Anyone replaced Center Cover #17 on Seat parts diagram? If so, how??

[laketboy]

99 Valkyrie C
I'm trying to figure out how to remove and replace the center cover under seat where the seat lock is located. This is part #17 on the Seat parts diagram. Part 83700-MZ0-000 (or 83700-MZ0-000Z for mine which is Blaze Yellow). I haven't figure out how to get the seat lock mechanism loose. It looks like I also have to remove 2 small screws to release the electrical component on the inside right side of the cover, likely remove the battery to get to that. The PO didn't take care (or know how) to remove the left side cover without breaking the left side tab on the center cover. Any help appreciated.
 

[luftkoph]

That electrical component is the tip over switch make sure you put it back in the same orientation or the bike will not start. You can get to it with the seat off a little fiddly but doable.

Remove the two bolts and spacer from the center cover that fasten to the frame { make note of the spacer orientation}

Then move the center cover out a bit and slide #1 clip off of the lock and detach cable that goes to the seat lock.

You’ll no doubt have to wiggle and try different ways to get the cover out without scratching it.

[mello dude]

Agree with above.....it's a bit a Rubik cube, it does help to take the battery out.
The best tool I have found to pull the #1 spring clip is a long bent nose needle nose plyers..
Some really choice words seem to help too.  

[Avanti]

Put masking tape on the center cover to protect it and take the one bolt out of the clutch bleeder pipe, that makes a little more space. Raising the back of the fuel tank also helps.

[laketboy]

Thanks guys, this forum is awesome! Have a new unpainted center cover on the way and will have it painted with fenders and get to your suggestions. I've had the front end off, new fork bushings, seals and oil, polished forks and both wheels, painted and rebuilt all 3 calipers, flushed brake and clutch lines, serviced final drive (TSMoly 70 paste and 3% Moly grease in proper places), changed oil, radiator and final drive gear liube, new Avon's, new petcock, pulled and re-installed airbox to clean and check things, BUT I just haven't figured out this center cover bugger! Thanks again!
 

[Avanti]

Don’t forget to lift it up so the lower tab disengages after you remove the two bolts. Also careful removal of the two side covers is critical to the longevity of all three covers. 

[John Schmidt]

On my bikes, once I have that piece removed and before reinstalling it I will cut the top of it off so it's fairly straight across, gives extra wiggle room to reinstall. It's not needed and you can't see it so serves no purpose except to irritate the person working with it. And yes...by all means cover with either the blue painter's tape or masking tape. Will save the finish. As for the side covers, they aren't removed by pulling straight out. Pull the back end out first and pivot it out a bit until it disengages at the front.

[laketboy]

Thanks again guys for all the tips. I now have reasonable confidence I get 'er out and will look into trimming the top. I do understand the side covers, grommets and removal on these older Honda's after having several from 70's through 80's. Now, on to one more (new) post about my non-working headlight! 

[da prez]

  Do not toss the center cover , it is repairable.

                                   da prez

[Chrisj CMA]

Thanks again guys for all the tips. I now have reasonable confidence I get 'er out and will look into trimming the top. I do understand the side covers, grommets and removal on these older Honda's after having several from 70's through 80's. Now, on to one more (new) post about my non-working headlight! 

What are you going to trim? I have installed/changed s couple center covers and didn’t need to trim anything

[Skinhead]

I agree with trimming the top of the cover, especially if you run extra wiring through that area to the battery.  It isn't required by any means, but removing excess plastic from the top makes for easier installation and that plastic isn't doing anything but taking up space.

[gordonv]

Those long (9-12") 90' end needle nose pliers are great. You get to the lock from the left side of the bike (you did mention left in your post), and the cable is just slipped in through a slot, it just needed turning to get to it.

Also those pliers work for the Digisync (which is why I had them) or working on the vacuum lines for the carbs, getting behind those intake tubes.

I've taken that centre cover off 3 times on 2 different bikes, and it's been different each time. Once was so easy I didn't know what all the fuss was about. This one I now have, is a little tight, and I'm waiting for the plastic to break, unless I get around to taking it out again and checking I've done it right.

As for the missing tabs, here is what I did to one of mine.



Just a thin bent washer, epoxied in (JB Weld 5 min metal epoxy. I also did the threads for the IS inside front cover).

[laketboy]

da prez, I will NOT toss. It's just got a broken tab on left side and yes, I believe it CAN be and until I saw gordonv's solution (brilliant!) I WAS going to use a similar idea by epoxying a small metal "L" shaped just right to the inside so the small bottom of the "L" relaced the broken tab, then a litttle JB Weld Plastic Weld putty, sand and touch up and likely still will use one method of the other. I had looked for a replacement and all the Honda online parts suppliers showed only the painted covers at around $250 (CRAZY), BUT I ran across what is either the unpainted or black part. New in bag with part #, no paint, gloss black, $36 shipped. With all the black on the bike, mounted to the black frame, it going to look FINE in there NOT being painted Blaze Yellow (always liked Black and Yellow anyway). If I hate it, I'll repair the old part, touch up and replace.

And YES on the long needle nose 90 degree pliers. Darn it all, I meant to grab a pair at Harbor Freight yesterday but forgot!