Is there really a Front trunk light?

[TexasSpyder]

I have a 2012RT Ltd. which the broucher says is standard for the front trunk light. Since I first got it in April, I don't recall ever seeing a light up front. There appears to be a switch on the top lip of the trunk activated by the lid. I can't find any info in the owners manual as to where it is supposed to be?
J. D.

 

[Macca]

Turn the bike on then you'll see it.
It eluded me as well

 

[d.o.spyder-rts]

The light is not that big or bright. It's located towards the top left-hand side of the front trunk. Dale

 

[ThreeWheels]

The light is not that big or bright. It's located towards the top left-hand side of the front trunk. Dale

What he said goes double for me. It's so hard to find because it's virtually useless.

 

[Bob Denman]

It's pretty much just there because they had a hole that they needed to fill... I'd get a light from Kewlmetal and mount that in there for improved abilities to see what's down in the hole.

 

[gypsy_100]

The corner opposite the switch. It's often obscured by the liner of the trunk. The light is only on when you open the trunk and the engine is running or just after you switch it off. You know how your headlights stay on for 10 secs or so after you turn the bike off? Well, that's how long the light stays on, too. So by the time you get the trunk open and start to look around, it goes off.

 

[Huntindawg1962]

That "switch" is related to the power frunk release. It may also do something for the light if installed but I know when my power frunk release is not working - playing with that switch makes it work again.

 

[Bob Denman]

Yep... It's for the Frunk release and not the lighting...

 

[Knarfoh]

I have a 2012RT Ltd. which the broucher says is standard for the front trunk light. Since I first got it in April, I don't recall ever seeing a light up front. There appears to be a switch on the top lip of the trunk activated by the lid. I can't find any info in the owners manual as to where it is supposed to be?
J. D.

The liner can also obscure it...

 

[TexasSpyder]

Thanks

I finally found it up under the liner. You're right about the brightness. I think I'll be getting a diferent light for sure.
J. D.

 

[Bob Denman]

Let us know what you decide upon... Happy shopping! :thumbup:

 

[2manycars]

Trunk release

Is there any reason the power trunk release doesn't work when the engine is off. I find the switch almost useless, since I shut the engine off when I need to get something out of the front trunk or put something in. I can not imagine it takes a lot of power for the second or so the power needs to be on the release the trunk.

 

[Bob Denman]

Is your bike a 2010 model? I think that for 2011 and later years, they did provide for power to it with the engine off.
RattiganRoger can provide you with a schematic of how to make it work that way... (If you're brave enough!)

 

[Knarfoh]

Is there any reason the power trunk release doesn't work when the engine is off. I find the switch almost useless, since I shut the engine off when I need to get something out of the front trunk or put something in. I can not imagine it takes a lot of power for the second or so the power needs to be on the release the trunk.

Unless I misunderstood, you want the power trunk button to work all the time? Even with engine off?

Can you put a laptop or Ipad in the front trunk for me? Then go away and don't come back for a while. I just need to know when you are going to park it out in the open.

When I turn the ignition off - I hit the release within the few seconds it takes for the Spyder to entirely power down. I use this time to store my helmet usually. When I operate my Spyder - I put the key in the ignition and turn it (you have to wait those few seconds for the safety message to appear and clear anyway) and I use that time to do whatever I need to do in the front trunk which is usually retrieve my helmet. I then mount the bike, hit the button to clear the safety message, start the Spyder and drive off......

Am I misunderstanding what you want to be able to do? Or are you not able to do what I am able to do with my 2012 Spyder RT-S?

 

[Doodah]

Is there any reason the power trunk release doesn't work when the engine is off. I find the switch almost useless, since I shut the engine off when I need to get something out of the front trunk or put something in. I can not imagine it takes a lot of power for the second or so the power needs to be on the release the trunk.

One reason might be that you can't lock it.

 

[Bob Denman]

You can turn the ignition switch to the "on" position without having to start the vehicle...

 

[d.o.spyder-rts]

The ignition switch must be on in order for the electronic switch to operate. As Knarfoh stated, you can use the switch within a few seconds of shutting off the engine or waiting for the spyder to power up. Dale