Belt cover/guard: needed or not?

[vito1943]

I've had my RT for over 2 years now, and have read on this website plus elsewhere that without a cover on the exposed drive belt there is a chance of having gravel or other debris from the road get caught in the belt. Is this a real worry or not?

 

[bikerchris1270]

It’s a cheap fit that Spyder vendors carry. Cheaper than a $350 belt.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

It’s a cheap fit that Spyder vendors carry. Cheaper than a $350 belt.

:agree: Plus installation if you can't do it. In Vermont, I ride a lot of back-roads, mostly hard pack, but not always. I made my own belt guard and it covers a bit more than what is being sold. Great peace-of-mind Mod .... Mike

 

[Bfromla]

Yes, it's cheaper than being stranded; needing a tow; & eventually an expensive BRP replacement belt. However, it's also avoidable if you simply don’t drive on gravel, chip rock, or similar. If that's unavoidable, keep under 15mph (preferably less) & hopefully only ride on that stuff for a short time. Then inspect the belt when you're clear & it's safe to do so. Extra peace of mind is helpful & recommended, if you travel in gravel prone areas.

 

[Deanna777]

I've had my RT for over 2 years now, and have read on this website plus elsewhere that without a cover on the exposed drive belt there is a chance of having gravel or other debris from the road get caught in the belt. Is this a real worry or not?

HI vito,1943,

Get a belt cover & a belt guard which will help to prevent gravel, stones and etc. getting into the belt.



Deanna

 

[WDAVEY]

I rode belt drive Harleys from 2002 to 2019 when I bought my first spyder. Been riding Spyders since then and I've never had a belt failure.

 

[Leaping1]

I rode belt drive Harleys from 2002 to 2019 when I bought my first spyder. Been riding Spyders since then and I've never had a belt failure.

Same experience with me. Notice you winter in Florida and summer in Central New York. Why don't you put down some roots in South Carolina. We ride year round.
My wife is in real estate so if we can help call. Or if you decide to keep going back and forth - Enjoy life.

 

[JayBros]

Yes, it's cheaper than being stranded; needing a tow; & eventually an expensive BRP replacement belt. However, it's also avoidable if you simply don’t drive on gravel, chip rock, or similar. If that's unavoidable, keep under 15mph (preferably less) & hopefully only ride on that stuff for a short time. Then inspect the belt when you're clear & it's safe to do so. Extra peace of mind is helpful & recommended, if you travel in gravel prone areas.

:agree:! If I'm out on the far side of beyond and run into a stretch of loose gravel I can't avoid, in addition to slowly maneuvering through it, once I'm out of it, I take the time and effort to check the belt and the rear sprocket.

 

[Mikey]

It's cheap insurance in my book, but even with it covered, you should use your head and slow down when your running gravel roads that stuff can fly in weird ways. good luck

 

[Gwolf]

Rode a Harley Trike conversion for over 20 years with no belt guards at all. Never had a problem with anything getting in the belt. If there is a belt guard, it should be designed so that any gravel or rocks can get back out if they do get in the belt guard. I have not removed the belt guard from the Spyder. It has spaces where rocks can get back out if some do get inside. I don't plan to remove it and run without one, but don't think it would be much difference with or without.

 

[Freddy]

No need for an inner belt guard until you need one.

Caused by a pebble from R wheel getting stuck in the pulley - 2 week old trike.

 

[spyderdave]

From my home, I have 4/10ths mile of gravel before I get to a hard surface road. In 18K miles, I have run 2 chunks thru the belt-drive, just getting home and it felt like the swing-arm broke.

No damage was done, but I bought a guard for the inside of the belt. I think it's called the "Invisible Guard" or something similar, and cost about $40. It's cheaper than a "tow", or a visit to the dealer!

I've had no issues since.

 

[baxter]

Like some above stated, rode Harleys for years and no belt problems- sure not same design set up but close enough. Rode marble/gravel roads in Yukon and Northwest Territories for hundreds of miles-no issues- not say that it can and will happen....

 

[FrogmanDave]

No need for an inner belt guard until you need one.

Caused by a pebble from R wheel getting stuck in the pulley - 2 week old trike.

View attachment 207198

I had to enlarge this one before I could see the damage. I've never seen such a thing.

 

[Lew L]

.

The belt guard was one of the first farkels I put on my :spyder2:.
Lew L

 

[DGoebel]

It really does depend on YOUR OWN riding style. I've had them on both my Spyders and Not had any belt problems. I frequently ride on gravel roads, even two tracks. Some folks never leave well maintained paved roads.

 

[Quickdraw]

I bought one 2 years ago and it's still sitting in the box. Been contemplating putting it on because of how tight the gap is between the belt and the tire. I'll have to look at it again. I don't drive on too many gravel roads but I have driven on them and if the guard works, I'd rather spend the time putting it on than spend the money fixing the damage.

 

[PMK]

For a long time, Inspector Gadget had the template on his Spyder webpage. The intent from him was you could buy one from him, or, utilize his template, free of charge, and make your own.

A couple months ago, I wanted to fabricate a guard. Seems since Inspector Gadget is less into Spyders these days, when his website had issues, the template is no longer there. Actually, pretty much his entire website did not want to load.

Possibly I saved the file somewhere, just have not found it, or looked seriously for it.

The premade guards are available as an aftermarket item. Guy named Dan Kummer sells them.

 

[Wdaniels]

Glad I found this thread. This past weekend, while on the way home through Milton, NC, the paving crew did a terrible job cleaning up the loose gravel and tar. I ended up picking up a small rock. I heard and felt it but then it stopped quickly so I figured it flung off. About 2 miles down the road, I felt it again and I pulled over. I located a small pencil eraser size rock embedded into the middle of my drive belt. It has pierced part way through the belt. I got it out before it totally wrecked it. I was thinking a belt guard would have helped, if they make one. The tar made the rocks stick under the wheel well and then they would fall onto the belt is all I could think. On another note, should I replace the belt, or just monitor it and enjoy? The bike is a 2023 Can-Am Spyder F3 Limited with only has 16,500 miles on it.

 

[ned64]

Glad I found this thread. This past weekend, while on the way home through Milton, NC, the paving crew did a terrible job cleaning up the loose gravel and tar. I ended up picking up a small rock. I heard and felt it but then it stopped quickly so I figured it flung off. About 2 miles down the road, I felt it again and I pulled over. I located a small pencil eraser size rock embedded into the middle of my drive belt. It has pierced part way through the belt. I got it out before it totally wrecked it. I was thinking a belt guard would have helped, if they make one. The tar made the rocks stick under the wheel well and then they would fall onto the belt is all I could think. On another note, should I replace the belt, or just monitor it and enjoy? The bike is a 2023 Can-Am Spyder F3 Limited with only has 16,500 miles on it.

Some people put the belt guard on and others don't. It's your call if you want to put one on. I bought one for my '17 RTL and never put it on. I think it fits on my '22 RTL too, but I haven't put it on. Haven't had any trouble with rocks. Driveway has pea gravel and gravel on it. Gone on some roads that had loose gravel. I guess I'm just lucky, or just haven't got a rock yet. 8 yrs and no problems without the belt guard, knock on wood or I will have trouble.