Cheap or No Cost Protection to keep From Losing Panels

[DR Buck]

I have not had any issues with losing either of the panels on my RT. However, I keep reading where even on new Spyders people are still losing them. So while I was doing all of my recent mods I decided to 'fix' my panels so they won't be blowing down the road.

This is a low cost or even free fix depending on how fancy you want to get.

First, remove both pop off panels from the Spyder and remove the chrome Can Am trim piece.



The chrome piece is held on with a single screw.



After removing the chrome trim drill two small holes as shown in the next photo. Use ~ 1/8" drill bit and drill in the spot indicated as it is pretty thick and there is extra space under the chrome at that spot.



From here on is where you can get as fancy or simple as you want. Run a flexible wire, string or small cable through the holes and fasten it. I used picture hanging stranded wire and miniature crimps because it is strong and flexible. You can use string or any other flexible wire. You could even tie it instead of using crimps. Just don't use single strand wire as it will most likely break.



I connected small clips to the other end of the wire. You could skips those and just tie the other end to the Spyder if you want.



On the RT there are extra holes where you can fasten the wire. Make the length long enough to be able to remove the panels, but not so long that they reach the ground.



Depending how fast you are going when they blow off, they might flop around some, but they will not go under the Spyder, some other vehicle or skidding down the road getting destroyed.



This entire mod took me about 20 minutes and most of the time was spent looking for my crimping tool. Everything I used I had laying around the garage but if I bought it new it would have cost less than $10. Very cheap insurance for a couple of $200 + panel.

[NancysToy]

Very elegant! Good job!!!

[MidLifeCrisis]

That's a pretty cool setup. My RT had nothing but loose panels when I bought it and almost all of my grommets would push through when I tried to put them back and noticed a couple missing after having the bike serviced. I bought all new grommets and replaced them and have had no issues. I'm not sure if the 2011s had loose grommets or not, but the 2010s sure did. That may be some of what you're reading with regards to panels blowing off.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[Jeriatric]

Dr Buck < Always thinking

Great post.

Hope it's seen, and acted on by many.

[Chupaca]

Good way to keep them from flying down the road. Nice presentation...thanks..!!

[liketoride2]

On the ride home from the dealers after purchasing my 2010 RT, a trip of all of 4 miles, one of the panels flew off. It was damaged and replaced at no cost to me. After that I reinforced the panel attachments with industrial strength velcro and have never lost one again in the 13,000+ miles I've ridden since. Another simple, low cost solution.

Mike
Idaho
www.rtwrider.net

[SpyderAnn01]

Very fancy. I have Velcro onions and it works great

[harrypottar]

Very fancy. I have Velcro onions and it works great

What are Velcro "onions"?

Not a cheap option but an added feature that prevents the panel coming off. I added Baker AirWings the way they mount will prevent the panel from ever blowing off. Plus there great in the rain(while moving) forcing the rain to blow around you.

But I do like the ideas here...


harry

[shrubs]

A trick I use on grommets is to add a little spittle to them. This way they wont push the rubber out when replacing the panel.

[mtbear]

I used velcro after one came off
mtbear

[cjackg]

I used similar approach on my 2010 after losing a panel from dealer service, but now just use a velcro patch on the 2012 for insurance.

Very nice job on the presentation.... and you pulled it off without resorting to huge text sizes in the discussion.... lol

[jthornton]

Excellent Idea!

I wish I could find my tools in less than 20 minutes

John

[Bob Denman]

Doc, Slick... REAL slick!! And it even looks as if even I could accomplish this one!

[johnnie1]

Thanks for the info, good idea.

[ncll]

I've lost two on the right side on my 2010 RT-S. So, on my new 2013 I simply went to the hardware store and for $2.00 I bought two matching stainless steel bolts, that match the stock ones on the bike. They look fine and install in minutes. Peace of mind.

[Wiredux]

I've lost two on the right side on my 2010 RT-S. So, on my new 2013 I simply went to the hardware store and for $2.00 I bought two matching stainless steel bolts, that match the stock ones on the bike. They look fine and install in minutes. Peace of mind.

Can you post some pics?

[Ben Burped]

In a word VELCRO. Even the dullest "tech" has a bad time screwing up VELCRO.