New 2014 Spyder RT-S, vibration at 70mph when cruising ?? Also engine noise question

[James & Julie]

Hi,
New owners here. 200 miles on new 2014 spyder RT-S. At 70MPH +- and during a no load or cruising situation we are feeling a vibration that I can only describe as a dry bushing on a fan. Seems to slow machine very very slightly. It is intermittent. I believe it is the belt breaking in and will either get better or worse.

Looking for confirmation here. I'm very sensitive to vibrations and noise in my machines, and autos, but my wife even asked me about the vibration on a 3 mile trip at 70mph on the interstate.

Not noticeable at 55MPH.

Also the engine seems rather noisy for 2014. Is this normal, or will it calm down with miles? Compared to my Goldwing, it is very noisy. Compared to my CRF250X, it is a cadillac. lol.


Thanks,
James & Julie

 

[Roadster Renovations]

That's the belt probably. It will do that sometimes. In the upper left, type in belt vibration in search and you will pull a bunch of stuff up. Been a lot of comments and threads about that. Most think it's because the belt is so long on the bottom it creates a resonance that vibrates the bike. Might want to have your dealer check tension and alignment. The old school method is to look at the rear sprocket. You should have 1-2 mm of clearance from the inner shoulder. Grasp the lower portion of the belt at it's midpoint and try to twist it 90 degrees. If you get over 60 and less than 90 it's pretty close. Most of us use a cricket to set ours. Cheap tool and surprisingly accurate. They have a tensioner that helps and I was able to almost eliminate mine by tightening it to spec when I replaced my rear tire. Good luck and :congrats: on your new ride!

 

[Chupaca]

Have to agree..!!

:agree: there are other vibrations depending on where you feel them. In the feet and seat, or in the hands and bars. Then there are harmonic vibrations that are really hard to get rid of so I just ryde above them or below them...:thumbup: then again you only have 200 miles so things are still settling..congrats on the new ryde..!! :2thumbs: so relax these machines are notorious for letting you know if anything is going wrong...nojoke

 

[Bob Denman]

Yup... :thumbup:
Harmonic vibration coming from the belt...

 

[James & Julie]

Thanks to all

I appreciate the confirmation on the belt, and letting it settle in. I was pretty sure it was the belt, and I'll take a look at it this weekend.

Really enjoyed riding last weekend. I travel a lot for work, so I won't get to see again until Friday.