middle side panel questions

[rugercharger]

hi everyone. some questions pertaining the the middle side panel or oil tank cover/radiator covers. after reading about some people losing this panel, i started checking my panel fit. according to the directions in removiing and installing these panels, they indicate to rotate the panel to disconnect or reconnect this tab on the backside of the panel to the plastic frame support. there is no way i can get the panel to hook behind the frame piece. how are you people dealing with this? i just dont want to lose my panels.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

hi everyone. some questions pertaining the the middle side panel or oil tank cover/radiator covers. after reading about some people losing this panel, i started checking my panel fit. according to the directions in removiing and installing these panels, they indicate to rotate the panel to disconnect or reconnect this tab on the backside of the panel to the plastic frame support. there is no way i can get the panel to hook behind the frame piece. how are you people dealing with this? i just dont want to lose my panels.

Any panel that has more than one attaching post can't be rotated …………. I added a small bolt at the top of that panel that connects it to the panel above - problem solved ….. Mike hyea:

 

[askitee]

I have seen a few of my friends loose these panels on their RT's. The common thing has been that they weren't properly re-attached by someone prior to the bit coming off.

Mine are pretty well attached - I remove and refit in reverse :

1. Pop the front grommet 1st
2. Pop the lower rear grommet 2nd
3. Unhook the top.

If someone has broken the top "hook, then they seem to be easily dislodged. I got into the habit of inspecting mine when ever the RTL had a visit to the dealership where I bought it...if the hook on either one was broken they could expect me in the office to collect a replacement. Ironically that very workshop was the common denominator in the 3 episodes of mates panels coming off - their factory trained techs must have been asleep in that class.!!

 

[cptjam]

As a precaution, use Velcro on the flat area between the hook and the front prong. Cheap insurance, invisible to the eye. Put the hook side on the bike, the pile side on the panel. Works great! Joe

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

As a precaution, use Velcro on the flat area between the hook and the front prong. Cheap insurance, invisible to the eye. Put the hook side on the bike, the pile side on the panel. Works great! Joe

Joe, I wish I had seen your method before I created mine ….. much simpler and equally effective …… Thanks …. Mike hyea:

 

[JayBros]

You say there's no way you can get the panel hooked behind the frame piece. The hook on the panel does not hook to any frame piece but it hooks to the rearward end of the plastic panel that holds the fog light, a.k.a the front panel.

 

[Grandpot]

Take a look at this thread. https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?122968-Don-t-lose-that-side-cover&highlight=screw