I get a strange vibration at higher speeds...

[BigGuy66]

... that feels like running over the rumble cuts on the side of the highway. I’m running at 75 on the interstate and if I accelerate when the byke gets to 77 I feel the vibration. I don’t feel anything in the steering so I wonder if it’s engine? Odd vibration. Stops when I back off the throttle. What might this be?
2019 Spyder RTL. All stock.
Jim

 

[RideOn]

I have a new 19 RTL but I haven’t felt the vibration you describe in it. It’s still on break-in miles though.

My 14 ST had a similar vibration to yours at freeway speeds. I paid very close attention to the source and found the origin was the exhaust system, not tires or drive belt. The fact that it goes away when you back off the throttle would tend to support it being exhaust-related I’d think.

Good luck!

 

[Brad0414]

Its the belt. you need belt tensioner.

 

[Gwolf]

A 2019 should have a factory belt tensioner. My 2019 F3-S had one stock.

 

[ozarkryder]

Our 2018 RTL does the same thing at about the same MPH. The trikes we ride have a very long belt, and at certain RPM's a vibration is set up that can be felt through the bars and seat. I can make it stop by backing off or adding to the throttle, but when it returns to a steady speed and to that certain RPM the vibration returns. A tensioner dampens the movement on the belt as the trike is ridden so it is not felt or felt very slightly. Vibration can also be caused by a damaged tire or wheel, bad balance, something in the suspension or any cause mentioned in previous (or future) posts.

 

[MONK]

A 2019 should have a factory belt tensioner. My 2019 F3-S had one stock.

That's unlikely. My '18 RTL didn't have one and the '20s don't, either.

 

[EdMat]

A 2019 should have a factory belt tensioner. My 2019 F3-S had one stock.

Nope, not on the 2019 RTL

 

[Gwolf]

It must be only on the F3-S.............

No clue why Can Am would only fix the vibration on one model.

 

[Mikey]

Have you check the tension of your belt lately, maybe it time?

 

[Mazo EMS2]

Most likely the drive belt. Very few people get one that doesn't have some amount of vibration around 73mph.

 

[BigGuy66]

I will get the belt tensioner for my 2019 RTL. I am moderately skilled at some mechanical projects. Can I install the belt tensioner myself? Where can I purchase one? Thanks for the help on this.

 

[EdMat]

Try this. http://www.lamonstergarage.com/can-am-spyder-f3-rt-belt-tensioner-idler-pulley-lamonster/


You want the RT Belt Tensioner With Upgrade Roller

 

[Mikey]

Check your belt before you go for the tensioner, try to see if you can live with out it, it will be just another thing to watch and maintain if you put one on! Good Luck, ride more worry less!!!!

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Check your belt before you go for the tensioner, try to see if you can live with out it, it will be just another thing to watch and maintain if you put one on! Good Luck, ride more worry less!!!!

:agree: .... also consider this - is the vibration so annoying that you are willing to possibly having to re-place your drive belt ( @ $350.00 ) if the roller on the tensioner fails and ruins that belt ( this has occurred to people on this Forum ) ...... good luck ..... Mike :thumbup:

 

[LeftCoast]

FWIW My 2015 RTL that I bought used also had this problem at 73 mph without fail. I thought it was the belt as well given everyone's experience. When I changed from the stock Kendas on the from the vibration went away.

So in my case, it had something to do with the tires, I'm not sure what I only know I don't have the problem anymore.

 

[BigGuy66]

:agree: .... also consider this - is the vibration so annoying that you are willing to possibly having to re-place your drive belt ( @ $350.00 ) if the roller on the tensioner fails and ruins that belt ( this has occurred to people on this Forum ) ...... good luck ..... Mike :thumbup:

I'm curious about what the damge will be to the belt becasue of the vibration. Won't the vibration cause misalignment, skipping teeth, or something like that? I'm not a mechanic and cetaily not an engineer.
Jim

 

[BigGuy66]

(snip) When I changed from the stock Kendas on the from the vibration went away. So in my case, it had something to do with the tires, I'm not sure what I only know I don't have the problem anymore.

The tires were brand new with only 300 miles (now at 640) at the time of the vibration showing up about 76-77 mph. How did you know to check and replace the tires?
Jim

 

[sandylolee]

I have a 2019 Rtl had the same problem. I purchased one of Lamonster’s vibration dampeners now no more vibration. Just remember it’s one more thing to keep a check on for regular maintenance.

 

[trong]

The vibration is an option for former Harley-Davidson owners only.

Cheers.

 

[Gwolf]

The vibration is an option for former Harley-Davidson owners only.

Cheers.

Not even close........ the front tire of my old hard mount Sportster would jump off the road sitting at a red light idling.