Panel flew off

[ciroque]

I have a 2010 RT. As I was riding a couple of weeks ago I heard an odd sound but did not realized what it was. When I got home I noticed that the panel that covers the oil tank was missing. I was able to find the part while back-tracing my route. I am wondering what I can do about this. I find it disconcerting that parts are coming off of the vehicle when I have not owned it for even six months (bought brand new). Is this covered under warranty?

The mounting posts and silver trim with the Can-Am logo are completely trashed so it is not possible to re-attach the part.

 

[ThreeWheels]

I have a 2010 RT. As I was riding a couple of weeks ago I heard an odd sound but did not realized what it was. When I got home I noticed that the panel that covers the oil tank was missing. I was able to find the part while back-tracing my route. I am wondering what I can do about this. I find it disconcerting that parts are coming off of the vehicle when I have not owned it for even six months (bought brand new). Is this covered under warranty?

The mounting posts and silver trim with the Can-Am logo are completely trashed so it is not possible to re-attach the part.

Do you know when your RT was built? During the second production run, there was an improvement to the side panel that included a hook that needs to be latched in place, otherwise the panels can fall off.

Here are some links.

Here's a link to my old panel without the hook:

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showpost.php?p=208902&postcount=12

Here is a link to the panels with the hook:

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showpost.php?p=208798&postcount=9

Depending on which design you have, you might have some recourse with BRP.

 

[ARtraveler]

happened to my dealers RTS--has not happened to me. We both have premier editions in the high 400's.

 

[eddieshep999]

Securing the Panels

I have a 2010 Spyder RT - S

I had the missing gromets which were replaced - I lubricate the gromets and the pins of the Panel when fitting them back on
I found they can spring out and was concerned I would loose one
When travelling down the Motorway (Highway) a couple of weeks ago they appeared to be coming loose, so I decided to secure them

This is what I did for Both Sides

Drilled a hole at the bottom of the Panel and refixed itl by using a longer 6mm bolt that now goes through the panel and has a rubber washer and a stainless steel washer on the outside -this secures everything as before

On the inside of the Panel I fitted a spacer and washer to ensure the Panel did not get pushed in
The Panel sits flush with the bottom black Panel

At the front of the Panel I drilled 2 holes one in the Panel and one in the bottom black Panel on the inside of this I used a Stainless Steel eye strap
with a bolt each side to secure the top Panel to the Bottom Panel

Note you need the eye strap as there is a ridge where the two Panels meet - The bottom black Panel is secured using a bolt from the outside to a nut on the inside
The Top Panel is secured using a bolt on the inside and secured by a Rubber/Stainless Steel washer and Dome nut on the outside

The Panel is very secure andi is still easy to remove

I hope you can follow the above - I have posted some pictures from my mobile phone to try to show this securing method but the quality is not brilliant

Picture 1 Left to Right - Panel secured in Place
Picture 2 Left to Right - Panel secured in Place
Picture 3 Left to Right - Panel Bolt with Spacer and Washer
Picture 4 Left to Right - Panel secured with Eye strap and Bolt
Picture 5 Left to Right - Stainless Steel Eye strap used

Eddie Sheppard
Reading UK

 

[NancysToy]

Do you know when your RT was built? During the second production run, there was an improvement to the side panel that included a hook that needs to be latched in place, otherwise the panels can fall off.

The side panel is tricky, and even with the hooked version, it is possible to get the panel installed without hooking the hook portion. It can then vibrate or blow off. Same thing can happen if you push through a grommet. This whole procedure is far too dependent on careful installation...exactly following the procedures in the manual. Too easy to make a small error that costs you plenty. I'd like to see a factory installed retaining cable on these...just in case. Better yet, dzus fasteners, like the RS.

 

[bruiser]

The side panel is tricky, and even with the hooked version, it is possible to get the panel installed without hooking the hook portion. It can then vibrate or blow off. Same thing can happen if you push through a grommet. This whole procedure is far too dependent on careful installation...exactly following the procedures in the manual. Too easy to make a small error that costs you plenty. I'd like to see a factory installed retaining cable on these...just in case. Better yet, dzus fasteners, like the RS.

I second that. And I'm still jealous Scotty. That red is pretty.

 

[fispyder]

:welcome: Check with your dealer there was a recall on the rubber groumlets that holds the panel I think they glued them in so when you reattched the panel they wouldn't be pushed out causing the panel to be loose.

 

[bikeguy]

I have lost both the panel where the oil is checked and the corresponding panel on the right side. The right side panel blew off on the second day I had the RT and, like you I didn't even know it. I retraced my path but was unable to find it. The dealer agreed that the problem was their fault, caused by faulty assembly, and replaced the panel for free.

Then the left side panel blew off a month or so later. My wife saw it blow off and we went back and found it but it was trashed. BRP replaced it under warranty. By then BRP's Service Campaign 2010-7 had been issued to glue the rubber grommets that hold the panel on in place. The dealer glued the grommets in for both panels and we thought that fixed the problem. The glue secured the grommets and kept them from expanding so the panels were much more secure. They were harder to put on and harder to pull off.

Then, after the dealer performed the 12,000 mile service, I noticed the right side panel had a slightly wider gap and when I checked, it was loose. The glue on the grommets had come loose and one grommet was missing, one other had pushed through. Glad I caught it before the panel blew off. This time I replaced the grommets and glued them, gave the glue plenty of time to set up and now both panels feel secure. I hope the problem is fixed but, like Scotty said, I wish they would just screw the dang panels in place or use Dzus fasteners or something more secure.

Anyway, if I were you, I would expect the panel to be replaced under warranty and I would expect the dealer to glue the grommets in place securely as the Service Campaign specifies. I'm sure BRP will warranty the panel if your dealer files a warranty claim.

Cotton

 

[sinkhole]

Side covers...

Install the top forward pin first.
Rotate the cover bottom forward slightly to engage the plastic hook/latch at the radiator screen.
Rotate the cover back until the lower pin will engage.
Snap the rear pin and top in place.

 

[Sopher]

This was MY solution back last May... The Sopher Panel keeper.
http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19920

:doorag:

 

[clueless]

nice Sopher! now where to find a retractable key ring holder for cheap :clap:

 

[retired1]

I've found out that in addition to gluing the grommets on, a little spit on the pegs on the panels, make them easier to reinstall.

 

[NancysToy]

I've found out that in addition to gluing the grommets on, a little spit on the pegs on the panels, make them easier to reinstall.

I'm glad you said it first. I have been reluctant to mention my favorite method. pps: It's nice to know I'm not the only one. I also recommend wiggling the panel or pulling on each corner after installation. It one spot moves readily, take the panel back off and look at your grommets and hook.

 

[Cal777]

I've found out that in addition to gluing the grommets on, a little spit on the pegs on the panels, make them easier to reinstall.

I keepa small bottle of hand lotion, that I get in motels, in my tool box to put on the grommets. It works nicely.:2thumbs:
Rudy

 

[frank3]

Over 13000 miles on #0180 RT-S PE and yet to loose one of these. The grommets are glued in with weather strip adhesive and I always check them to be sure the latch (hook) is in the correct position after the dealer works on it. Most of the dealer service people are really bad about not pushing the top hook into place after reinstalling this pc. Don't know anything about "earlier RT-Ss not having the "hook". Mine is #0180 it it has them.

 

[BikerDoc]

EVen after the grommet recall, the danger still exists... Whatever suggestion you take above for back up safely hold, you definitely need to take one, The grommets are not reliable for the long term.. I had the recall and it lasted six months and now the panels are loose again...

 

[timeless]

The side panel is tricky, and even with the hooked version, it is possible to get the panel installed without hooking the hook portion. It can then vibrate or blow off. Same thing can happen if you push through a grommet. This whole procedure is far too dependent on careful installation...exactly following the procedures in the manual. Too easy to make a small error that costs you plenty. I'd like to see a factory installed retaining cable on these...just in case. Better yet, dzus fasteners, like the RS.

I had a simular problem on both sides this winter while down in Key West. I got new grommets and glued them in, however I discovered that the large lower black panels also have grommets and I had 2 on each side partially pushed through. The panels seemed rather floppy after my dealer did the power steering recall, & that is why. I would suggest everyone with an RT check that out also.:gaah: