Parade decorations on my Spyder

[frenchbz]

Hi all, Some in our Spyder riding club would like to decorate their Spyder for a fun ride in a local Christmas parade. Has anyone had experience putting temporary decorations on their Spyder? What are the concerns? Pictures of decorated Spyders would be appreciated.

 

[blacklightning]

We did a parade a couple of years ago. I didn't go crazy, just added a rudolf nose and horns to the spyder. My buddy on the white RT went a little further.

 

[Gwolf]

The primary concern for any vehicle that is in a parade is overheating. Spyder is designed to handle that a lot better than most motorcycles, but it should still be something you keep an eye on.

 

[Chupaca]

Lets see....

:agree: Keep all air flow passages clear when decorating. The newer models have reverse fan switches so when slow or stopped they blow the air out of the engine compartment but still watch heat.
There are small self contained battery operated lights for xmas you could string about and trim of holly etc from your local Micheals arts and craft stores will do the job nicely.... Pictures when you get her dolled up.....:thumbup:

 

[ARtraveler]

We did a parade a couple of years ago. I didn't go crazy, just added a rudolf nose and horns to the spyder. My buddy on the white RT went a little further.

:2thumbs: :firstplace:

 

[Lew L]

A decade ago I had a Wimbledon White HiPo 1966 Mustang----- took red ribbon paper and placed it diagonally across the whole car. A big candy cane. You could do the same with a white :spyder2:

Lew L

 

[Peter Aawen]

Probably not a big concern for you lot moving towards winter, but Christmas in Oz is often hot, sometimes VERY hot, and I discovered that the poly headlight 'glasses' really don't like very hot days & low air-flow! So I'd suggest that you NEVER stick anything on your headlight or fog light 'glass' - the holes melted in my headlights would've been much bigger than just thumb dia if I'd put those 'perforated placcy' eyes or any of the other commercially available 'headlight stickers' on them! :shocked:

 

[Snowbelt Spyder]

If any of your members have the SE5 transmission, just be conscious of how slow you are going and the amount of clutch slippage that is occurring. Granted that the SE5 clutch was upgraded in 2013, but still, prolonged and continuous creeping along at parade speed, that is below the full lock up RPM of the clutch, could do some harm. Some folks have reported that they burned up their clutch in just one parade. Just be careful with it.

 

[LongIsland]

I dressed Irish up for a Memorial Day parade. I purchased a few packages of the decals that you put on windows put them all over Irish, end of the day they just peeled off. Tied some red white and blue streamers as well. Unfortunately, I have no pictures.

 

[bushrat]

There's often a way to have some fun and add a little humor to a parade .....



Photos from a Canada Day parade, 1 July 2019. I pulled my trailer and went last in a group of Spyders (with a few Harley/GW guests). Old Show Biz saying: "Leave 'em laughing!"

 

[frenchbz]

Thank you all for your comments and information.
While reviewing these comments it seems to me that my 2013 ST Limited should only be a spectator at the parade. After reading the comments I went to an unused parking lot and drove at parade speed and could feel the clutch slip and engage. “Trixy” will sit on the sideline this year.
Frenchbz

 

[Flamewinger]

Most of the parades I've been in are evening light parades. I use tiny binder clips to hole tinsel, decorations and lights to the edges of the windshield and anywhere else that has an edge. I use scotch tape (or you can use tiny tie wraps) to attach things to flat areas. Make sure you can ride the bike, turn it and stop safely. Glow sticks are also fun. Colored cellophane works to color the headlights as I've not found a way to shut them off. Do not cover them as they get hot. Most parades request that you not dress up as Santa as there is only one but dressing up as an elf or your favorite toy.

 

[LongIsland]

I was in a Memorial Day parade and decorated my Spyder with the patriotic stick-ons that you put on windows. I found them at the Dollar Store and placed them all over the Spyder. I also tied some streamers on the handlebars and the passenger arm rests. The stick ons peel off and leave no residue, I just untied the streamers.

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

Not exactly what you are looking for but this is what I did for a historical parade in 2014 with my 2013 RT SE5. The route was 1 mile and about 1 hour long. Had no problems at all with the clutch. Put it in neutral a lot.