NewB Question

[MikeT]

How would I know if I needed the SmoothSpyder belt tensioner device??
When I rode my new RT Limited home, to keep from getting run over on I-70, I had to go 80 MPH by GPS. At that speed I noticed a rhythmic "feeling" in the seat of my pants on the straight segments. I did not notice it when I was going thru the long sweeping curves. The next morning I checked my tire pressures. All tires were:
1. at the minimum recommended tire pressures, and
2. there was 5 pounds difference in the front tires
I inflated all the tires to the maximum recommended pressures(22 in the fronts and 30 in the rear). Any suggestions for an easier way to access and fill the rear tire?????????
The weather has turned rainny and cold here, so I have not had a chance to get my LTD out and see if the ride has smoothed out.
Thanks for any advice for a new RT owner.

 

[PaladinLV]

1. The vast majority of RTs have belt vibration. With that said, if you find the vibration is constant across various highways you may want to consider the tensioner. If you find that it comes and goes depending on the road surface/highway you are experiencing vibration from road harmonics and would not worry about it.

2. Tires you need to "experiment" with what you find comfy. I ride with 20 front and 30 rear; others like 28 in rear and 18 front. Personally, I think 22 is a bit high for the front.

AJ

How would I know if I needed the SmoothSpyder belt tensioner device??
When I rode my new RT Limited home, to keep from getting run over on I-70, I had to go 80 MPH by GPS. At that speed I noticed a rhythmic "feeling" in the seat of my pants on the straight segments. I did not notice it when I was going thru the long sweeping curves. The next morning I checked my tire pressures. All tires were:
1. at the minimum recommended tire pressures, and
2. there was 5 pounds difference in the front tires
I inflated all the tires to the maximum recommended pressures(22 in the fronts and 30 in the rear). Any suggestions for an easier way to access and fill the rear tire?????????
The weather has turned rainny and cold here, so I have not had a chance to get my LTD out and see if the ride has smoothed out.
Thanks for any advice for a new RT owner.

 

[Cruzr Joe]

:agree: 22 may be a little too much in front (too much Bounce) , 18 front and 28 rear is what i use. be sure both front tires are the same.

rear tires are a pain to inflate.

if you do a signature line, you can list your Spyder year and model so if you ask for help on anything we will know which Spyder you have.

Cruzr Joe

 

[MikeT]

Personally, I think 22 is a bit high for the front.AJ

AJ,
Thanks for your insights on the RT. My Owner's Manual(MOM) gives the following tire inflation pressure recommendations:
Front-20 PSI+/-2PSI
Rear: 28 PSI+/-2PSI
Like you say it's an experiment. We ride 2-up 95% of the time.
Mike

 

[belowme29]

:agree: 22 may be a little too much in front (too much Bounce) , 18 front and 28 rear is what i use. be sure both front tires are the same.

rear tires are a pain to inflate.

if you do a signature line, you can list your Spyder year and model so if you ask for help on anything we will know which Spyder you have.

Cruzr Joe

I also agree with this - I have my GS at 18 and 28. Rear tire is a pain to get at even on the GS. You need to have a long tire chuck like this one. I use this type and it helps, but its still not the greatest.

Also have the Ride-On tire pressure sensors - these are GREAT! You can see these blinking RED if your tire pressure is either up or down. My back tire needs a little bit of air every once in a while and these tell me when it is needed.

Enjoy your riding and be safe.

 

[Chupaca]

All of the above...

this is the best air chuck and easiest to use......

pick one up pretty much anywhere..walmart, auto parts, target, home depot....:thumbup:

 

[JayBros]

I agree with PaladinLV regarding a bit less tire pressure. I run 20 front, 28 rear which is the recommended starting pressure for my Spyder. I weigh 180 and ride mostly solo. YMMV.

I favor the valve stem extension at the link. http://www.harley-davidson.com/store/valve-stem-extension. Yeah, it's a Harley accessory but works very well for me. FWIW, I position the valve stem between 4 and 5 o'clock as viewed from the left side of roadster for checking pressure and adding if necessary.

Congrats on your new ride !:clap:

 

[STELLING MAN]

TIRE PRESSURE

When I bought my :f_spider:RT, The dealer suggested 20# front and 30# rear, that's what I've been running and everything feel fine..:yes::clap:

 

[Bob Denman]

Do you NEED the tensioner? NO! You can ride the bike until you're no longer able to... the belt's harmonic vibration is not going to hurt the bike in any way! :thumbup:

Do you WANT the tensioner??? :dontknow:


It's your money, and your decision...

 

[dlby]

Im very blessed nothing but smooth sailing at all speeds

Dealer takes all the credit & I guess I have to give it up there
Says His Spyder customers are the happiest

Sells marine stuff, Quads, etc but had a great tech