Differences in steering linkage covering

[Spyderman]

When I took my test ride, I had a little extra time to look at the various Spyders at Dee's Marine. I noticed that the covering of the steering linkage was different between the Spyders, so I took a few pictures. I'd guess the last one is the one going into production if a cover is used.

No Covering:



Wrapped in wound plastic tape (a lot of work!)



Covered with a slip-on plastic sleeve:

[phil209]

interesting ...must have been some rust or tarnish issue....so 1 had linkage wrapped in electric tape or something similar..and other had a sleeve, wonder if it was shrink wrapped so water coulnd'nt get under it ..something to check when spyder is delivered

[HigginsPowersports]

Very interesting. I'll look closely at ours that we're getting in a couple weeks

[viperjay]

The more I look at this, the more I think the cover is for aesthetic purposes. Note the upper A-arm is painted black, and the lower A-arm is also painted black and also has a rather complex molded cover to divert air to the radiator. I'm thinking the designers must have felt the silver A-arm really stuck out. Maybe painting it black was not an option because its location would lead to stone chips due to the radiator air diverter air flow?

[HigginsPowersports]

the 2 we had this past week for demos both had uncovered tie rods

[rbnicklin]

I got mine last thursday. #275. The steering linkage is covered and also a very nice cover on the upper suspension arm, similar to the lower cover. Looks real good.