Anyone tried Shortening the rear mud flap?

[Dstrat]

I have a ‘21 RT base model. Has anyone tried shortening the rear mud flap? I would think it would make examination of the rear tire so much easier. I have to lay on the ground to check my wear bars. I know the big flap keeps the rooster tail of debris off the bike, but it seems so very long. Worth it or am I out in left field?

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I have a ‘21 RT base model. Has anyone tried shortening the rear mud flap? I would think it would make examination of the rear tire so much easier. I have to lay on the ground to check my wear bars. I know the big flap keeps the rooster tail of debris off the bike, but it seems so very long. Worth it or am I out in left field?

Yep it will ..... however it will allow a lot more water to hit the back of your Spyder and Passenger. .... I have a H.M. hitch and that also has a mud flap, that works in conjunction witht the OEM flap which I actually extended ( made longer ) .....Mike

[Woodaddict]

if you shorten it, you'll be sorry. i have a 2015 RTL, slightly different in design, but I put on a mudflap extension!! the passenger gets most of the road spray or grime. Just ride a little bit in the rain and you'll see why you need it,,, better yet,,, take your passenger in the rain, let them complain to you

you could always back up on a single plastic ramp to get tread higher to check

[UtahPete]

I've extended mine to better protect the trailer.

[spyderdave]

I would not shorten it. There's a tempting mark/groove across the lower end that looks inviting; I've thought about it, but resisted the urge. It's long for a reason..., and $199 if you want to change your mind.

[Dstrat]

Ok, I hear you. I never have a passenger, don’t even have that back seat/top box. (Mine is the base model.) And lengthen it? It’s only 3-4 inches off the ground!
Anyway, I’ll leave it alone. It was just a thought…

[KAMJAM]

I did cut mine off at the mark/groove as mentioned above as it was distorted, like something had been pressed into it for an extended period of time. The stealership (no longer a dealer) agreed to replace it, but then backed out at the last moment. I tried heating it up to reshaping it, but it still looked like crap. I think it looks great now, more of an aggressive stance/look... "that's pretty big shoe you got there!" a passer-by said to me.

We ride always ride solo (we each have 2020RT std.), so anything that flings up is a non-issue for us and we like the look. My .02

spyder butt 2.jpg

[JSRT]

I cut mine at the mark also. While pulling into a parking lot that was substantially lower than the road, the flap hit pretty hard and had some noticeable scuffs. I cut it that night to avoid doing more serious damage if it happened again. On a recent 3500 mile trip, we hit rain for 3 days. I didn’t notice any real difference in water protection or spray from the rear wheel.

[K80Shooter]

What we have here is another example of two very different models of Spyders.

While they are all Rt's the 2020+ models appear to be longer than the pre 2020 models. Even when you install a hitch to these, you are told to cut the flap off at the line. (I did not)

Like the op states, the newer ones are very low to the ground from the factory.