Side Covers

[WDAN]

What is the trick to removing these without breaking the tab/tabs???
I removed the left one today (for the second time) and broke the last tab. I probably broke the first tab first time.
I was going to have them chromed. Now, I am wondering what to do.
Try to use the one I broke or try to find a good one.
As easy as they are to break, is it worth spending $250 to have them chromed? (assuming I can get the other two off without breaking tabs.

[mario]

i'm assuming you broke the tab that faces the front of the bike??

i was told you work from back to front, popping out the gromets one at a time and then carefully work out the tab at the front.

[WDAN]

That's where I went wrong.

[Timbo]

When I bought my Valk, one of the side covers was taped on.  I found an article on the board (I will have to search for it later) that shows how to use a paperclip (or similar metal object) and super-glue it inside the cover so it pops right on.  I'm off to work, but will either find the article or post pictures of my repair when I get home.  The fix is easy enough for even me, and it works like a charm!

Of course, there is always velcro....which is even more simple.

[Timbo]

Found the article...followed the instruction for the RadDog Paperclip trick (midway down)
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,3963.0.html

[HayHauler]

I have a similar problem with my right cover, but the tab broke off of the Center section...   
Been using the velcro method for 3 years now and no problems.


Hay 
Jimmyt

[hubcapsc]

 
  What is the trick to removing these without breaking the tab/tabs???

When I got my Valkyrie, I heard so much about busted tabs and $150 plastic
side covers that I got very paranoid.

There's two versions of "the trick"...

1. Read the step-by-step procedure in the owner's manual, remember it forever,
    and follow it.

2. Read the step-by-step procedure in the owner's manual, follow it, and
    then promptly forget the details, but don't worry, the owner's manual
    is under the seat 

I use number two, so I don't remember the details, but the owner's manual
indicates which tab to pull first, and where they all are. When I'm at home,
I put a tiny squirt of WD40 on the rubber grommets right before I pop it
back together...

-Mike

[WDAN]

Thanks for all of the information regarding repairing these side covers.
Since I am planning on having them chromed, I went ahead and plunked down the cash for a new one. That hurt but I don't want to spend the big bucks for chroming on a cover that I have tried to repair!
Honda must have sold thousands of these covers in aftermarket. You can't tell me they did not know what they were doing.