Anyone removed the Rear Trunk on 2020 RTL & replaced with panel? Miss the storage?

[Bangorbob]

Has anyone removed the rear trunk and replaced with panel? If so, did you miss the storage space?

[Peteoz]

Has anyone removed the rear trunk and replaced with panel? If so, did you miss the storage space?

That’s such an “individual circumstances” thing, Bob. I ride with the panel unless I’m heading off on a multi day trip. It is only 5 minutes to remove the panel and pop the trunk back on.

Pete

[FrogmanDave]

Yes and I did miss the space so I just leave the trunk on. I only ran the panel one time when I first got my Spyder. Plus I have installed the factory passenger arm rests and the Spyder looks very strange with arm rests and no trunk.

[K80Shooter]

I thought that I would like the panel but have found that I really like the looks better with the trunk installed.
Like Pete said, it literally only takes 5 minutes to change. If you prefer that look, then go for it.

[Peteoz]

I thought that I would like the panel but have found that I really like the looks better with the trunk installed.
Like Pete said, it literally only takes 5 minutes to change. If you prefer that look, then go for it.

Yeah, that’s why it is so hard to “recommend” anything, K80. I much prefer the “trunkless” look, and you much prefer the “trunked” look. It’s all in the eye of the beholder

Pete

[Yabbadabbadoo]

As they say "Beauty is in the eye of the beer-holder"

top case beer ai generated.jpg

[Bangorbob]

Thanks for the responses. I was trying to get a feel of other peoples personal likes and dislikes. I would probably use the panel cus I don't do any long riding. Sciatica is getting the best of me. I would miss the storage if I did trips. Again, I appreciate your input(s).

[Copperman]

I bought my 2020 RT Limited in early 2020. It took me a month or two to find a chalk rear panel. I ordered it and when it arrived, I took off my top box and put it up on a shelf in my garage. It hasn't seen the light of day since. To be fair, my wife rides her own Spyder and I pull an RT622 trailer.

[Peteoz]

Thanks for the responses. I was trying to get a feel of other peoples personal likes and dislikes. I would probably use the panel cus I don't do any long riding. Sciatica is getting the best of me. I would miss the storage if I did trips. Again, I appreciate your input(s).

It’s only 5 minutes if you change your mind, Bob. I have popped the trunk on a couple of times when it’s hot and we are two up, as you can leave helmets and jackets in the RT. My jacket is a very large bit of gear, as you can imagine

Pete

[BamaJohn]

@BangorBob: I understand your question to see what others feel about the trunk on/off, and it's always interesting to see how our fellow riders approach our sport. On my 2020 RT, I've had the trunk on/off several times and like the look and lost weight of the trunk when off. But I always put it back on because I carry important (to me) stuff in there, like extra gloves; tire repair kit with micro air compressor; windshield/face shield cleaner; a lightweight travel cover; a few hand tools; duct tape; zip ties; etc. (anal? Yes!)
Laugh with me as I share a use for duct tape while riding: 2 years ago, while in Mt Airy North Carolina on a 32 degree F morning, I zipped up my Aerostitch pants in the restroom and the zipper came apart from the waist to the floor! I held the pieces together enough to get out to the trike and taped around my pants at 3 places and finished the day's ride. Duct tape rocks!

[Bangorbob]

@BangorBob: I understand your question to see what others feel about the trunk on/off, and it's always interesting to see how our fellow riders approach our sport. On my 2020 RT, I've had the trunk on/off several times and like the look and lost weight of the trunk when off. But I always put it back on because I carry important (to me) stuff in there, like extra gloves; tire repair kit with micro air compressor; windshield/face shield cleaner; a lightweight travel cover; a few hand tools; duct tape; zip ties; etc. (anal? Yes!)
Laugh with me as I share a use for duct tape while riding: 2 years ago, while in Mt Airy North Carolina on a 32 degree F morning, I zipped up my Aerostitch pants in the restroom and the zipper came apart from the waist to the floor! I held the pieces together enough to get out to the trike and taped around my pants at 3 places and finished the day's ride. Duct tape rocks!

John, I get the duct tape thing. Some of us went camping in Washington state and a couple of us road our MC's. 80's when we left. 38 degrees and raining when we were going to start for home. No rain gear. Only 1 other couple in the campgrounds. They were kind enough to give us some large garbage bags and Duct Tape. Instant rain gear. I always carry the tape when I go on extended trips. Thanks for the input.

[Bangorbob]

I bought my 2020 RT Limited in early 2020. It took me a month or two to find a chalk rear panel. I ordered it and when it arrived, I took off my top box and put it up on a shelf in my garage. It hasn't seen the light of day since. To be fair, my wife rides her own Spyder and I pull an RT622 trailer.

Sir, do you have a pic of your bike with the panel on? I ask because my trunk top is black. I don't particularly like black out here in the desert but don't know if the white panel would be too much white. Thanks.

[GS1]

my 2020 rt cam with the removable back rest and rack, i bought a panel. The only time i put the back rest on is when my wife rides with me which is not that often
20221230_101057.jpg

[Copperman]

Sir, do you have a pic of your bike with the panel on? I ask because my trunk top is black. I don't particularly like black out here in the desert but don't know if the white panel would be too much white. Thanks.

I keep a bag strapped on my passenger seat. I like the look because it balances out my Spyder.

[Bangorbob]

I keep a bag strapped on my passenger seat. I like the look because it balances out my Spyder.

Thanks to you and GS1. The bag does make a difference. Nice looking rides.

[tntnj]

I have the base model , I bought the top case and only use it when I go on overnight trips. I like the look of the RT with out the top case, but I need the room when I go away overnight.

[RayBJ]

I put the utility rack on my 20 RT Base and leave it full time. I bolted a Shad Top Case base and put the case on occasionally. I also exchange the base plate for a RotoPax Gas mount for long isolated tours (see avatar). The original painted cover sits in the shed.

[FrogmanDave]

One thing to consider when you remove the trunk.....you lose the third brake light. I like having as much visibility as possible. Front and back.

[Peteoz]

One thing to consider when you remove the trunk.....you lose the third brake light. I like having as much visibility as possible. Front and back.

Yes, that was one of my serious considerations that I forgot to mention, Dave. Mind you, we don’t get the trunk brake light out here (very odd decision by the transport authorities, as it is right in the line of sight of following cars ). I actually ordered one and put it in. I’m now looking to find something that will sit higher on the cover.

Pete

[Quickdraw]

One thing to consider when you remove the trunk.....you lose the third brake light. I like having as much visibility as possible. Front and back.

I never remove my top case for this reason. The more lights for people to see you, the better. I added the slingmod afterburner lights but I still like the extra light from the top case. Plus, it's eye level for drivers behind me so it's more noticeable. My take is, the bigger the footprint, the hope is the better chance that they'll see you.

[RiderDuke]

I never remove my top case for this reason. The more lights for people to see you, the better. I added the slingmod afterburner lights but I still like the extra light from the top case. Plus, it's eye level for drivers behind me so it's more noticeable. My take is, the bigger the footprint, the hope is the better chance that they'll see you.

+1 on this... I'll be getting the new Show Chrome lights when they are available also..
https://www.lamonstergarage.com/led-...-limited-2020/

[Quickdraw]

+1 on this... I'll be getting the new Show Chrome lights when they are available also..
https://www.lamonstergarage.com/led-...-limited-2020/

They're pricey but I may get them in the spring anyhow. Thanks for the info.

[Big F]

I have a 2023 RTL and I bought the cover panel and decided the bike looks better with the trunk on plus we always need some storage area? I have never driven a mile without the trunk on? the cover was not a good investment on my part..
BIG F

[RiderDuke]

They're pricey but I may get them in the spring anyhow. Thanks for the info.

Yeah they are $$$$$$$.... I like the way they look.. Almost factory

[blacklightning]

I do like mine better without the trunk. But sometimes the wife will not ride her own bike, but Ican convince her to ride with me. So now I keep the trunk on mine and ride hers when I want to not have the trunk. As for extra space, I don't miss it, because I rode a 2016 F3T for 6 years. No storage there.