DR Buck
New member
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.
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.
