• There were many reasons for the change of the site software, the biggest was security. The age of the old software also meant no server updates for certain programs. There are many benefits to the new software, one of the biggest is the mobile functionality. Ill fix up some stuff in the coming days, we'll also try to get some of the old addons back or the data imported back into the site like the garage. To create a thread or to reply with a post is basically the same as it was in the prior software. The default style of the site is light colored, but i temporarily added a darker colored style, to change you can find a link at the bottom of the site.

To grill or not to grill that is the question

G

GeorgeXP700

New member
I've been looking at radiator grills for my 22 RTL Dark. What are the Pros and Cons? What brand do you prefer? I like the look of the Hypnotic Concepts in black, fits in with the Dark theme.
 
I looked at aftermarket grilles for quite a while before noping out, here's why: they didn't darken the radiators and give a true blackout look, the (mesh) openings are similar in size to the factory and really won't stop any smaller bugs from plugging the radiator fins, and lastly, I would have to wash both sets of grilles and still have to blow bugs out of the radiator.

So after the first riding season, I removed the entire frunk module, gently picked (w/a toothpick), the bugs out of the rads, blew'em out, then sprayed'em with a light coat of black laquer. I removed the factory grilles, stretched aluminum screen over them, painted' em black, and reinstalled everything. (note: I used scrap pcs of aluminum screen-door screen, it won't sag after a gentle brushing)

Now I have a RTL w/a (somewhat sinister) blackout look..., and I can clean the grilles with a rag on long rides, or a soft fingernail brush & soapy rag on wash day.

Hope this helps.
 
The after-market grills are very good at keeping leaves and stones off the radiator fins and clearing any debris easily. They will not prevent small bugs from passing through. They also enhance the look IMHO. I prefer the weaved grills, not the stamped grills for the style. Plus they match the upper vent hole grills.
 
They work and make the appearance of the spyder up line from OEM.

Keep the grill clean, and actually check the radiators once in a while. The bugs still get through, and you may be surprised at what does get through anyway. :yes:
 
The first trip I made on mine unfortunately took me down a portion of rural road that had just been resurfaced with what appeared to be recycled concrete..by the time I could react I was as close to the turnoff as I was if I turned around..bottom line, as I was removing the grasshoppers and other bugs I removed 3 pieces of the concrete..
Installing Kott grills was my first addition to the Spyder..
 
spyderdave said:
I looked at aftermarket grilles for quite a while before noping out, here's why: they didn't darken the radiators and give a true blackout look, the (mesh) openings are similar in size to the factory and really won't stop any smaller bugs from plugging the radiator fins, and lastly, I would have to wash both sets of grilles and still have to blow bugs out of the radiator.

So after the first riding season, I removed the entire frunk module, gently picked (w/a toothpick), the bugs out of the rads, blew'em out, then sprayed'em with a light coat of black laquer. I removed the factory grilles, stretched aluminum screen over them, painted' em black, and reinstalled everything. (note: I used scrap pcs of aluminum screen-door screen, it won't sag after a gentle brushing)

Now I have a RTL w/a (somewhat sinister) blackout look..., and I can clean the grilles with a rag on long rides, or a soft fingernail brush & soapy rag on wash day.

Hope this helps.
Click to expand...

That's a great idea.
 
My thought is that adding the secondary grills just creates another layer to clean...and with two layers of junk stuck, in my opinion that will slow down airflow even more. I do like the look of some of them, but for cleaning and cooling purposes I've opted out from buying them
 
I have the KOTTS screens/ grills.

I painted them black with a rattle can before the install. I haven't looked back!

--Exco
 
Yes, the first thing I did on this 21 is paint the radiators with high temp flat black paint. That aluminum look made it look cheap to me.
It required a lot of masking, the results was a better looking front end.The Kotts grill has already caught some butterflies.
Looking at that bug infested front end reminded me of a trip from Vegas to Kingman,AZ back in the day. I had a Honda GL 1000 and the yellow butterflies were mating and the front of the bike was completely yellow including my black leather outfit. Got home and the wife took the hose to me.
 
Mazo EMS2 said:
My thought is that adding the secondary grills just creates another layer to clean...and with two layers of junk stuck, in my opinion that will slow down airflow even more. I do like the look of some of them, but for cleaning and cooling purposes I've opted out from buying them
Click to expand...

:agree:
 
Less to Clean

Mazo EMS2 said:
My thought is that adding the secondary grills just creates another layer to clean...and with two layers of junk stuck, in my opinion that will slow down airflow even more. I do like the look of some of them, but for cleaning and cooling purposes I've opted out from buying them
Click to expand...

I for one don't like the mess. You still have some trash to Clean. Do as You like. I will enjoy my time with 'wind therapy'. ......:thumbup:
 
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