Left Side Cover Fell Off
#71
05-25-2010, 10:57 PM
Grand HDF Member
I have an 05 883L that was having same problem (side cover, battery side, wouldn't stay put. Went to my Harley Shop and they knew all abhout it, told me there is a new style clip(s) for the 05 Sporsters that supposedly solves the problem. It's on order and cost about $40
#72
05-26-2010, 08:05 AM
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#73
05-26-2010, 09:27 AM
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Hey guys...new to this board and impressed by the amount of knowledge here. \\; Recently purchased an 05 Sportster XL883 Custom \\;for my son and have had trouble keeping the left side cover on. \\; I thought I had finally gotten it attached firmly but hit an unexpected bump amidst some road construction on Thursday...Damn...it was pretty violent (thought I might have bent the rims). \\; In any case, after regaining control of the bike, I noticed the side cover bouncing off into traffic...[:@]
Long story slightly longer...side cover trashed, new one ordered, $107 poorer. \\; Is there any better way to attach this cover to prevent similar issues in the future? \\; I've ordered new clips hoping that will help. \\; You'd think the old one's would still be good after only 4500 miles. \\; Has anyone else had this happen? \\;
Thanks in advance and ride safe...[8D]
RR
Long story slightly longer...side cover trashed, new one ordered, $107 poorer. \\; Is there any better way to attach this cover to prevent similar issues in the future? \\; I've ordered new clips hoping that will help. \\; You'd think the old one's would still be good after only 4500 miles. \\; Has anyone else had this happen? \\;
Thanks in advance and ride safe...[8D]
RR
#74
05-26-2010, 11:03 AM
Road Captain
MH
#75
08-27-2014, 02:42 PM
This is a known defect. Especially with the 04 - 06 years. I had the stupid clips replaced 4 different times, then I completely lost the battery cover. And yes, there have been PLENTY of discussions here about this problem.
The best way to deal with this isthe method that either Old Fender Guy, or raylow, hold the patten to. Drill a hole through the clip, and then stick a small zip tie through the hole. That will hold the cover in place when the clips fail, and if you need to remove the cover you just have to pull the zip tie out. So, there is no need to carry extra zip ties, knives etc on the bike, just to deal with this problem.
Next time something like that happens, check on e-bay. When mine wasfinallycompletely lost, I found one on ebay, from a guy that had bought either chrome or painted covers. I think it cost me about $30. Of course that was for a set...so if anybody happens to need a stock oil tank cover, just let me know. You can have it for the cost of shipping.
The best way to deal with this isthe method that either Old Fender Guy, or raylow, hold the patten to. Drill a hole through the clip, and then stick a small zip tie through the hole. That will hold the cover in place when the clips fail, and if you need to remove the cover you just have to pull the zip tie out. So, there is no need to carry extra zip ties, knives etc on the bike, just to deal with this problem.
Next time something like that happens, check on e-bay. When mine wasfinallycompletely lost, I found one on ebay, from a guy that had bought either chrome or painted covers. I think it cost me about $30. Of course that was for a set...so if anybody happens to need a stock oil tank cover, just let me know. You can have it for the cost of shipping.
One would think the MoCo would value the real-world and applied knowledge of their Customer-base by incorporating improved design efficiency into their product by a simple reading of this (free) forum.
Thanks all - ride safe
#76
08-28-2014, 01:31 PM
#77
11-14-2014, 11:15 PM
#78
11-16-2014, 09:46 AM
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#79
11-16-2014, 01:57 PM
Saw this was happening to others, so took the steps to order new-fangled clips from dealer ( $20+/-). Installed and worked for a while, until one day, when I got home saw the thing open and only hanging on by the bottom ( hole/ metal tab) attachment deal. Immediately drilled an 3/16" hole through back slot of cover trough back plastic clip and inserted shortened 8" cable tie. Problem solved. Tried to keep it OEM, but when OEM sucks and its $100 a whack, you gotta do what you gotta do. Also re-positioned tank breather valve by adding some length to (upper) skinny tube and snaking it down some hole found in the vast open space between rear cylinder and frame. Whacked off plastic snap/clip that holds that valve with utility knife. Now there's nothing rubbing on cover, and not so tangled up in blue behind it. 
.
$20 wasted at dealer for an inadequate non-fix. There should be a recall, and real fix for this problem. There ought to be a law against this behavior. If a side cover flies off and whacks a kids head off, I'd hold MOCO responsible for damages. MOCO-you knew you had a problem, or you wouldn't have offered a fix. So sorry your 10 cent pieces of plastic didn't solve it, although you managed to squeeze a subsequent healthy profit off your own mistake(s). You are knowingly allowing a dangerous condition to continue. You set yourself up for an easy beating in court. You know we got you by the sack, this time. So, offer to replace our road-trashed side covers for free. And let us know when we can swing by dealer to pick up newly designed covers and clips for free.
.$20 wasted at dealer for an inadequate non-fix. There should be a recall, and real fix for this problem. There ought to be a law against this behavior. If a side cover flies off and whacks a kids head off, I'd hold MOCO responsible for damages. MOCO-you knew you had a problem, or you wouldn't have offered a fix. So sorry your 10 cent pieces of plastic didn't solve it, although you managed to squeeze a subsequent healthy profit off your own mistake(s). You are knowingly allowing a dangerous condition to continue. You set yourself up for an easy beating in court. You know we got you by the sack, this time. So, offer to replace our road-trashed side covers for free. And let us know when we can swing by dealer to pick up newly designed covers and clips for free.
#80
11-17-2014, 07:45 AM
Tourer