So, this week...I had a different Spyder dealer replace my new stock front Kendas with new Continental ContiProContact 165/60R-15. The shaking in the bike only eased up a little...I cannot tell much of a difference. Now, when I put my feet on the front fenders at 55-70mph, the fenders still barely bounce. I hardly feel anything within my feet, and the fenders look steady. So, it was NOT the tires.
Please do not criticize me for replacing the new front stock Kendas...if you were to feel what I am still feeling, then you might understand why I changed them out...desperation comes to mind.
At some point when I began reaching out for help, I mistakenly used the word "vibrations" instead of "shaking"...big difference. Look...I know it is hard to diagnose things like this virtually. This week's change of tires and adjusting the belt tension are the last two ideas I have. And, some think I'm just being too picky or gripping the bars too tight or what-not...but, my particular situation is nothing of the sort. I wish I could explain the shaking better or let some of ya'll ride, but that probably will not happen.
The overall ride is still bad over 55mph-ish with the shaking starting lightest in my feet up and gets worse up through my body and to my head which can feel like it's buffeting. And, it is not from what little wind is hitting me. The windshield does shake a lot, but it's not the wind...it is shaking from the dash shaking. And, at times the dash shakes to the point where the speakers distort. I can't make this up.
Under 55mph, she rides really smooth...then it all begins to turn into shaking and progressively gets worse the higher the mph...never smooths back out...even on the smoothest of black-top. However, I will must point out...the shaking some times does feel to ease up only a little at higher RPM's in 5th gear over 65mph and at times in 6th over 80mph. I realize some of these bikes like to run high within the RPM's...so, I have been trying different riding styles. It is not the riding style...unfortunately.
I have ridden other Spyder models including F3's and the new 2021 stock F3 as well...all ride a lot smother than mine.
The day after I got the new tires, I had the dealership lower the belt tension from 242lbs to 220lbs. It did help smooth her out some, but the ride should be better. The mechanic told me he could feel it as well. They were kind enough to squeeze me in one morning, since it was about a 20 min process. But, they couldn't keep testing various belt tensions with me due to their pre-scheduled customers. Plus, they were hesitant with lowering the belt tension more. Plus #2, I would prefer to lower the belt tension myself and save some money from trying to fix the issue.
I have read many posts around the net where some lowered their belt tension below 200, and it helped them (to what they consider perfection). I am thinking I may want to lower mine some more, but I hate having to pay a dealership to keep adjusting it.
I am capable of doing it myself and want to learn. The
only video I can find shows the rear end of what looks like a GS or ST...but, it looks similar to my 2021 F3 Ltd.
1. Can anyone verify if
this video demo for adjusting the belt tension is still possibly one correct method, is the hardest method, etc.?
2. If anyone else has lowered their belt tension due to shaking, please share your belt tension reading and if it helped.
3. If possible...can anyone (in layman’s terms) briefly explain why lowering the belt tension would smooth out shaking on some bikes. It seems to me the looser the belt, the rougher the ride.
If I did not already mention this...I do have a SpyderExtras belt tensioner.
Also, about a month ago, BRP closed out my ticket the original dealership opened due to the aftermarket items on my bike and everything being up-to-spec. So, I am really on my own now...
I am trying really hard to remain optimistic she will ride as expected at some point.
hyea:
opcorn: and some to share 
