"Missing Belt Guard and Belt Tensioner"- a needed add-on? Flat tire strategies?

[libbyhuck]

"Missing Belt Guard and Belt Tensioner"- a needed add-on? Flat tire strategies?

Howdy from Montana...after several months of research and careful consideration, my wife and myself purchased a new 2013 RT-SE in our favorite color, that killer blue, late in the Summer 2013. After owning for only a few short months, and having the recall heat shielding added, we have had no issues w/heat other than what you would expect from any cross-straddled bike or ATV. How important and needed are the belt tensioner and the so called missing rock guard? Montana has its share of poorly maintained two lane roads that are littered w rocks/road kill/rodents, poor cell phone signals and next to no readily available mechanical support for Spyders. What is a workable flat tire repair to get a guy to the next town? S-E Montana is unchanged w/the exception of a paved two lane since before Custer...excellent riding vistas but a bit too remote for vehicle troubles...your thoughts?

 

[cuznjohn]

flat

there are a few things you can carry. i always carry a tire plug kit, but there is also something called slime or a can of flat fix. you might also need a small 12 volt air pump but with a side wall blow out or cut you will just need a tow truck

 

[JkRbbt]

The rock guard is cheap insurance and very simple to install. A good value in my book. :thumbup:

 

[NancysToy]

Please don't use Slime. It is really not suitable for high speed tires, can corrode alloy wheels, and the tire dealers hate it. Ride-On does a better job, helps balance the tires, and is not as messy during a tire change.

For repairable punctures (not in the sidewall) I prefer the Stop-n-Go mushroom plug kits along with a 12V compressor. Stop-n-Go even makes a combined kit.

 

[Chupaca]

Let's see..!!

as to your questions...niether one is nessesary but both are helpful. The rock gaurd is easy and fairly cheap. Have one but hard to tell how helpful never caught a rock before or after but feel better having it. Belts are not cheap and installing them either. As to the tensioner, have one also and does help with belt slap and vibrations. Holdcthe belt tighter to the sprocket leaving less gap for debris as well. Now if you have no vibration issues may not need it. Your choice, my opininon if you can get them I know your roads...jmo.!! :thumbup:

 

[jerpinoy]

:welcome: and if you want to know any specific topic, use the search block and type whatever you want to know. :congrats: on you new ride.