Side cover grommets
I keep forgetting to post that I changed my grommets out about a 2 months ago. I did not realize how worn they where until trying to put the side covers on with the new grommets. I have no fear that they are coming off now. If they are the original ones I highly recommend getting new ones. The side covers are harder to put on but when taking them off you will appreciate how secure they are and they will not be flying off while flying down the Highway.
The ones that have hardened with age can be very secure, too. When I was taking my bike down for its trip to the alignment shop, the portside cover left one of its bosses in the grommet on the frame of the bike. (http://i44.tinypic.com/2vmswig.jpg) That was only about $80 to replace after the ABS weld didn't hold.
That is the other issue, if the grommets get too worn the frame wears through and starts cutting into your plastic tabs and weakens them.
One of my tabs on the side cover definitely was getting worn down do to the grommet was missing some of the rubber material. The rubber is to hold it in place and protect the tab from rubbing on the frame. Like what Terry was talking about.
I only remove the side covers 2-3 times a year and when I do I lube both sides of each grommet with vasoline or graphite or lithium grease. It's more important to lube the back side of the grommet than the front, because that is where all the holding is done. I also put a bit of lube on the side cover "nubs" so it slides in easily. I have a 2000 Magna with 64,000 Km on it. My side covers have never fallen off.
I lube mine like Greg indicated, but I use Silicone spray..
The Silicone is good for the rubber (keeps it pliable) and the Silicone makes it so the "Nibs" pop in easier, yet stay secure once installed.
Quote from: TLRam1 on August 17, 2010, 12:14:22 AM
That is the other issue, if the grommets get too worn the frame wears through and starts cutting into your plastic tabs and weakens them.
Mine failed at the base of the boss, where it intersects the cover itself. Broke cleanly off, almost smooth to the touch.
I feel certain that I am the world champion side cover loser in this outfit -- but no more. Not only do I replace the grommets every time one even looks a little torn or worn, I have tied a very strong mteal fishing line between the two panels -- on both bikes.
As for lube, I follow Charles' recommendation with a little soapy water before putting the covers on. Lets them slide on easily, but when they dry, they hold really well.
It seemed to me that most of the damage to the grommets occured whilst putting the covers on -- not lined up perfectly, nib catches the rubber a little wrong, and RIP, the grommet is torn or pushed part way through, pushing the grooves out of place.
I even carry spares in my saddle bags. Don't cost much, or weigh much.
Robert (aka Cajun) Moot #8 has some of the rubber grommets..
I don't know if he is selling them but if you need one or two it is worth an email to ask...