New Side Covers

[Rick]

Took off a new set of side covers that the dealer had recently installed. Looks like BDM changed them.

Last ones had a metal bracket that was epoxied to the fiberglass. These ones have the rubber gromets with w thread insert. Also found the bolts were finger tight I think on purpose so that the tabs don't break. Finger tight gives them lot's of flexability for vibration.

 

[Oscar Maldonado]

Pretty cool! Hope they hold up for you.

 

[IrishGuy]

That's rockin :2thumbs:

Yeah, I think they're supposed to be finger tight. I tightened up mine and it made one of the tabs crack. I'd like to get it replaced soon. Are these side covers with rubber grommets a new thing? I have an 05 ridge.

 

[Rick]

That's rockin :2thumbs:

Yeah, I think they're supposed to be finger tight. I tightened up mine and it made one of the tabs crack. I'd like to get it replaced soon. Are these side covers with rubber grommets a new thing? I have an 05 ridge.

My old ones had the rubber grommets but they wernt threaded. They had the brackets which broke away from the glass as well as the tabs breaking. I think BDM should cut their losses and just go with tin side covers going forward. I think they will always break regardless due to vibration.

 

[P8RIOT]

For what it's worth, the 2007 Service Manual sez: "...torque the four electrical mounting screws to 5 in-lbs. Do not over torque."

5 in-lbs (not ft-lbs) ain't much.

 

[kickstart]

That set up with the well nuts is what they used on the Bulldog and I'm on my 4th or 5th set of covers.
And yes they should only be finger tight using a deep well socket without the ratchet. Dealers, Reread the last sentence please.

I also drilled out SS fender washers and put them on both sides of the covers.

 

[slowrower]

Rick, the two I just dropped off at the steeler today looks just like yours. One tab was broken off, the other cracked. Seems even mounted in rubber they will break - I asked the steeler if they had fixed the problem and they said nope. When you get new ones I suggest you reinforce them with kevlar or carbon fiber. As soon as mine new ones come in I will post photos of the fix.

 

[AZ_BigDog]

Took mine in last week for some work and the tab had broken on the right side. Luckly still under warranty so they sent out for a new one...but now I'm riding around for about a week...or two or three with my luck...without a right side cover.:angry:

 

[Big Ron]

Well I can truly say I am bonding here. Went down to the garage today shitty weather, popped the seat to boost the battery and thats when I found...........broken side cover tabs Looks like a road trip coming up and might as well get the strut bolts replaced while I'm at it.

 

[BIG HOUSE]

I had mine replaced and big dog(not the dealer) told me as long as they were plain (no graphics) they would just ship them to me without givin them the damaged ones

 

[reloaderbmg]

by the time bd gets it right, choppers will be illegal on the streets!!!