Question on New Oil Filter Access Body Panel

[WaltH]

I had the new panel installed today along with an oil change - panel is totally free. Standing next to the Spyder, I cannot tell the difference.

 

[ulflyer]

Walt....if you can't tell any difference, do you have any idea what the purpose of the change was for? I'm confused.

 

[rc51ny]

I want to see a pic of this new panel mounted on the bike. i can't figure out how it works. Thanks

 

[clueless]

What is gained by panel change out?

I want to see a pic of this new panel mounted on the bike. i can't figure out how it works. Thanks

Anyone have the instructions they send with the new panels to the dealers? I wonder also what exactly this new panel is doing? is it faster to remove?

Sounds like it is to be installed as part of an oil change and not a free self install option or just installed without oil change as this is same panel removed during an oil change.

 

[NorthStar]

Anyone have the instructions they send with the new panels to the dealers? I wonder also what exactly this new panel is doing? is it faster to remove?

Sounds like it is to be installed as part of an oil change and not a free self install option or just installed without oil change as this is same panel removed during an oil change.

The instructions for the panel installation, included with the kit, is 12 pages long and when scanned is equivalent to 17MB of data (too large to upload here). Half of those pages describe the procedure for removing the original panels. It appears from the instructions that the removal of the new panel will not require you to remove the middle panel, thus saving time during a transmission filter change. The Service Manager at my dealership expects about a 5 minute time saving, maybe ten minutes for a DIY job.

If anyone is interested in receiving a copy of these instructions please send me a PM.

 

[Firefly]

I had my 6000 mile service done today and they installed the small 'laced' panel. Big deal. That's not what's in the way when I change my filters. What it attaches to is still in the way. I have to use an Allen wrench to get the cover screws after I pull the other part out of the way.

Any one know what a code for an "oxygen upstream sensor" would mean? The dealer got this code. They are not sure what it meant. They also got a limp mode & engine check light that came on. I've never seen that myself. They couldn't duplicate it.

Later when I was driving around, I noticed that my headlights weren't on. Checked the fuse...OK. Removed key, walked away, came back, started Spyder and headlights were working again. Go figure. Called the dealer and let them know this happened.
They also said the my brake fluid was getting a bit dark and I will have to change my rear brakes in a few thousand miles.

That wasn't all the did.... if you look at the photos posted above by Lamont you should be able to understand what they did. Photos of the parts on the bike won't do much good as it will look the same. The idea is that the lower panel can now come off WITHOUT removing the colored side panel above... which means leaving your mirror on, etc.....

 

[Bob Denman]

Well that should be a whole lot more than a five minute saving... :2thumbs:

 

[clueless]

Well that should be a whole lot more than a five minute saving... :2thumbs:

unless you change your oil from below (the Lamont method). I don't remove my side panels at all...

 

[NorthStar]

One of the advantages of SM5 ownership is not having to change a transmission filter. Getting at this filter, without removal of the panel can be a pain.

 

[ulflyer]

Northstar.....you're right; I tried it once but found it nearly impossible to get at the transmission. Maybe the new lower panel will do the trick. I surely hope so as I'm due to change mine in another 400 miles but doubt the panel will be here in time.