzing noise that has begun accompanying the vibrations, I'm wondering if it could be a bad bearing in the front sprocket? :dontknow:

Is your belt still tracking in the same place as it was before the service? If mine gets on the flange it will try to climb the flange and will result in belt dust as well as some un wanted vibrations. Also if mine runs to much to the other side it will rub the engine pully flange and have a whining noise. most of them whine a little but mine gets worse. The belt adjustment is a touchy thing, adjust a little then drive down the road and look, adjust again and let it settle again. sometimes I've been lucky and get it quickly and other times it has taken a couple of adjustments to get it just right. Just some thoughts. I am sure Pitbull will take care of your problem when you take it back, sounds like something slipped a little.

 

[cyclelover63]

I have a 2012 Rt and mine did that at about the same mileage...I found I had to put Highest grade gas in it,and then it suddenly quit doing it as it broke in..I have about 4,000 miles on it now..The only time it does it is uphill and lugging app 5,000 rpm..Worse with a passenger..

 

[OldCowboy]

I think I can rule out tires. Going uphill at 55 MPH, under load, I get a lot of vibrations. Going downhill at 55 MPH, coasting, I get no vibrations. FWIW, the last two tanks have been 91 octane.

I don't know why you are trying to trouble shoot it yourself. If you have belt hormonics and vibrations. I suggest that you take your spyder to the dealer and let them know.

Two reasons: To try to learn something and become better acquainted with the vagaries of :spyder2:. Also, since my dealer isn't open until tomorrow, I couldn't make an appointment to take it in.