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To grill or not to grill that is the question
I've been looking at radiator grills for my 22 RTL Dark. What are the Pros and Cons? What brand do you prefer? I like the look of the Hypnotic Concepts in black, fits in with the Dark theme.
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Active Member
I installed grills after my trip across South Dakota.
20210731_134422.jpg
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I looked at aftermarket grilles for quite a while before noping out, here's why: they didn't darken the radiators and give a true blackout look, the (mesh) openings are similar in size to the factory and really won't stop any smaller bugs from plugging the radiator fins, and lastly, I would have to wash both sets of grilles and still have to blow bugs out of the radiator.
So after the first riding season, I removed the entire frunk module, gently picked (w/a toothpick), the bugs out of the rads, blew'em out, then sprayed'em with a light coat of black laquer. I removed the factory grilles, stretched aluminum screen over them, painted' em black, and reinstalled everything. (note: I used scrap pcs of aluminum screen-door screen, it won't sag after a gentle brushing)
Now I have a RTL w/a (somewhat sinister) blackout look..., and I can clean the grilles with a rag on long rides, or a soft fingernail brush & soapy rag on wash day.
Hope this helps.
2020 Spyder RT Limited; Deep Marsala/Chrome
Formosa AZ01 165/50/R16's on PPA Recluse wheels up front
General Altimax RT43 215/60/R15 on factory rear
Primary exhaust: RLS Cat delete w/ his baffle; secondary, custom built w/ Flowmaster HS2
Suspension: BajaRon swaybar (highly recommended!), M2 coil-overs, front & rear (also highly recomended!)
Extra LED lighting and misc. to suit my needs/wants
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Very Active Member
The after-market grills are very good at keeping leaves and stones off the radiator fins and clearing any debris easily. They will not prevent small bugs from passing through. They also enhance the look IMHO. I prefer the weaved grills, not the stamped grills for the style. Plus they match the upper vent hole grills.
'20 Spyder RT: Bajaron swaybar. Vredestein tires, Pedal Commander, Elka front shocks, GPS/USB/12V handlebar mount, Heli-Bars, Radar Detector, KOTT grills & vents, Shad top case, chin & DRL LEDs.
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Very Active Member
They work and make the appearance of the spyder up line from OEM.
Keep the grill clean, and actually check the radiators once in a while. The bugs still get through, and you may be surprised at what does get through anyway.
Currently Owned: 2019 F3 Limited, 2020 F3 Limited: SOLD BOTH LIMITEDS in October of 2023.
Previously : 2008 GS-SM5 (silver), 2009 RS-SE5 (red), 2010 RT-S Premier Editon #474 (black) 2011 RT A&C SE5 (magnesium) 2014 RTS-SE6 (yellow)
MY FINAL TALLY: 7 Spyders, 15 years, 205,500 miles
IT HAS BEEN A LONG, WONDERFUL, AND FUN RIDE.
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I’m not too worried about small bugs getting caught. Heck that’s dehydrated snacks. Mostly for trash getting caught.
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Active Member
The first trip I made on mine unfortunately took me down a portion of rural road that had just been resurfaced with what appeared to be recycled concrete..by the time I could react I was as close to the turnoff as I was if I turned around..bottom line, as I was removing the grasshoppers and other bugs I removed 3 pieces of the concrete..
Installing Kott grills was my first addition to the Spyder..
2021 RTL Chalk White (a paler shade of grey, of which there are 50)
Name: GreyGhost
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Originally Posted by spyderdave
I looked at aftermarket grilles for quite a while before noping out, here's why: they didn't darken the radiators and give a true blackout look, the (mesh) openings are similar in size to the factory and really won't stop any smaller bugs from plugging the radiator fins, and lastly, I would have to wash both sets of grilles and still have to blow bugs out of the radiator.
So after the first riding season, I removed the entire frunk module, gently picked (w/a toothpick), the bugs out of the rads, blew'em out, then sprayed'em with a light coat of black laquer. I removed the factory grilles, stretched aluminum screen over them, painted' em black, and reinstalled everything. (note: I used scrap pcs of aluminum screen-door screen, it won't sag after a gentle brushing)
Now I have a RTL w/a (somewhat sinister) blackout look..., and I can clean the grilles with a rag on long rides, or a soft fingernail brush & soapy rag on wash day.
Hope this helps.
That's a great idea.
2014 RTL Platinum
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Active Member
2014 RTL bought in 3/20 with only 6,000 mi.
Came with Garmin 660
Car tires in 5/20; Elka stage 2 front shocks in 10/21
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Very Active Member
That is exactly what I thought. The worst I have ever seen! I can't imagine what his teeth looked like after riding through that
2022 Petrol Metallic RT Limited / 'PYDER'
Peter Pan has struck again!
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Very Active Member
Been thinking of applying to the western KS Ag Bureau for payment as a crop pest exterminator...Grasshopper.jpg
07 Shadows, Aero, Spirit gone but not forgotten
03 Harley Sportster, 07 RK moved on
11 RT- 76,000 mi, 15 RT-S- 44,000 mi, traded for current 15 base RT and 16 F3T
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Very Active Member
My thought is that adding the secondary grills just creates another layer to clean...and with two layers of junk stuck, in my opinion that will slow down airflow even more. I do like the look of some of them, but for cleaning and cooling purposes I've opted out from buying them
2021 RT Limited
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I have the KOTTS screens/ grills.
I painted them black with a rattle can before the install. I haven't looked back!
--Exco
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Active Member
Yes, the first thing I did on this 21 is paint the radiators with high temp flat black paint. That aluminum look made it look cheap to me.
It required a lot of masking, the results was a better looking front end.The Kotts grill has already caught some butterflies.
Looking at that bug infested front end reminded me of a trip from Vegas to Kingman,AZ back in the day. I had a Honda GL 1000 and the yellow butterflies were mating and the front of the bike was completely yellow including my black leather outfit. Got home and the wife took the hose to me.
Adj removable backrest, KOTT radiator screens
Double horn (118db), Lamonster mirror fix
tender plug in, luggage liner/bags, FOBO 2
Drinks2go cup holder, replaced the seat strut
Garmin DriveSmart 71 GPS, Garmin BC 30 backup camera.
White pulley, Pedal Commander
Laminar Lip- looks fonky but works.
J&M 2003 CB installed
Home made belt guard
7x12 enclosed trailer
2021 RTL Dark Chalk Metallic
Skip H.
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Active Member
I have these from Pierre over at Can Am Accessories https://www.canamspyderaccessories.c...s-2020-and-up/
I like the finished look better than seeing the open radiators and I figure it will help protect from larger objects while travelling. I 'm pretty pleased with the look and the overall product quality.
Cheers
Kevin
FrontGrills (2).jpg
2020 RT Limited - Chalk Metallic Dark
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Active Member
Originally Posted by Mazo EMS2
My thought is that adding the secondary grills just creates another layer to clean...and with two layers of junk stuck, in my opinion that will slow down airflow even more. I do like the look of some of them, but for cleaning and cooling purposes I've opted out from buying them
2014 RTL bought in 3/20 with only 6,000 mi.
Came with Garmin 660
Car tires in 5/20; Elka stage 2 front shocks in 10/21
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SpyderLovers Ambassador
Less to Clean
Originally Posted by Mazo EMS2
My thought is that adding the secondary grills just creates another layer to clean...and with two layers of junk stuck, in my opinion that will slow down airflow even more. I do like the look of some of them, but for cleaning and cooling purposes I've opted out from buying them
I for one don't like the mess. You still have some trash to Clean. Do as You like. I will enjoy my time with 'wind therapy'. ......
ENJOY YOUR LIFE WITH A SPYDER
Ryde with a Friend and be Safe
My Spyder ..... 'Little Blue-Boy'
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Active Member
Originally Posted by Scotts8826
I really hope you wore a full face helmet, or at least a 3/4 shell with a face shield.
2021 RT Base - Petrol Blue
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Very Active Member
Love bug season is coming up in Florida!
lovebugs.jpg
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Ozzie Ozzie Ozzie
2013 RT Ltd Pearl White
Ryde More, Worry Less!
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Originally Posted by Scotts8826
What did your helmet look like!!!
2015 Can Am Spyder RT Limited
Magic Mirrors
Short Antenna
LaMonster Dual Power Plate
LED Headlights
LED Fog lights
Vibration Damper
Spyclops
Spyclops II
Utopia Back Rest
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Originally Posted by Fat Baxter
Gotta love the LOVE BUGS
2015 Can Am Spyder RT Limited
Magic Mirrors
Short Antenna
LaMonster Dual Power Plate
LED Headlights
LED Fog lights
Vibration Damper
Spyclops
Spyclops II
Utopia Back Rest
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Very Active Member
Photos please, let's see that front end up close Brother Dave, seems we like the same mods though I have the PPA Widows w same tires and everything....
Safe Rides,
David and Sharon Goebel
Both Retired USAF Veterans
2018 Anniversary Edition RT Limited
Baja Ron ultimate swaybar. Vredestein tires, Baja Ron Front Shock Pre-load adjusters, Pedal Box, See my Spyder Garage
IBA 70020 |
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I read somewhere that every year, 20 trillion bugs are killed on windshields each year. Has anyone noticed a decrease in the bug population? Makes you wonder exactly how many bugs are living on our earth at any given time.
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Originally Posted by ollicat
I read somewhere that every year, 20 trillion bugs are killed on windshields each year. Has anyone noticed a decrease in the bug population? Makes you wonder exactly how many bugs are living on our earth at any given time.
Well, I was in the middle of counting them, but now I've forgotten where I was and have to start again. Crikey!
2014 RTL Platinum
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