I happened to become and 'expert' at this very early into my Spyder RT ownership. The side panel is held on of course by two types of rubber grommets that install in the fairing frame. If one is checking the oil and yanks the panel too firmly, the motion will sometimes pull the grommets from the frame. Likewise, if one has not moistened the grommets and the retention 'pins' of the side panel before pushing the panel back on, and starts assertively trying to seat the panel, it will sometimes push the grommets inward, right through the frame and down into the well under the oil reservoir (unlikely you'll get them out). That's why the grommets sometimes mysteriously disappear.
Solutions:
1. Many people loose a grommet or two. There are two different types of grommets one needs here. One is actually called an "oval washer", and the other is indeed called a grommet. Both look like grommets; just differently shaped. They are parts 19 (2ea) and 20 (1ea) on the
RT-S parts finder schematic. What I did was order several extras of each. I like
www.garganos.com up in ohio as a good parts supplier.
2. Regarding taking off and putting on the panel.
a. The removal technique is to loosen the back grommet first, then pull up slightly and forward. this will release the front to 'oval washers.'
b. When putting the panel back on, and with all three grommets in place, one can use a couple of techniques. While it sounds a little gross, you can (1) apply spit to the seating pins and or to the opening and pass-through area of the grommet or (what I do) purchase a little tube of that oral moisturizer stuff that you can get at a drug store. It's like artificial spit. Dab a little onto the pins and around the pass-through of the grommet. The pins will then easily slide through, the panel will seat (make sure the front edge of the panel hooks slightly under the frame). Then the 'spit,' artificial or othewise, will dry and your panel will be held firmly in place.
Hope this helps.
:clap: