"Mechanically-Challenged" Guy Needs Help with Removing License Plate from Spyder

[newbert]

I have a buyer for my 2016 F3T and it's almost ready to be picked up. My last order of business is removing my license plate, but I'm having a helluva time, so I'm looking for some help.

The plate is attached using 2 bolts/screws with a "star" insert in the middle. I have the correct hand tool that fits snugly and I can turn the bolts in either direction. I'm turning each counter-clockwise to try and loosen them (Left-Loosey, right?). And I feel the resistance decrease, but then it increases again and the bottom line is that the bolt doesn't get any looser at all. It doesn't even loosen far enough in order to cut the bolt. And I can't reach or see behind the bolt to see whether there's a nut.

What the heck am I doing wrong?

Any help/suggestions in getting the plate off to finalize this sale would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
Bert

[Isopedella]

Maybe the bolt is spinning as you try to loosen the nut. Try slipping another spanner in behind the plate so you have a spanner on both ends and give it another crack. A Mirror may help.

I will be out in my shed in a few hrs from now and I will have a close look at my F3 plate mount.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I have a buyer for my 2016 F3T and it's almost ready to be picked up. My last order of business is removing my license plate, but I'm having a helluva time, so I'm looking for some help.

The plate is attached using 2 bolts/screws with a "star" insert in the middle. I have the correct hand tool that fits snugly and I can turn the bolts in either direction. I'm turning each counter-clockwise to try and loosen them (Left-Loosey, right?). And I feel the resistance decrease, but then it increases again and the bottom line is that the bolt doesn't get any looser at all. It doesn't even loosen far enough in order to cut the bolt. And I can't reach or see behind the bolt to see whether there's a nut.

What the heck am I doing wrong?

Any help/suggestions in getting the plate off to finalize this sale would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
Bert

This is a common question .... I think you need to get a wrench or needle nose pliers and hold the nuts ...... Mike

[IGETAROUND]

At least on my 2018 F3-T you just reach around and in behind the plate and you can feel the plate bolt retaining nut. Put a wrench on it to hold it while you contort yourself around to loosen the recalcitrant bolt.

Al in Kazoo

[ARtraveler]

All good answers above. Holding the rear bolt in place should make it work for you.

[newbert]

Thanks for the replies, guys.

So, I see that the consensus is that there's a nut behind the plate. I was afraid of that. It means reaching up into the rear wheel well all while dealing with the curve of the rear wheel. If so, great design, BRP! (sarcasm). Why couldn't they just make easy like it is on most cars?

I'd need arms as long as a gorilla's to reach up thru there - especially while turning the bolt head on the other side at the same time! If you don't have a lift (I don't), you have to do this while the Spyder is on the ground. You really need two guys to do it in that case IMO. And on top that I'm a 70 year old geezer with arthritis in the shoulders and knees.

I guess that I'm forced to ride to the dealer now to have them remove it then, and ride home afterwards with no plate on the back. Better use the back roads and hope that I don't get pulled over for not having a plate.

Sorry for the rant - but it's not aimed at you guys.

Thanks for the help.

[Woodaddict]

you can take the rear plastic fender off, if you need too

[FrogmanDave]

Thanks for the replies, guys.

So, I see that the consensus is that there's a nut behind the plate. I was afraid of that. It means reaching up into the rear wheel well all while dealing with the curve of the rear wheel. If so, great design, BRP! (sarcasm). Why couldn't they just make easy like it is on most cars?

I'd need arms as long as a gorilla's to reach up thru there - especially while turning the bolt head on the other side at the same time! If you don't have a lift (I don't), you have to do this while the Spyder is on the ground. You really need two guys to do it in that case IMO. And on top that I'm a 70 year old geezer with arthritis in the shoulders and knees.

I guess that I'm forced to ride to the dealer now to have them remove it then, and ride home afterwards with no plate on the back. Better use the back roads and hope that I don't get pulled over for not having a plate.

Sorry for the rant - but it's not aimed at you guys.

Thanks for the help.

Every motorcycle I have ever owned was the same way.

[Isopedella]

Fair enough newburt.

Thinking I may flick those Queensbury cops a note about an older dodgy looking bloke causing problems about the place who often rides a Can Am Spyder 2016 F3T without a number plate. Uses back-roads to get about the place.

Hope you enjoy your new ride.

[newbert]

Fair enough newburt.

Thinking I may flick those Queensbury cops a note about an older dodgy looking bloke causing problems about the place who often rides a Can Am Spyder 2016 F3T without a number plate. Uses back-roads to get about the place.

Hope you enjoy your new ride.

LOL! Thanks for the support, but I made it back under cover of darkness.

[al0vely]

*lol*
It was fun to watch a salesman at my local dealer remove my 2016 F3L plate … it took 2 of them and a couple of trips to get more tools. The nut was rusted bad and difficult to remove.

The 2020 RTL plate install was easy as pie.

[Isopedella]

Great they were able to sort if for you.

Those RTL's look like a good bit of kit I have to say, I must admit im a little tempted as well.