Side cover funk!

[Pale Rider]

Is it just me, or did Honda stop short on the design and robustness of the side covers on these beauties?  Being a fairly new owner of a 2001, I am amazed at the bulk and overall engineering of these machines.  However, I am constantly fighting the "looseness" of the side cover, especially on the right side (fuse-side).  After losing one at 50 mph, resulting in an expensive repair, including a new tab kit, I still am non-trusting.  Are there after market side covers that are thin guage steel or stainless (chrome) made for these bikes?  I searched the archives for info, but gave up after an hour.  Can anyone give me some leads?  I really don't want to break out the Velcro or duct tape!!!

[Big IV]

My 1998 has nice tight side covers. Loose doesn't sound right at all. So I cannot knowledgably comment, however, since you mentioned being a new owner I thought I would kindly point out that the tech board is a wonderland of good information. Although I don't recall seeing this come up there recently (although I'm not reading closely until something breaks on my bike).

I lost a sidecover on a 1974 Hond CB750 due to a dry rotted fitting. I can see why you'd be concerned.

Best wishes.

[FLAVALK]

Mine fit very snug as well. Check to make sure the grommet is in place and the stay is not broken

[big turkey]

Wait a minute, check to see if that side panel is a couterfiet item.

Look on the back.

Only Harly engineers parts that fly off.

Big AL

[RTaz]

I believe Big Mike just designed a new side cover and is selling them at Valkyrie bling and more....

[therapist]

No problems with the covers on my 01 standard, but I have to carefully attach them to make sure they are snug.

[Pete]

on the front upper of each side cover drill and counter a small hole into the center cover, then screw a small short self threading screw into the holes, easily and carefully.

Bet they will not come off NOW.

[Hoser]

You can get new rubber grommets from HDL if they are worn out.  Hoser 

[R J]

He or someone has probably broken off the ears where they inter tangle....

I used velcro on mine.

[Oldswimr]

had a tab break on the starboard side. After pricing the replacement, I 'built a new tab, and with some creative micro drilling, epoxy application, clamping and minimal filing and sanding, you can't tell it from the 'intact' tab on the port side. Took about an hour or so to engineer. I love tinkering so it was a fun project, and I got one over on 'the man'. (whomever that is..)

[MP]

Are you getting the bottom attached?  Hook the front, push the top rear in, then the bottom.  Tight then.

MP