2013 RT Heat Issue - Also Exists With 2010, 2011 & 2012 RT?

[stewartj239]

OK, the idea has been floated that maybe the stock floorboards on the 2013 could be amplifying the right foot heat problem. Could I replace the floorboards with pegs on a 2013 RT-L?

I would think that you could because I highly doubt the chassis is different based on pegs vs. floorboards. On my 2013, I have the pegs and your foot would be nowhere near the radiator vent. Now I know why I don't have the problem. If you want, I can take a photo to show you where it mounts.

 

[NancysToy]

I think there is some confusion of a heat issue vs. a fire issue.

The BRP recall was/is to address the fire issue.
The heat issue is something entirely different.

There are also multiple types of heat issues. Confusion reigns supreme.

 

[stewartj239]

I think there is some confusion of a heat issue vs. a fire issue.

The BRP recall was/is to address the fire issue.
The heat issue is something entirely different.

Agreed. From what I understand, some components got moved around inside the 2013 due to the new chassis which caused them to be too close to the header - which is the cause of the fire issue on the 2013. As far as the heat goes, from my research, it affects the 2010-2013 RT. I think it is confusing because most of the remarks about heat issues are directed at the 2013.

 

[Zenagirl]

Recall/heat issues

I already asked this question in a different thread, but wanted to start a new one to get more visibility on the topic.

I have a 2013 RT-S and personally have not experienced any of the heat related horror stories that I have read about - melting master cylinder, boiling gas, roasted seat, roasted right foot, fire, etc. However, I am trying to determine whether the issue is there, but hidden to me for my ride and whether I need to be concerned.

My question is this, what changed on the 2013 to cause the claimed heat problems that wasn't already there in the 2010, 2011 & 2012 RT models? Weren't the motors the same and the exhaust routed the same way? Shouldn't the previous year RTs be having the same issue?

As a precaution, is there anything I can change on mine, such as some kind of vented panels or something similar that is available to dissipate the heat?

I have been having heat issues on the left side panel of my ST-L, have learned to keep my thigh away from the panel to prevent blisters. My right foot? When it gets hot I simple move it over. However, I decided to take my Spyder in last Thursday to have the recall done prior to going on a long ride this weekend. (My original recall service date was the next Wednesday.) I fully expected to simply have the new cap replaced, and the heat shields installed per the recall and then be on my way. Long story short. My spyder had the melt down without my even being aware of it. Instead of just having the cap replaced, I need the other parts that were melted replaced as well. I only had 3400 miles on the bike and had planned to put a few hundred more on it this weekend. I was told that it was a good thing I took it in when I did because I was really lucky that I didn't have a fire. Had I not taken it in, I might have. If you haven't taken your spyder in for the recall issue, I would suggest that you do, even though you appear not to be having any heat issues. Just my .02 Sorry, just noticed that you said you DID have the recall work done. good job.

 

[stewartj239]

I have been having heat issues on the left side panel of my ST-L, have learned to keep my thigh away from the panel to prevent blisters. My right foot? When it gets hot I simple move it over. However, I decided to take my Spyder in last Thursday to have the recall done prior to going on a long ride this weekend. (My original recall service date was the next Wednesday.) I fully expected to simply have the new cap replaced, and the heat shields installed per the recall and then be on my way. Long story short. My spyder had the melt down without my even being aware of it. Instead of just having the cap replaced, I need the other parts that were melted replaced as well. I only had 3400 miles on the bike and had planned to put a few hundred more on it this weekend. I was told that it was a good thing I took it in when I did because I was really lucky that I didn't have a fire. Had I not taken it in, I might have. If you haven't taken your spyder in for the recall issue, I would suggest that you do, even though you appear not to be having any heat issues. Just my .02 Sorry, just noticed that you said you DID have the recall work done. good job.

Sorry to hear that you've got other issues related to the fire recall. I know others have been disappointed because they've had the same problem and the time to get replacement parts has been lengthy. Hopefully you'll be back on the road soon.

Yes, I was lucky. I had the recall work done just this past week and everything looked great. I was just over 3K miles on the bike. Again, it is weird how some bikes have additional damage and others don't.

 

[papagolf]

I would think that you could because I highly doubt the chassis is different based on pegs vs. floorboards. On my 2013, I have the pegs and your foot would be nowhere near the radiator vent. Now I know why I don't have the problem. If you want, I can take a photo to show you where it mounts.

If you could post a picture, that would be great. I would like to see where the foot winds up in relationship to the heat vent(s) and the brake pedal.

 

[StanProff]

When you straddle across a 1000cc engine (soon to be 1330) with header pipes and radiators and oil coolers all wrapped in a sleek skin of tupperware the heat issue is pretty had to control unless they:
Hang the engine in an open frame, make it air cooled, lose one of the front wheels and put a HD badge on it and then there will still be a heat issue but for some reason nobody would care.

I rode one of my two wheelers today with the outside temps in the mid 70's and guess what, I had heat coming back on both legs and thighs. It's a Honda Magna, water cooled. The radiator heat has to go somewhere no matter what you ride. Anyway, on my 2010 RT S I have never been uncomforable with the heat. I expect some heat as, like I said, it has to go somewhere. Of course I have the normal right side radiator heat, The reason it is hotter, than what would be expected, is that all of the air off of the radiator is "funneled down" to the two holes on the right side. I made the mods of removing the lower panels and installing a block off plate on the upper hole, I am no longer bothered by the heat at all. Again, this is not the fire/heat issue on the 13's. that is totally different than the normal engine/radiator heat.

 

[crazyspyder]

heat maintance

I have the 2012 Rt se5 and have always had way too much heat coming from the right side. SO, this weekend I dedicated myself to remedy this issue . .. I pulled all the panels off and treated my exhaust pipes and cat-bypass aswell with HD high temp silicone AND used titanium heat wrapped , what I could get to .drove it all day in the heat to cure my pipes- a must! 50 bucks well spent..kool beans.:yes:

 

[stewartj239]

If you could post a picture, that would be great. I would like to see where the foot winds up in relationship to the heat vent(s) and the brake pedal.

Here is a right side photo of my bike. As you can see, the peg and foot brake is nowhere near the radiator vent. Let me know if you would like some other shots.

 

[NancysToy]

Here is a right side photo of my bike. As you can see, the peg and foot brake is nowhere near the radiator vent. Let me know if you would like some other shots.

View attachment 76466

While it isn't as close as with footboards or highway pegs, the radiator discharge does flow down the side of the Spyder and affect the right foot and lower leg with OEM pegs...especially on the freeway or with a side wind from the right. The RT is better than the Rs in this regard, however, since the factory ducting dumps the air out wider than on the sport model and there are not the slots in the body to leak air onto your thigh and knee.

 

[Sandysandals]

My brother in law heated and formed a small sheet of Lexan for my right foot...and it worked like a charm....got a black sheepskin to cover the seat and glove box and my heat problems are solved. The heat shield fits with no screws....so far it has stayed on. No worries.