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Smoothspyder F3 belt tensioner

What happened to BRP belt tensioner ?

I haven't been following the forum closely, last year everyone spoke highly about the $45 BRP belt tension mod. What happened to it?
 
I haven't been following the forum closely, last year everyone spoke highly about the $45 BRP belt tension mod. What happened to it?

There have been two different problems. The first problem is that the pulley will come apart and the bolt will dig into the belt, ruining it. The second problem we are now seeing (2 back to back at the Tenn Rally) is that debris will get trapped in the pivot point and freeze it above the belt. Of the two, the second item would be the best to have. There also have been a few F3's that have broken the springs.
Also, note that if you have installed the BRP idler on your F3, it probably won't be covered unless done by a authorized service center. Any RT folks that have used our adapter with the BRP unit are also on their own if it fails.
 
Talk is cheap

I have over 8,000 trouble free miles on my BRP idler. If any of these aftermarket idlers work better & last longer how about a fact based lab tested third party evaluation of these aftermarket idlers and their warranties? My BRP idler reduced my vibration with a good guess at around 90% and came with a warranty of one year because it was dealer installed. Yes that warranty also covers the belt if the idler fails and damages the belt, as stated by my dealer.

Talk is so cheap, "smooth as silk".....my *ss.
 
I haven't been following the forum closely, last year everyone spoke highly about the $45 BRP belt tension mod. What happened to it?

Nothing happened to it. Last week I was in for my 9300 mile service and had my idler inspected as well. My dealer has not replaced one yet from failure. This fear mongering is probably someone trying to cash in.
 
I have Jim's belt tensioner on both our Spyders, 2015 F3S with 22,000 miles and a 2016F3T with 17,000 miles. Never a problem or issue the best one on the market. Quality is like buying Oats, if you want clean Oats they are going to cost more than those that have been run through the horse.
 
Nothing happened to it. Last week I was in for my 9300 mile service and had my idler inspected as well. My dealer has not replaced one yet from failure. This fear mongering is probably someone trying to cash in.

Between the reports here and on facebook... as well two other spyder owners I personally know... They are failing.

By the way... Mine started going bad at 3000 miles and I had to zip tie it up out of the way at 4300 miles since install.

AS for yours... Probably just a matter of time. THe first one someone reported as failed had seen I believe 11k miles. Take your's out for a nice 75MPH day and see how long it lasts you.
 
Smooth spyder

This tensioner is on the return side of belt, but the BRP and Doc's are on the pull side, correct? BRP's "fix" suggests it's the tension side causing the vibration. (which contradicts Smoothspyder approach) Thinking I'll just "drive hard" around town and keep it under 65 for now! (My "3 week riding season" is essentially over this year anyways col. ~ Occupational hazard.) <sad> ~ Maybe next year!

I've been using the smooth spyder on my 2012 RT for a few years now and it does seem to cut down on the annoying belt vibrations at highway speeds. However, it is also noisy. It has a high pitched whine that is also... annoying.
I'm thinking about going with Doc's idea and see how well that works out.
 
I've been using the smooth spyder on my 2012 RT for a few years now and it does seem to cut down on the annoying belt vibrations at highway speeds. However, it is also noisy. It has a high pitched whine that is also... annoying.
I'm thinking about going with Doc's idea and see how well that works out.

If you have the ribbed belt, it will have a buzz speeding up/slowing down. Some notice it more, some less. Since both units ryde on the outside of the belt, that ribbing will make some noise.
 
Bad BRP Idler Pulley Kit

Nothing happened to it. Last week I was in for my 9300 mile service and had my idler inspected as well. My dealer has not replaced one yet from failure. This fear mongering is probably someone trying to cash in.

I thought the same thing until I noticed heavier than normal vibrations. I took off my BRP idler pulley kit and noticed it was not spinning smoothly and developed a noticeable lean. Its not unbearable but is uncomfortable. I need to decide if $200 is worth a smooth ride. My dealer even suggested smooth soyder. Will let you know if I pull the trigger
 
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