Side Cover Pricing

[lragan]

As I mentioned in another thread, I lost a side cover (again!) due to dumb thumbs the last time I had the right one off.  Fortunately, I still have the paints to match a new one to the bike.

So I bid on e-bay for a used one, and dropped out at $56.  It was painted, and I didn't know if I would have to remove the old paint -- plus, I did not see the inside to make sure the connection probes were intact.

Anyway, I called 35 N Honda in New Braunfels, TX, the closest ride from my home.  They wanted $114 for a black one, and $103 for a red -- but would not order one (they didn't have 'em in stock) with a CC over the phone.  Instead the helpful parts guy suggested I order on line at: http://www.hondaofsa.com/, which I did.  And, much to my surprise, the price for all colors was the same, $85!!

I also ordered some grommets!!   Mine are only two years old, but have a couple of minor tears in 'em.

And, I can avoid shipping by picking it up, which I will do when it arrives!

Expensive lesson in care when mounting the side panels, but not as expensive as it might have been!

[hootmon]

Here is a thought...
Spray some Silicone spray on the rubber grommets, it conditions them (Last longer), and makes the posts slide in easier so they have less chance of ripping, tearing, etc..
I know what your going to say.. Won't they also come off easier??? (Chance of loosing another side cover)
I have done this on mine, and have not had an issue with the covers coming loose.

[Chokse]

In the future, I would recommend parts from hondaparts-direct.com.  They have fairly quick delivery and seem to have the cheapest prices on Magna parts.  They list the side covers for $68 and change.  Whenever I need parts, I do shop around and I have found that this place almost always has the cheapest prices.

[lragan]

Thanks, Chokse.  Good input.  I will bookmark their site right now.

[mainerider]

Thanks, Chokse.  Good input.  I will bookmark their site right now.

Hey Lawrence,
You might want to use the fishing line leader trick on those side covers.  I have a Mustang seat that pushes on the covers a bit and if it wasn't for the leader line hooking the covers to the frame I would have lost both covers at one time or another.  Just an idea.
Joe

[lragan]

I had fishing line tying the two covers to each other on the bike for a long time.  I never figured out how to connect the line short enough to keep the covers from bouncing along the pavement and loose enough to easily remove and replace the covers.  Maybe I need a spring...

[Charles S Otwell]

New grommets are too cheap to not replace them. If yours are not new and you haven't lost any side covers yet , now would be an excellent time to replace them, even if they do look good. Also check for cracks or wear on the side cover tabs, a little JB weld or two part epoxy should tighten them up. By the way Honda-parts direct is in Texarkana, It's McKinnon Honda. If you order on-line you can pick the parts up at the dealership, if your close enough. Also they are a nice dealership.

[Greg Cothern]

Lawrence give Direct Line USA a shot, I believe the Project 96 side covers were about $20 a piece cheaper than your stealership.

[TLRam1]

I found a place where they were 63 but i didn't post because you already bought them. Of course you would have shipping fees.

[Sledge Hammer]

+1 on HondaParts-Direct.Com. I bought my VTX headlight parts through them and beat the next best price I could find (Ron Ayers) by $30.