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The tool kit lives inside a box behind a panel held on with a Phillips head bolt. To remove the bolt, you need a screwdriver. The screwdriver's in the tool box, though.
What nitwit thought that was a good idea?
I have taken my bike's left side panel off several times while tinkering with the seat I made and during the brake light flasher installation. The panel bolt is "okay" looking, but it won't be long before the head rounds-out or worse, comes loose while riding and I lose the $$$ side panel.
The first solution that came to mind was a quick release fastener of some sort. Dzus-style 1/4 turn fasteners can be had in a variety of sizes, so I measured/guessed a 0.70" reach one would do.
An order was placed with Speedway Motors of Lincoln, NE on Monday. I had the parts here in GA in just under 48 hours via regular 1st class mail. That's FAST!
The side panels themselves required no permanent modifications. The rubber grommets for the existing bolts are the perfect size once the spacer's were removed. The right side panel mount required the removal of a clip-type blind nut and the drilling of two small holes for the rivets that hold the spring in place.
The left side was a pain. The mount isn't big enough to install the spring. So, I cobbled together a small bracket and brazed it to the existing mount. I had to remove the welded-on factory nut and drill out the hole to accommodate the new hardware. WHY they didn't put a clip-type blind on both sides, I don't know! Grrrrr
Anyhow, it turned out beautifully until I realized I'd brazed the plate on the wrong side........after I painted stuff, of course. (The photos are of the part before I realized the error. ) A do-over was in order and added time and frustration to the project.
Once completed, both panels are now securely in place and can be removed with an ordinary coin such as a quarter. The rubber grommets in the panels grip the fastener slightly, aiding in both retention once you remove the panel and a bit of resistance to them working loose, however unlikely.
Total cost? I got ten pairs of fasteners and springs for $20.97 shipped. I broke two springs putting things together wrong. That leaves me with six leftover sets to use on other projects. =)
What nitwit thought that was a good idea?
I have taken my bike's left side panel off several times while tinkering with the seat I made and during the brake light flasher installation. The panel bolt is "okay" looking, but it won't be long before the head rounds-out or worse, comes loose while riding and I lose the $$$ side panel.
The first solution that came to mind was a quick release fastener of some sort. Dzus-style 1/4 turn fasteners can be had in a variety of sizes, so I measured/guessed a 0.70" reach one would do.
An order was placed with Speedway Motors of Lincoln, NE on Monday. I had the parts here in GA in just under 48 hours via regular 1st class mail. That's FAST!
The side panels themselves required no permanent modifications. The rubber grommets for the existing bolts are the perfect size once the spacer's were removed. The right side panel mount required the removal of a clip-type blind nut and the drilling of two small holes for the rivets that hold the spring in place.
The left side was a pain. The mount isn't big enough to install the spring. So, I cobbled together a small bracket and brazed it to the existing mount. I had to remove the welded-on factory nut and drill out the hole to accommodate the new hardware. WHY they didn't put a clip-type blind on both sides, I don't know! Grrrrr
Anyhow, it turned out beautifully until I realized I'd brazed the plate on the wrong side........after I painted stuff, of course. (The photos are of the part before I realized the error. ) A do-over was in order and added time and frustration to the project.
Once completed, both panels are now securely in place and can be removed with an ordinary coin such as a quarter. The rubber grommets in the panels grip the fastener slightly, aiding in both retention once you remove the panel and a bit of resistance to them working loose, however unlikely.
Total cost? I got ten pairs of fasteners and springs for $20.97 shipped. I broke two springs putting things together wrong. That leaves me with six leftover sets to use on other projects. =)
