Side panel escape

[CJ.RamMan]

While on a ride this past Saturday I decided a vehicle I was following was travelling a little to slow. I dropped my Spyder a gear or two, cranked the throttle open, moved into the next lane passing over rumble strips, and overtook the vehicle I was previously following. I checked my side mirror to make sure my GF had also been able to make the pass. I was then passed by another vehicle that decided he wanted to travel even faster. I again checked my mirror and my GF was no longer behind me. I whipped around and went flying up the road to find her. When I got back to where she was, she said "I got it". I wasn't quite sure what she got so I just looked at her with a confused look. That's when she held up my side panel. She thought it hit my leg when it came it off. I had no idea I was missing anything until she showed my the panel and I looked down.

The questions I have are: is this a common occurrence at speeds over 80 mph?
Is there a way to make these more secure?

It doesn't seem to be loose enough to just slip out. I figured the combination of wind, travelling a little over 80 mph and hitting the rumble strips in the lane divider may have been enough to jar it loose. I just don't want to have to be worried about this thing flying off again.

 

[AeroPilot]

Did you Hook the top of the Panel the last time you re-intalled it?

100,000 miles on the RTs and never had one come loose. I have seen the top and rear of the panel loose on some other bikes.

check this thread http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?114344-Body-Panel-Part-Two!&p=1377997#post1377997

 

[Grandpot]

That's actually a fairly common problem. Usually happens when someone lubricates the grommets. If you lose the cover and it gets damaged, it's about $300 to replace it, including the badges and foam lining. I lost one.

Now I have a screw securing both the left and right side. I'll send you a picture as soon as I find one.

 

[Easy Rider]

is this a common occurrence at speeds over 80 mph?

A LOT of BAD things can happen at speeds over 80 MPH. :yikes:

Just sayin'.

 

[CJ.RamMan]

That's actually a fairly common problem. Usually happens when someone lubricates the grommets. If you lose the cover and it gets damaged, it's about $300 to replace it, including the badges and foam lining. I lost one.

Now I have a screw securing both the left and right side. I'll send you a picture as soon as I find one.

View attachment 165119View attachment 165120View attachment 165121

Grandpot, thank you for the pics. I just may do this same thing. My panel got some scuffs but it isn't completely trashed. I just don't want to have to pay so much attention to my panels that it takes away from the ride.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

LOOSE PANEL

That's actually a fairly common problem. Usually happens when someone lubricates the grommets. If you lose the cover and it gets damaged, it's about $300 to replace it, including the badges and foam lining. I lost one.

Now I have a screw securing both the left and right side. I'll send you a picture as soon as I find one.

View attachment 165119View attachment 165120View attachment 165121

:agree: and I did something similar to my RT ......( the falling off ) This usually occurs after it has been to a Dealer for servicing, the tech doesn't get the post into the Grommets or they knock the grommet out ( and lose it :banghead: ) ....Before I went with the " Bolt it on method " ...I glued all my grommets in place - I can't think of a reason they ever need to be re-moved ...... You can use soap as a lubricant , because after it dries it's almost like a glue , just do it the day before a ride ......Mike :thumbup:

 

[Chupaca]

And then....

Many have opted to use a lanyard to keep it from flying away down the road. The main thing is if installed properly and checked it does stay in place. Spit works well and readily available at any moment....:roflblack:

 

[Lew L]

What little hook???

100,000 miles on the RTs and never had one come loose. I have seen the top and rear of the panel loose on some other bikes.

check this thread http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?114344-Body-Panel-Part-Two!&p=1377997#post1377997

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!

Works perfect and I've been putting this panel on wrong since I bought my :spyder2:. It now fits better and exactly in the right spot to pop it right in place----- no lube, spit, glass cleaner required.

Lew L

 

[wingit3611]

Screw & clamp

Grandpot: What is the number of the screw and clamp?

 

[Grandpot]

Grandpot: What is the number of the screw and clamp?

Go to any auto parts store. Look for their selection of fasteners and you will find these threaded clips. I bought the 6mm clips. They may also have the 6mm torx head screws, if not, look on Amazon.

Sorry I couldn't give you the exact part numbers, but I just did it by hunting and matching.

 

[wingit3611]

Thanks.

Go to any auto parts store. Look for their selection of fasteners and you will find these threaded clips. I bought the 6mm clips. They may also have the 6mm torx head screws, if not, look on Amazon.

Sorry I couldn't give you the exact part numbers, but I just did it by hunting and matching.