tire observation

[fjray]

At 8200 miles the rear tire on my 15 RT is gone. The interesting part is how poorly it was molded. When I checked it after the last trip it had 4/32 tread on one side and 180 degrees of rotation later it is below the wear bars. Glad I didn't assume that all was well. that might explain some of the vibration. Ordered a new Kuhmo from discount tire and hope it does better
Now all I have to do is keep fighting the infamous belt vibration.

 

[JKMSPYDER]

BELT VIBRATION

Regarding belt vibration, get a belt tensioner from SmoothSpyder or Baker Bilt. Both are site sponsors.

 

[ingramwc]

Speed question...

How fast are you traveling when you get vibration from the belt? I do not have a RT, but I do not feel any vibration until I am above 90 MPH. So I just slow down, no vibration.
Is your belt tension correct??? maybe you can save having to spend $$$... Or, it may have been that not round tire???

 

[fjray]

Already have the belt tensioner from smoothspyder. When I installed it I set tension at 160 with the krikit and set the tensioner at mid range. It was real nice for a few hundred miles and has become worse over 3k miles. Now I get the vibration between 3500-4000 rpm in 4th, 5th and 6th. I rechecked tension yesterday and it was right where I left it and I bumped up the tensioner to 14. I checked the belt very close looking for damage and found none and It's tracking just fine and in spec. Why it seems RPM related I'm not sure. The engine runs fine. I realize that vibration is the nature of the beast but I sure don't like it a cruise speed. If I run 80+ it's good. I will wait on any more adjustment until I get a fresh tire on it next week. A shaft drive would sure be nice.

 

[ARtraveler]

Already have the belt tensioner from smoothspyder. When I installed it I set tension at 160 with the krikit and set the tensioner at mid range. It was real nice for a few hundred miles and has become worse over 3k miles. Now I get the vibration between 3500-4000 rpm in 4th, 5th and 6th. I rechecked tension yesterday and it was right where I left it and I bumped up the tensioner to 14. I checked the belt very close looking for damage and found none and It's tracking just fine and in spec. Why it seems RPM related I'm not sure. The engine runs fine. I realize that vibration is the nature of the beast but I sure don't like it a cruise speed. If I run 80+ it's good. I will wait on any more adjustment until I get a fresh tire on it next week. A shaft drive would sure be nice.

Keep us posted. The techies appreciate the information and can help with future issues. The more facts, the better. :thumbup:

 

[KX5062]

If you're getting vibration in a certain RPM range that didn't happen before (after the tensioner installation), then that suggests you may have something like a loose engine mounting bolt or similar, and the vibrations are travelling throughout the bike.