Do the new Side panels really cool the ST or RS?

[Tazzel]

I am looking to purchase the new side panels that are on the 2015 RS for my 2012 RS after confirming with the Dealer that the new panels will fit on the older RS's. I was wondering for the ST (or even RS) owners that had the new side panels installed, do they make a difference? I am debating on upgrading to a F3 or just buying the airflow panels. I love my RS, also love the new F3 but have the RS paid off,so not too excited about going back in the hole again. I know, I know most of you will say go for the F3 but just looking at all my options. So if there are those out there that can give me some feedback on the effective rating on the new panels, do so.

 

[03hdjill]

First, let me say that I love my STL. Have 15000 miles on it. What I experienced is that the heat was moved from the thigh area down to the calf area. (I have ridden motorcycles, so I am used to hot pipes. My FLHTI pipes melted a couple good rainsuit pants....had to have leather patches added.) I ride with all the gear, all the time, so the heat is there, but not unbearable.

 

[SNOOPY]

I think the panels helped, but it is a combination with some other things that really lower the temps.

 

[IGETAROUND]

​My 2014 has never risen above 4 bars on the temp read out

 

[ARCTIC]

Prior to installing the new panels, I noticed a great deal of heat right there where they tuck under the seat. Now when I'm riding it actually has cool air streaming from the cracks between the panels which is very refreshing.

 

[ARCTIC]

One thought. .... go to a dealer and test ride a bike that has the air scoop panels and see for yourself! !!

 

[Chupaca]

For sure..!!

eliminate all heat...no. But the more air movement you get in there the cooler it will be. The panels is just part of the changes made and are being made...:thumbup:

 

[NM Wrench]

No

We had a 2013 ST-L and it was a hot box that was miserable to ride. Had the panels changed and did nothing for us to get rid of heat. Got rid of it and got a 2014 RT-S and soooo glad we made the swap. Now we can say that we actually love our Spyder. Went from and expensive garage ornament to an expensive garage toy! I would go to the F3 if it was me JMHO

 

[Tazzel]

We had a 2013 ST-L and it was a hot box that was miserable to ride. Had the panels changed and did nothing for us to get rid of heat. Got rid of it and got a 2014 RT-S and soooo glad we made the swap. Now we can say that we actually love our Spyder. Went from and expensive garage ornament to an expensive garage toy! I would go to the F3 if it was me JMHO

Oh I knew someone would say it!!!!! Yeah its hard, I love my RS but it is getting up there in miles and I am thinking to trade to a F3. It doesn’t help that a Dealership is giving me a pretty sweet deal on F3 pricing and money for my trade.

 

[Bob Denman]

Awwww...
Life is short; make the deal! :thumbup:

 

[ARCTIC]

F3's are not very attractive to look at IMHO

 

[Bob Denman]

How much of it can you see, when you're actually riding it?

 

[isthatahemi]

F3's are not very attractive to look at IMHO

Haha - True. And in hot weather the stupidly noisy cooling fans are a bit much. (Since we are discussing cooling).

 

[SNOOPY]

F3's are not very attractive to look at IMHO

:agree:


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[CanAmChris]

F3's are not very attractive to look at IMHO

:agree: .

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder my friends. Some people think Bentleys are beautiful cars. They all look like bricks on wheels to me
I love that we can agree to disagree :trike:

Haha - True. And in hot weather the stupidly noisy cooling fans are a bit much. (Since we are discussing cooling).

It is quite loud. If anyone ever mentions it, I'll either tell them it is the turbo charger spinning up or an APU. 95% won't have any idea. Then I will laugh and say it is the cooling fan.

 

[SNOOPY]

...Bentleys are kinda fugly too. :roflblack:

.

 

[CanAmChris]

:agree:

 

[Deer Slayer]

​My 2014 has never risen above 4 bars on the temp read out

+1:cheers: