Adjustable Air Deflector - Bad Design?

[GadgetGuy442]

Went to motorcycle show in Novi yesterday, and saw a new RT with the optional adjustable side air deflectors (under the mirrors). Was very disappointed to see that in the middle (straight) detent position, the forward edge of each deflector would interfere with the opening of the frunk!!

That seems like careless engineering to me. Looked like it only would have needed a slight (8-10 mm or so) design change to have avoided that.

Has anyone observed this too?

Bill

 

[YIRYDE]

I just checked my deflectors and I can open the frunk without hitting the deflectors in any position. I don't know if it's a issue with the 2013 model or not installed properly.

 

[stevedfive]

I have a 2010 and frunk opens without hitting.

 

[Bob Denman]

Did you actually see this interference occur? There may be JUST enough clearance as the funklid tips forward so that it's a non-issue... :dontknow:

 

[StanProff]

air deflectors

I put the adjustable deflectors on my 2010 RTS and have only been able to take a couple of short ride due to the weather so far. I did test them a little, on four lane roads, They do help the direct air flow to the rider on the hot days. (I usually removed the factory deflectors in the summer and put them back on in the winter). Now These new one's can be left on year round. As far as them interfering with the Frunk, I don't think so but I'll look at it tonight when I get home. I like the adjustability of them and they are easy to position from one setting to another. A good addition for warmer riding.

 

[Sarge707]

I don't know squat about aerodynamics.

However, I have a friend who is a pilot and has built several aircraft projects.
When he first saw my Spyder he was drawn to those deflectors.

I said "Those must have something to do with plowing though the air"
"No, I don't think so" he said.
"Those deflectors are there so those engine vents behind them work."
"Huh?", I said
"If air flowed over those engine vents, the hot air under them wouldn't be able to escape.", he replied.

So, I guess my question or comment is:
Does that make sense?

I,m NO expert either But My Deflectors are Just coming off for the warmer months because I feel the air rushing by the vents helps to draw the hot engine air out of the compartment "Just Like" the venturi vents on your helmet help draw warm air from your helmet as the outside air rushes by?
Since I wear a thermal suit in winter weather the only thing those deflectors do as far as I,m concerned is slow you down and I,m not a fan of going slower? I leave them on in winter for comfort!

PS: I,m No pilot but can Pass a written flight exam since I studied for years to be a pilot before the Spyder Bug hit me.

 

[jerpinoy]

Can we use them to deflect hot air under the seat for winter drive?:roflblack::roflblack::roflblack::roflblack:

 

[bluestratos]

I just went out and looked at mine. When I opened it to the first detent I thought it would touch but the hood just clears by an 1/8" as it moves through its arc so they did design then correctly in that regard. The second detent leaves a mile of clearance so no worries there.

Regards,

Randy

 

[StanProff]

Went to motorcycle show in Novi yesterday, and saw a new RT with the optional adjustable side air deflectors (under the mirrors). Was very disappointed to see that in the middle (straight) detent position, the forward edge of each deflector would interfere with the opening of the frunk!!

That seems like careless engineering to me. Looked like it only would have needed a slight (8-10 mm or so) design change to have avoided that.

Has anyone observed this too?

Bill

I went out last night and checked mine on the clearence. I have a 3/16th clearence. No problem.

 

[Bob Denman]

Since "Close" only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades; :thumbup:

 

[NancysToy]

I don't know.
Now that I've removed the airbox I feel a lot of heat coming from those vents.
This summer I will be able to experiment and see if the incoming air seals or pulls.

Normally, air flowing perpendicularly across an opening will create lower pressure at the opening, and pull air out. If the opening is large, turbulence can limit or even reverse this effect. The location of the Spyder vent could be a problem, though, if it is an area of naturally high pressure due to the shape and angle of the body there. The OEM deflector is so large that it likely creates a dead air area at the vent, which would not increase flow, but would allow heat to flow out by convection, and might be necessary if the vent is in a high pressure location. "Dairy slots" in the deflector, or a small gap at the body would help increase air velocity across the vent quite effectively, I'm guessing. They could have been noisy and aerodynamically inefficient, though. Time to tape some streamers to your Spyder, put the smoke generator inside the body, set up your GoPro camera, and become a rolling wind tunnel. Don't be surprised if you get chased by a fire truck, though. :roflblack:

 

[Bob Denman]

:shocked: Gee... This sure sounds like a SpyderFest 2013 Group project! :thumbup:

 

[Dragonrider]

No problem on my RT either. One of the best mods BRP has offered, even at BRP prices…..

 

[Bob Denman]

Oh, like that's the first time THAT has ever happened to me.

There has GOT to be a story worth telling (AND hearing!) in there... :bbq:

 

[cjackg]

Just installed a set of these on my 2012 RT and had no clearance issues.

it will be interesting to see if these help with managing the air flow and heat levels with the RT air box removed. I will be getting some great warm weather tests starting tomorrow! :thumbup:

 

[MouthPiece]

I think someone in here is related to Professor Irwin Corey. The question becomes which one is it?:roflblack::roflblack:

Chris

 

[Bob Denman]

Okay, this happened a long time ago and I'm sketchy on the details but here goes.
I ran an electronics testing lab and worked for a company that made stuff for the petroleum industry.

There was some kind of test that was required that involved dry ice, which we didn't have.
I had cobbled together a '58 Vespa 125 that I lazily drove the few blocks from our house to the lab.

It was a horrendously hot August and I decided to go to the Scientific Supply House and pick up the dry ice on my Vespa.

Dry Ice will, under some conditions create a bunch of smoke.
Those conditions were, apparently, met on that hot Friday afternoon, stored in a leaky cooler on the back of my Vespa.

I was going west on one of the main thorofares in Erie.
Coming east was a returning fire brigade (3 trucks and the Chief).

Apparently, I was leaving what was perceived by The Chief a smoke trail.
The Chief's Bronco made a U-turn on a busy street followed by (I guess) the hook & ladder truck in "hot pursuit".

I've been pulled over by Police of almost every variety, but to have a Fire Chief followed by 6 guys in full fire gear is truly a memorable thing.

I explained.
Smiled and explained some more.

:clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap: :firstplace: