Front Mud Flaps

[ShadyGrady]

I hate the cheap looking mud flaps (and even cheaper looking reflector) on the front fenders of my 2013 ST and want to get rid of them. I removed the 2 screws used to attach them to the inner fender but I am left with about 2" of the inner fender with the 2 mounting holes exposed. I am thinking about trimming the inner fender flush with the outer fender but first I thought I would check to see if anyone has come up with a better solution first. I would appreciate suggestions even if you have not tried them personally.
Thanks,
ShadyGrady

 

[Pennyrick]

I hate the cheap looking mud flaps (and even cheaper looking reflector) on the front fenders of my 2013 ST and want to get rid of them. I removed the 2 screws used to attach them to the inner fender but I am left with about 2" of the inner fender with the 2 mounting holes exposed. I am thinking about trimming the inner fender flush with the outer fender but first I thought I would check to see if anyone has come up with a better solution first. I would appreciate suggestions even if you have not tried them personally.
Thanks,
ShadyGrady

Those ugly flaps come in handy when riding in heavy rain.

 

[Chupaca]

Depends..!

they have a purpose and work well. Many have added led's in place of the reflectors that give them a better apperance. Now if you are a fair weather ryder should be fine and would like to see the finished product. You have many who have removed the fenders altogether....:dontknow:

 

[Bob Denman]

Those ugly flaps come in handy when riding in heavy rain.

:agree: "Cheap looking", must be in the eye of the beholder; I never thought of them in that manner... :shocked:

 

[ShadyGrady]

Lighting Upgrades

I agree that replacing the cheap reflector with a running/turn light would be a upgrade that would improve both the looks and functionality but $160 for the mud flap light plus $60 for the fender tip kit (necessary to make the mud flap light dual function) seems excessive. If you go all the way and add the front fender BrightSides light you are over $300 - just for the front fender.

I am adding the fog lights for sure and would also replace the front turn signal lights with a dual function LED set up if one was available for the ST which will will cost $400 for the fogs and $200+ for the turn signals and controller (if I can find one). I am not sure I want to invest nearly $1,000 in front end lighting.

My dilemma.
ShadyGrady

 

[juanzx2]

front fender

The best upgrade is the lights for the front fender. Yes it is expensive but you can find deals on ebay or amazon. I found great deals there.
I installed the lights and it makes the bike look better plus the most important thing is the safety factor. Remeber people spend more time looking at their phones than the road. Having these lights on will make it alot easier to be spotted at the last minute. To me more lights on your bike makes you more visible. I know we want to make our bikes look bad ass but safety should come first before style. Remeber your Spyder cost more than the lights do.

 

[ShadyGrady]

Point well taken

JuanZX2,
Thanks - your point is well taken. Do you think that the fender lights make you more noticeable than the fog lights and LED front turn signals do?

 

[Marker]

you are going to get splashed with water when riding in the rain.
On my RT I installed Custom Dymamics mud flap LED Lights to help dress up the femder.

http://www.customdynamics.com/can_am_spyder_led_lighting.htm#LED_Front_Mud_Flap_Replacement_Kit_

You could also get them painted to match your ST. I prefer function over looks,

 

[ShadyGrady]

I Give!

The responses seem to be unanimous. Keep the mud flaps and add lighting to dress them up as well as improve visibility to other motorist. Plus, I do ride in the rain so it makes sense from that perspective as well. I still think they are ugly, but I have been a Harley rider for 30+ years. That probably explains my form over function bias.

It appears that Custom Dynamics is the way to go so I will seek out deals on ebay, etc. until I collect all of the auxiliary lighting for the front end then install it all at the same time. Anywhere I should check for deals other than ebay and Amazon?

Thanks,
ShadyGrady