Is it normal to have a faint burning rubber smell after changing the drive belt & rear tire?

[f110tech]

'15 RTL, is it normal for a very faint burning rubber smell right after changing the drive belt and rear tire? Used a Krikit II to check the tension during install.

No dust, no smoke, not hot to touch, no vibrations. Just smells funny.

I rode about 30-35 miles, the smell was noticeable for the first few miles, then very faint towards the end of the ride.

 

[BajaRon]

You should not be getting a hot rubber smell. How is the alignment between the belt and the pulley's? What tension did you end up with on the Krikit? Are you running a dampener setup?

 

[Bfromla]

Rather curious, what prompted the new belt?

 

[Little Blue]

Quick Answer NO and NO.

Now the questions.
Did you have an issue with your Drive Belt?
Did you do your R and I of your Belt?
Did you R and I the Tire?

So I want to know if you made these repairs or
maybe someone else. Know big deal.
I had my Dealer do mine. So far I haven't had any problems.
It has been over a year now.

Thanks for your Time.

 

[jzeiler]

I used to get that on my old BMW K1200LT and it was finally determined it was rubber bits from the road flying up and sticking to the catalytic converter.

 

[Bangorbob]

I've had that smell with every belt driven ride I've owned. Agree with jzeiler's response.

 

[BajaRon]

It is interesting how different people have different experiences. I own several Spyders and a Ryker. Granted, not all have cats. But some do. Not to mention I test ride customer's Spyders on a fairly regular basis (usually about 10 miles unless there is a particular situation that requires a longer ride). My biggest problem is making myself come back to the shop! But we won't talk about that.

The only time I've smelled hot rubber is on the rare occasion of a belt not running true or a rubber part contacting the exhaust. But I can see where debris on the cat could give you this as well. Certainly worth checking out.