completely dumb and irrelevant question but curious.

[heyharris1]

So, me and my wife and son were sitting outside the theater after watching a movie just talking and my wife says, he, part of the bike fell off. Of coarse i say what are you talking about. And she points right here to the side of the bike. So I start looking and then I start wondering myself. So then I never remember it ever having a part there so i start looking at pics of other bikes and it appears they are all missing or designed that way from the factory. There is like a honeycomb grill on 1 side but not on the other. Is it designed that way for a specific reason, Or can you buy a grill to put in there and make both sides match. I have included a pic of each side.

Thank you

Jim

 

[jnt]

Yup. Grills on both sides. One ain't there. Dealer should have or get one. Install is one of the easier thing.

 

[ARtraveler]

Up until 2014, they were built like that. When I bought my 2008, I had to take a "stealth" visit to the dealer to check out the other models. They were missing the part too. I am thinking it had to do with airflow on the 998's. :thumbup:

 

[cmbspyderrss]

Good info. Strange that a Heat issue would arise and be that sensitive with such an open element as that grille in almost direct line of airflow. Is what it is and I'd order one up personally.

 

[Spider-man]

Yup. Grills on both sides. One ain't there. Dealer should have or get one. Install is one of the easier thing.

Not necessarily true. Older RTs didn't have a grill on the right-hand side from the factory.

 

[jerpinoy]

I just got creative on mine

 

[easysuper]

They don't have the grill on that side until they changed to the 1300 , most folks put in a heat shield and force the heat down thru some holes that you drill out underneath.
There are many threads on this subject.

 

[Buckeye Bleau]

They don't have the grill on that side until they changed to the 1300 , most folks put in a heat shield and force the heat down thru some holes that you drill out underneath.
There are many threads on this subject.

:agree: Could not be more correct.

Joe

 

[heyharris1]

Guess I will have to do some checking as i never paid attention to is as I dont really get all that much heat. My seat gets hotter than my feet.

Jim

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

Guess I will have to do some checking as i never paid attention to is as I dont really get all that much heat. My seat gets hotter than my feet.

Jim

2012 didn't have the heat problem the 2013 did. The right side grill for 2014 can be modified to fit the 2013 so it probably will also fit the 2012. Search for right grill. You should find several discussions of it.

 

[PrairieSpyder]

My 2011 RTS got really hot on the right side. It improved after I put on Harvey's heat-blocker. Of course, never as bad as the '13s!!

 

[mcalva]

I had the same doubt until I read this:

“Do's & Do Not's” for New Spyder Owners
General information
Missing vents.


http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...t-Do-s-and-Do-Nots-quot-for-new-Spyder-owners

 

[scooterexpress]

spyderpops has chrome grilles for those openings and it gives the bike a little extra flair. also that's the lower opening there never was a piece for that spot from the factory you need to buy the block off plate from spyderpops plus the chrome.

 

[Wrongway]

I laughed when I read the original post because:::::::::
The first time that I took a test ride an a Spyder RT the dealer told me I could have it for an hour which I thought was pretty reasonable.
Anyway, about 15 minutes into the test ride, I pulled into a plaza just to check out the Spyder.
When I noticed the missing grill I just knew that this Spyder had been in an accident and a shoddy repair had been done.
I immediately returned it to the dealer and thanked them for the test ride and was on my way.
DUH pps:pps:

 

[oldguyinTX]

2012 didn't have the heat problem the 2013 did. The right side grill for 2014 can be modified to fit the 2013 so it probably will also fit the 2012. Search for right grill. You should find several discussions of it.

:agree: That is what I did on my 2013. I hated having those two open holes.

 

[Bob Denman]

To the O.P.,
You're not the first to get caught by this... and you sure won't be the last! :thumbup:

 

[DGoebel]

My 13 RTL had already been "fixed" with the heat recall scoops where '12's and earlier had clear plastic deflectors, but I hated that the right side "dragon's mouth" was open unlike the grilled left side.
Researched here, found Rob's Mod's and many others that had bought the 2014 Right side grill and plate (#705004803 can be ordered for $20 ish). I did use a small sheet metal screw to attach the tab on the font edge of the grill part to the Radiator surround. Easy and cheap. and modded and mounted that so the bike looks..... normal.... Mine just involved cutting some vent holes in the right side housing behind the radiator and placing the Right side vent in the empty holes.
While at Spyder's in the Ozarks, I met a fellow that had completely removed the housing behind the right side radiator and the bottom shield that allows all the hot air to vent down and behind providing even better heat exhaust than what I'd done. Now on this years winter farkle list.