Grommett failure

[old2soon]

On my ride yesterday I had noise/movement that was WRONG. Looked down and my left side cover was fluttering in the breeze.  Got stopped and got it off the bike and the large rubber grommet that stays with the side cover-upper right rear as you look at the left side cover-was GONE.  My I/S is 14 years and 5 months old coming up on 82000 miles. Later on today i'm going to have a look see at ALL the rubber grommets and most likely-actually will order new grommets to save a few hundred dollars by NOT buying replacement side covers. So this post is more along the lines of an F Y I than anything I guess. Just tryin to help out my brothers and sisters who have helped me so much since I've joined up here.  RIDE SAFE.

[saddlesore]

Been there!   Haven't lost one yet.  I've even tried gluing the grommets in.  Didn't work.
Are there any grommets like that locally?  Ace? Home Depot? Menards?

[MarkT]

Before the wind rips that side cover off and the cage behind you smashes it, get yourself a pack of really small wire ties.  Drill an appropriate sized hole right near the top and on both sides of the crack between the center and side covers.  You can still pull the cover off, use the wire tie like a hinge, and you have a retainer that's going to save you money.  BTW the side covers arer expensive - especially the chrome ones.  You can't even see the small wire tie unless you look real close.

I keep an assortment of grommets on hand, and replace them when they tear or crack.  I also lube them with a paste wax-based lube periodically.  That is "Wire Pulling Lube" available on line or at Grainger's.  Has the consistency of hand lotion and doesn't ruin rubber.

[old2soon]

Been there!   Haven't lost one yet.  I've even tried gluing the grommets in.  Didn't work.
Are there any grommets like that locally?  Ace? Home Depot? Menards?

    I purchased a grommet selection in a nice plastic box from H/F. I had 3 that were close-but alas and alack-NOT close enough.  I looked the up at H D L-the 2 different sizes needed are around $2.60 each.  Not bad AND a hell of a lot cheaper than replacing side covers. And yet again MarkT I am beholdin to ya.  The wire tie is a durn good idea.  I WILL be using that.  You also told me about the strap to hold the wheel in place on reassembly after the spline lube. RIDE SAFE.

[sandy]

Show Chrome sells a small grommet kit for a couple of bucks.  Check a local MC accessory store.

[HayHauler]

Show Chrome sells a small grommet kit for a couple of bucks.  Check a local MC accessory store.

The Honda dealer in Pasadena, TX had that show chrome assortment.  It was about $4.  Saved my bacon.  It is for a GL1800, but there are 4 or 6 that will fit the Valk. 

Hay
Jimmyt

[N0tac0p]

@ markT

he  mentions drill.  it has been my past history that this usually create stress risers and ends up cracking the plastic.  I believe you are better off MELTING a hole though as it relfow the plastic.  just my 2 cents

[Regis]

I drilled mine 7-8 yrs ago when the little front tab broke off that holds it to the cnter cover . Been using wire ties ever since w no problems