Vibration in handlebars at idle

[SpyderDon]

Have vibration in the handlebars even at idle. Not bad but annoying over the long ryde. Being an old faaaart, I don't remember this being there forever. I just had the front tires replaced and the front end aligned, I know that should have nothing to do with this vibration but I honestly don't remember it being there prior to this.

I also had my frist "Limp Home" after I picked up the Spyder upon completion of the above. Come to find out that they forgot a step in the necessary proceedure following alignment. There was also still some vibration. They hauled the Spyder back to the shop realigned it and took care of the Limp Home problem, now this.
\

 

[NancysToy]

I don't know what year your Spyder is, but if it is a 2010, the torque rod clearance to the motor bracket might need to be addressed. Most show interference, and it increases vibration. For others, have the dealer check the motor mount clearance. It should be at least 0.004".

 

[SpyderDon]

2010, supposedly already done. I had a terrible problem at around 5000 rpm prior to that. This is different, it's constant.

 

[NancysToy]

I'd double check the torque rod clearance, then check the motor mount clearance. The motor rubbing on the frame can cause a constant vibration, that doesn't appear just when the engine torques to a certain position. Also, what kind of tires? Switching to a tire with a stiffer sidewall can make the normal vibration feel very different...as can excessive tire pressure. You don't even have to be moving. The sidewalls take some of the "wiggle" room out, making the vibration more evident.

 

[SpyderDon]

Stock tires, the original lasted 17,000 miles and probably would have gone longer if I would have caught the uneven wear, don't like bad tires. I hit a dog, might have had something to do with my front end problem. It's not fun riding a pit bull down a country road.....thankfully it was the Spyder and not 2 wheels.

 

[SpyderDon]

Had a doctor's appt. today, nice, so I rode the Spyder. The dealership happens to be close so I rode down there, They started it and there was a little vibration, I told him that in order to really see what was bothering me he would have to ryde it. Instead he took me in the back and started one that was in for service, it idled worse than mine. Then he took me in the back and started a new one, same thing. I don't recall mine being that bad in the past but maybe it was and I overlooked it, don't think so.

On the way to the dealers it got progressively worse, starts around 3500 RPM to 5000 or above. It may be alignment or balance, I just don't know. All I know is that I wouldn't want to ryde it cross country right now, hell, it wasn't enjoyable ryding the 35 miles home.

 

[NancysToy]

That is the normal worse vibration range on the Spyder RT. That being said, you still may have an engine or torque rod to frame clearance problem...no matter what the other ones did. The only way to be sure is to inspect and measure. By the same token, you can always come over and ride my old Triumph. Your Spyder will feel smooth as glass after that!

 

[SpyderDon]

Scotty, I really appreciate your input. I'll pass on your offer. I remember ryding with a flock (?) of HD's and thinking, I'm sure glad my handlebars don't vibtate as bad as their's do. That was before this incident. Anyway, I just ordered "Ride On". I think it could still be in the front end after seeing how much other RT's handlebars shake at idle. Why do I always seem to have a problem that is unique to my ryde?

 

[chris56]

I got a lot of vibrations after I changed the front-shocks (2010 to 2011) .. the first tyre-garage told me - I would need a new wheel because they are not able to balance it - had no time to send the wheels to BRP to check them - so I visited a small italian garage during my holidays ..
there was only one "weight" in the middle of the wheel ?!? ..so they balanced them with different postions .. running perfect now - maybe that helps

 

[SpyderDon]

Ride on is in and it seemed to help some but the vibration is still there.

I seem to recall that this happened before and was told it was the rear shock, is that possible. Scotty, I'm home alone so I was unable to try your test with the wife on the seat and measuring is the rear of the Spyder rose or lowered, I did what I could with a board, I turned around held the board and reached back and punched the button. Nothing happened. The wife is off tomorrow and we'll try it then but I don't recall hearing the pump for quite some time.

I feel confiend that it's not the alignment or balance, it's RPM not speed, any gear between around 3500 to 6500, another wierd one.

 

[NancysToy]

Ride on is in and it seemed to help some but the vibration is still there.

I seem to recall that this happened before and was told it was the rear shock, is that possible. Scotty, I'm home alone so I was unable to try your test with the wife on the seat and measuring is the rear of the Spyder rose or lowered, I did what I could with a board, I turned around held the board and reached back and punched the button. Nothing happened. The wife is off tomorrow and we'll try it then but I don't recall hearing the pump for quite some time.

I feel confiend that it's not the alignment or balance, it's RPM not speed, any gear between around 3500 to 6500, another wierd one.

Remember that the Spyder must be running, in gear, with the parking brake released to adjust the suspension. The rear suspension stiffness should not affect the vibration level anyway. V-twins shake, motorcycles shake, and Spyders shake. It is the nature of the beast. You seem to be quite sensitive to it. That is unfortunate, because I doubt you will ever make the machine perfectly smooth.

 

[SteveO]

Vibration

Scotty,

You stated the engine mount clearance problem applies to 2010? I clearanced the rod to frame problem and that improved things. I did not realise the engine mount applies to the 2010s. Guess I better go look.

SteveO

 

[NancysToy]

Scotty,

You stated the engine mount clearance problem applies to 2010? I clearanced the rod to frame problem and that improved things. I did not realise the engine mount applies to the 2010s. Guess I better go look.

SteveO

The thicker shims, that are standard now, were not used until late 2011. Not all Spyders have the clearance issue, but it is possible for all the earlier RTs.

 

[Tonga]

Vibration 3000/4000 rpms

Just a short note here about engine vibes at those rpms as mentioned. I installed the belt tensioner from Capt Jim and found that it smoothened my Spyder out. The long belt seems to tighten on the top and loosen on the bottom under load and the tensioner prevents the belt from trying to jump over the rear sprocket teeth. Worked for me.

 

[Bob Denman]

Scotty,
Do you have any pictures available that show where these clearance issues are??
Sorry... pps: I do best with pictures.

 

[NancysToy]

Scotty,
Do you have any pictures available that show where these clearance issues are??
Sorry... pps: I do best with pictures.

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?35561-Motor-Mount-Clearance-Spec-and-Shims

 

[Bob Denman]

Thanks! :2thumbs: