Anyone know the trick for installing under tail cover - ST?

[Columbia]

Greetings
I'm stuck trying to fit the under tail plastic cover in place so it aligns with the bolt-holes. I suspect there's a trick to it, but if there is, it's a trick I've yet to discover.
Anyone have experience fitting the under tail cover on an ST?
Many thanks for ideas and/or suggestions

[Flamewinger]

You mean this piece that is the underside of the rear fender? This image shows the screws that hold it in place.

IMG_1358.jpg

[Bfromla]

Yes is a pain & caution, it can strip bolts threads or the lil clips they go into. Start at wide part first- align up with the two stud pins on either side. (Sorry has been a min, trying to remember correctly) Think maybe oem was torx & I swapped to 10mm ss bolts. Either way back side (wide) first evenly both sides till last one at the tail cone. Start & as much as can thread by hand. Go slowly with small ratchet or the torx screw driver from tool kit. Troublesome fit in some areas. Shouldn’t need to elevate the rear & if you do lift on frame leaving swing arm alone to provide bigger gap between tire & bike. **might wanna have small wire or something-poke in bolt holes test alignment. ** ( please when gonna add pics to garage?)

[RangerRick]

I've had mine off numerous times on my 2013 ST. Never had a problem, but the two side panels it attaches to on mine will move around until this piece is in place, and secured.

[Columbia]

Yes. It's the circled part in the fiche.

I know how it is supposed to fit and have the screws that are supposed to hold it in place.
Removing it was no big deal. It's as if the plastic piece transmogrified upon removal, becoming something from, say, a 1967 MG TD or a a vintage Moto Guzzi, not a Spyder.

Fitting it has been the problem. It won't fit in such a way that the screws can be seated.

I've tried heating the piece to see if it would soften sufficient to achieve placement. Nope.

I started a project last fall. Fitting this piece convinced me to take a break and stopped the project. I've been ignoring the bike, hoping to shame it into cooperating. Time to ride is long past. Need to get this fitted and back on the road.

Thanks to BFfromia and RangerRick for your suggestions. I'll try it yet once more, starting this time from the rear.

I find myself thinking about the manufacturer's engineers and designers the same way I think about software programmers: "They should be forced to use the product(s) they design/build." Perhaps then the design would be more friendly to us, the buyers of said product(s).

Again: thank you, gentlemen.

[Columbia]

Add pics to garage?
Hmmm. I'm not much of a post-a-picture kind of guy. Prefer keeping a low profile whenever possible.

[Columbia]

Greetings

Well, I got three out of seven bolts and/or nuts fastened. The plastic tail piece does not align with the holes holding the threaded clips. It certainly came off without any hassle. Getting it back on, starting from the tail light and working inward: no joy. Starting inward and working toward the tail light: no joy.

I'll make an appointment tomorrow at the dealer in Bend, ride the bike in and hope they'll let me watch how they attach the tail cover.

One attachment point on each side is a threaded piece, designed to hold the Givi luggage rack (one attachment point of the three per side). Along with the threaded rod is another rod or pin--no threads--to keep the Givi attachment piece properly aligned and in place.

I remember having difficulty re-attaching the tail cover when I had it partway off to install an aftermarket rack. But I also remember being able to fit it in place. This time, needing to remove the cover completely in order to do the work needed, I'm stymied on replacing the darn thing.

That's why I asked if there is a trick to doing so. A piece of magic that allowed all the bolt-holes to align and perhaps blink so even a klutz can get those seven bolts screwed home. Apparently magic doesn't show up around Spyders. Except when riding.

Thanks again for the suggestions. If the dealer proves magical, I'll update this thread and reveal all.

[Bfromla]

Ya it is an aggravating piece Have even accidentally mounted it upside down (the depression for the wheel became a bump) sorry, unable to help more. good luck & hopefully dealer will be cooperative.

[Columbia]

I did the upside down thing, too. I was trying any and every thing I could think of. Argh!

[Columbia]

Have an appointment with the dealer to attach the doggone piece. Next week.
I've been riding, but not in the rain since the gap between plastic piece and body is not small and there are electronics in there. Waterproofed, of course, but I don't like water on wiring connections.
After the tail piece gets nailed down, er, screwed down, rain, shine, wind, whatever, I'm riding.

[Columbia]

Mike
I confess your comments about enlarging the holes didn't add up for me, but I filed them away between my ears anyway.
I will carefully examine both the fender itself in all its glory and the fiche with its reflected glory and exercise the habit I'm trying to develop: work slowly and patiently.
No hole shall be drilled before its time. And only if necessary.
Steve