Valkyrie Side Covers ...

[Bagger]

1st, I'd like to apologize for posting so many times.  I'm sorry.  Typically, there are many folks who have purchased a particular bike and are really interested in what is wrong with it, what they like about it, and what they can do to farkle it.  Many questons.

Not so much in this situation I guess.  But, maybe folks who have F6Bs and new Valkyries don't know about this forum.  Ed told me about it.  The other forums are pretty much dead.

Anyway, I apologize ....   

That said ...

Side covers.  Yeah, I took them off at the dealer to see where the stash was kept.  I'm not sure I have a 'tool kit', but maybe it's so small that it's ridic. 

But, here's something folks with F6Bs and Valks maybe don't know.  The gromets that hold these plastic bits to the bike come off pretty easily.  Yeah, if you are not careful putting the side covers back on, you will wrinkle them or pop them out.  BTDT couple times.

Here's something we did on the old GL18800riders forum.  We used small plastic zip ties to tie them to the frame.  Just 2 for each one and just snug.  This keeps them in place and will not hamper proper cover placement.

And, buy a package of replacement gromets, too.  Just in case, eh.

[Ed Norton]

Spit on the nubs on the side cover and they go right in 

[Bagger]

Spit on the nubs on the side cover and they go right in 

Hmmmm .... so you say, Ed.  I don't like spitting on anything, m'friend.

Yes, and putting a bit of lube on 'em helps, too.  But, you can still misguide the prongs and wrinkle the gromets, and they fall off.  I had a side cover on my Wing fall off after the shop serviced the bike at 600 miles.  Of course, they replaced it free of charge.   

[Dave Ritsema]

Keep posting I enjoy your enthusiasm for your new bike and we are all learning some things that we can apply to our perspective GL1800's. 

[F6Dave]

Yes, keep posting.  I like learning about my next bike before I buy it.  I check out local Honda dealers every week now, so it is just a matter of time before I'm riding an F6B.

Aren't we flat-6 owners spoiled?  We talk about problems like the grommets holding the side covers in place or reflections from the sun, while owners of other brands discuss serious mechanical failures!

[MaxDrive]

Spit on the nubs on the side cover and they go right in 

Hmmmm .... so you say, Ed.  I don't like spitting on anything, m'friend.

Yes, and putting a bit of lube on 'em helps, too.  But, you can still misguide the prongs and wrinkle the gromets, and they fall off.  I had a side cover on my Wing fall off after the shop serviced the bike at 600 miles.  Of course, they replaced it free of charge.   

Correct, place a little silicone grease on the grommets and the covers go right on without pushing the grommet out

[CajunRider]

Bagger,

Thanks for the "heads-up"!

I never thought of that... didn't think it'd ever be a problem. 

It's easy enough to negate, so I'll keep that in mind next time I'm working around there!!