Side panel falls off...

[Chiefburg]

So, I read a thread last week talking about some side panels that fall off. I thought to myself “How could BRP build these so the panels fall off?” I thought it must be an anomaly that happens to a select few. Well, I discovered they do build panels that fall off even though they seem secure. After a long ride this morning I noticed the panel to my oil dipstick had disappeared somewhere.

So, where does one find a replacement panel for a metallic bronze 2013 RT Limited?

[Snowbelt Spyder]

Go to Cheap Cycle Parts web site. Select your make, model and year from the drop down menus. Then go into the Body and Accessories Front diagram for your 2013 RT Limited. You'll find the pieces you need on the diagram. You're looking for piece number 402 in your color, and you'll also want piece 428a, (includes 428b) and 380.

PS. Never lubricate the rubber grommets with anything other than spit or Windex. The new panel will have a much beefier little tab in that upper corner. Still, always be sure that it latches into the other panel when you put it on. And you can always add a fastener as outlined in the other posts.

[ARtraveler]

Cause is usually poor assembly. Every time I took my 2014 RT in for service, I had to re-set the right hand side panel. I just gave up on them getting it right, and guess they did not know how to do it.

[Chiefburg]

Thanks for the assistance. I will have to look into the modification that secures the panels.

[JayBros]

The primary reason the side panel goes astray is there is a plastic clip molded into the top forward underside of the panel that clips onto the fixed panel that houses the fog light but has not been properly affixed. Also be certain the three rubber grommets that hold the molded side panel push pins are clean, dry and have not been lubricated with any type of petroleum product. Use a spritz of Windex on the grommets when reinstalling the side panels; when it dries the grommets will have a tight grip on the pins.

[Peter Aawen]

The primary reason the side panel goes astray is there is a plastic clip molded into the top forward underside of the panel that clips onto the fixed panel that houses the fog light but has not been properly affixed or it has been broken by ham-fisted techs! Also be certain the three rubber grommets that hold the molded side panel push pins are clean, dry and have not been lubricated with any type of petroleum product. Use a spritz of Windex on the grommets when reinstalling the side panels; when it dries the grommets will have a tight grip on the pins.

Fixed that for you JayBros! :thumbup:

[Chiefburg]

The primary reason the side panel goes astray is there is a plastic clip molded into the top forward underside of the panel that clips onto the fixed panel that houses the fog light but has not been properly affixed. Also be certain the three rubber grommets that hold the molded side panel push pins are clean, dry and have not been lubricated with any type of petroleum product. Use a spritz of Windex on the grommets when reinstalling the side panels; when it dries the grommets will have a tight grip on the pins.
Thanks...I will check that out when I get my new panel.

[Chiefburg]

Go to Cheap Cycle Parts web site. Select your make, model and year from the drop down menus. Then go into the Body and Accessories Front diagram for your 2013 RT Limited. You'll find the pieces you need on the diagram. You're looking for piece number 402 in your color, and you'll also want piece 428a, (includes 428b) and 380.

PS. Never lubricate the rubber grommets with anything other than spit or Windex. The new panel will have a much beefier little tab in that upper corner. Still, always be sure that it latches into the other panel when you put it on. And you can always add a fastener as outlined in the other posts.
Thanks for quick reply. The school of hard knocks is expensive...about $300 to replace. But I’m glad I they have it in my color. Thanks again!

[sKiZo]

Old school trick I've used for years on many bikes - wrap the posts with electrical tape first. Harder to get on, but they won't fall off. Insurance is to pop rivet a piece of electrical wire to the covers and tie that off to the frame.

[Grandpot]

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I lost my left side access cover several years ago. Those suckers are EXPENSIVE! I ended up securing the new one with a M6 screw (that matches the other screws) and fender nut. I got the screw and nut from Amazon.