Belt off the rear sprocket-- how far is too far?

[daveinva]

I'll post a photo later today for those who care, but about a week or so ago I noticed that the belt on my rear sprocket appears to be creeping out towards the edge. Don't know how long it's been that way-- may have been that way through most of the winter and I'm just (shamefully) noticing it now.

I just remember the belt being up against the inner sprocket like the manual shows. Now, there's a small gap... if you divide the sprocket in thirds the belt is now pretty much in the middle third between the inside and outside edge. Belt is in great shape otherwise.

I'm about 1500 miles out from my next service... other than my peace of mind, is this something I need to get adjusted ASAP, or am I safe in waiting until the service?

 

[jerpinoy]

Get it done before it will cause other damagesnojoke

 

[Jeriatric]

Probably OK

With a service coming soon and if it's NOT because of something being loose as apposed to just being a 'normal use' condition. I'd just keep an eye on it until service time. my2c

 

[JJW SpyderRider]

You should be OK. The belt should be an 1/8" off the pulley. I saw one at Spyderfest 2 that was almost 1/3rd OFF the pulley. The owner said that is where it wants to be even when the dealer tried to adjust it and he has had no problems. I would not run one that far off but I think your good.

Make sure you did not look at the belt after backing up. The belt moves to the outside when backing up.

 

[daveinva]

Make sure you did not look at the belt after backing up. The belt moves to the outside when backing up.

Really? Why is that? Huh. Now that I think about it, the times I've noticed it have been when I've rolled the Spyder back out of the Bike Barn in my driveway, so yeah, it was "backing up." When I park it tonight (after having rolled *forward*) I'll see how it sits.

 

[Bob Denman]

There was an explanation given in here about why you have to have been going forward just prior to check the belt alignment...
It shouldn't be able to pop off the back (Shouldn't!) since there's a flange on the outside of the front sprocket that should catch it... :shocked:

 

[Sarge707]

Really? Why is that? Huh. Now that I think about it, the times I've noticed it have been when I've rolled the Spyder back out of the Bike Barn in my driveway, so yeah, it was "backing up." When I park it tonight (after having rolled *forward*) I'll see how it sits.

Best way to test it (IMHO) is to go down a side street at about 30-35 MPH and gently pull over with No turning motion and you will see it how it looks during Normal riding!

 

[Bob Denman]

:agree: :2thumbs:

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

BELT THING

If you look in the owner's manual it will show you a picture of where the belt should be in relation to the sprocket flange. From your description it sounds fine to me. I would check the nut to make sure it's tight if you can....If you do not have a 36 mm socket, a stilson wrench ( has no teeth )could be used carefully.....DO NOT USE A MONKEY (PLUMBERS) WRENCH.....Good Luck.....Mike :thumbup:

 

[Chupaca]

watch it...!!

Whats the saying.."measure twice cut once". Measure where it is now and after ryding re measure and see if there is any change. Also as stated above run down a street in a straight line and check.. :lecturef_smilie:

 

[daveinva]

Thanks all for the advice, will test things out tonight.

 

[NancysToy]

The belt should be a minimum of 1 mm (1/32") off the flange and a maximum or 5 mm (3/16"). If a consistent gap cannot be maintained, however, you may have front sprocket issues.

 

[daveinva]

Okay, checked it tonight, AFTER I pulled into the driveway.

Yup, just like JJW wrote, the difference is between forward and reverse. Forward, the belt sits probably 1/8th of an inch at most off the flange. Backing up, the belt slides out to that middle third spot.

So Scotty, is that normal and I just haven't noticed it before, or do you think it's a front sprocket issue?

 

[NancysToy]

Okay, checked it tonight, AFTER I pulled into the driveway.

Yup, just like JJW wrote, the difference is between forward and reverse. Forward, the belt sits probably 1/8th of an inch at most off the flange. Backing up, the belt slides out to that middle third spot.

So Scotty, is that normal and I just haven't noticed it before, or do you think it's a front sprocket issue?

The belt does change position forward to reverse, and even on turns. Never check unless you have been moving forward for several turns of the tire or you turn the tire by hand several turns forward. You only have a problem if under those conditions, or despite repeated adjustments, you cannot maintain the specified distance.

You just never noticed before...or you recently changed tires or had a belt adjustment.

 

[Bob Denman]

Dave,
It sounds as if you're good to go! :thumbup:

 

[daveinva]

Thanks to all-- I obviously just never noticed it before. Now I know!