To grill or not to grill that is the question

[GeorgeXP700]

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.

[Scotts8826]

I installed grills after my trip across South Dakota.
20210731_134422.jpg

[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.

[RayBJ]

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.

[ARtraveler]

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.

[GeorgeXP700]

I’m not too worried about small bugs getting caught. Heck that’s dehydrated snacks. Mostly for trash getting caught.

[GreyGhost]

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..

[UtahPete]

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.

[redrazor]

I installed grills after my trip across South Dakota.
20210731_134422.jpg

HOLY CRAP!!

[FrogmanDave]

HOLY CRAP!!

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

[AeroPilot]

Been thinking of applying to the western KS Ag Bureau for payment as a crop pest exterminator...Grasshopper.jpg

[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

[Excoastie]

I have the KOTTS screens/ grills.

I painted them black with a rattle can before the install. I haven't looked back!

--Exco

[SkipH]

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.

[kroache]

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

[redrazor]

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

[Little Blue]

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'. ......

[Quickdraw]

I installed grills after my trip across South Dakota.
20210731_134422.jpg

I really hope you wore a full face helmet, or at least a 3/4 shell with a face shield.

[Fat Baxter]

Love bug season is coming up in Florida!

lovebugs.jpg

[Peter Aawen]

Love bug season is coming up in Florida!

lovebugs.jpg

OWW!

[SOlsenPHS]

I installed grills after my trip across South Dakota.
20210731_134422.jpg

What did your helmet look like!!!

[SOlsenPHS]

Love bug season is coming up in Florida!

lovebugs.jpg

Gotta love the LOVE BUGS

[DGoebel]

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....

[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.

[UtahPete]

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!