Is It The Belt?

[Papahoosh]

2016 RTS is my first bike with belt drive. During high-speed I noticed the bike runs rough for about 10 to 20 seconds and the goes away, this also occurs when I speed up.
Is this the belt causing this issue? Is the belt tensioner supposed to fix this problem?
I don't know how to check to see how tight the belt should be only had the bike since November 5th and has about 2800 miles on it.

 

[Bob Denman]

We need a bit more of a description for "the bike runs rough..."
Is this happening within a certain range of speeds?

Belt harmonics can cause some buzziness at times...

Please tell us more...

 

[Chupaca]

could be....

Are you in the right gear and rpm range...? is it rough like in the engine or vibrations felt in the foot area....? :dontknow:

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

ROUGH RIDE ????

Find someone with a Spyder like yours and see if it acts the same ........ Mike :thumbup:

 

[Aracknoid]

is it the belt

We need a bit more of a description for "the bike runs rough..."
Is this happening within a certain range of speeds?

Belt harmonics can cause some buzziness at times...

Please tell us more...

If you think it's the belt, it is very easy to check.

1. look at the rear sprocket is the belt running more or less in the center?
if not,the belt alignment needs adjustment.

2. if you have a belt tension tool check the tension.
if you using a belt tension tool the adjustment is fast and easy.

3. Double check the wheel balance weights, a missing weight can set up a vibration at certain speeds.

4. Forgot to say, if you do not have a belt tension tool you can test manually.
To test manually try to twist the belt, by hand, grasp the belt about midway and try to twist it. The belt will twist somewhat, but not more than 45-60 degress. This is a fast test, should you be able to twist the belt to 80-90 degress you should have the tension checked by the dealer/service.

Good Luck

 

[Bob Denman]

Scotty bowdown used to say that the "twist-test" should have you end up with almost a 90 twist...
But this may have been, before the newer specifications took hold of us.

 

[Aracknoid]

I could be wrong

Scotty bowdown used to say that the "twist-test" should have you end up with almost a 90 twist...
But this may have been, before the newer specifications took hold of us.

I could be wrong, but with the tension set correctly I can not twist the belt to 90 degrees.

Good luck

 

[PapaHotel]

If you get an occasional vibration between 65-73 MPH, there is an excellent chance it is belt vibration. Many of the RT owners have had similar. There was a belt tensioner made for the F3 which has a longer belt and more issues. If you do a search on this board (the idiot) you will find an easy to make or buy (ebay doc humphries) adapter. Most people that have installed the tensioner has report nearly complete satisfaction with the results. Here is the BRP number for the F3 tensioner: 219800412 Idler Belt kit

 

[Papahoosh]

Update

Next time I will pay attention to see where the vibration is mostly felt.

I am easily able to turn the belt 90 degree. Please see the photos.

 

[Roadster Renovations]

Belt probably needs adjusted and/or tightened.

 

[Bob Denman]

If you can easily twist it to ninety degrees:
You've fingers and wrists that are awesome! :bowdown:
or your belt is a bit on the loose side... :shocked:
Have your dealer take a peak at it.
Good luck! :thumbup:

 

[PW2013STL]

Next time I will pay attention to see where the vibration is mostly felt.

I am easily able to turn the belt 90 degree. Please see the photos.
View attachment 140981View attachment 140982View attachment 140983

Your alignment looks tight. Easy way to check is you should be able to slip a credit card between the belt and the inner flange. I keep mine at two credit card thickness from the flange.

It should be very hard to twist it to 90 so I would say yours is loose.

 

[pegasus1300]

According to the pictures you posted your belt could use some attention. Take it to your dealer and have him align your belt then set the tension. After every thing is correct get the BRP Kit hown you above and you should have the smooth Spyder you thought you bought.