v7 side panel won't stay secure - solved

[vstevens]

2013 v7 right side panel, the side with the battery and that small plastic reservoir of some sort.  I've managed to find the right hex bit to remove the screw holding the panel on.  The two pointy rubber connectors on the inside of the panel don't seem to get seated properly... but I can't see how to move the battery around .... or is that little reservoir in the way?

Any suggestions on how to get the side panel to stay mounted?

[vstevens]

The rubber grommets pulled off of the frame and were attached to the plastic posts on the side panel.  Reading an older post, the OP mentioned a rubber grommet holding the side panel post in place.  I didn't see any rubber grommet, only a hole for one in the frame.  Put two and two together... and realized the grommets had pulled out of the frame and were attached to the posts....

Be kind, I'm learning.

[Triple Jim]

Just an uninvited suggestion:  Find out what the reservoir is for and keep the level correct.  Rear brake, maybe?

[jackson]

I have an earlier model of the V7 but it also uses the rubber grommets.  It helps quite a bit if you lube the inside of the grommet where the plastic on the side cover fits in.  I use a silicone lubricant called Sil-Glide that I purchased from a NAPA store.  I also lube all the rubber (except the tires) on the bike and my cars with this product and it keeps the rubber very pliable.  Just don't put the lube on the outside of the grommet where it meets the frame because it will make it slippery and easy to pop out like yours already did.

[vstevens]

Just an uninvited suggestion:  Find out what the reservoir is for and keep the level correct.  Rear brake, maybe?

Will do Jim.

[SmithSwede]

Yes, lube the rubber grommets.   I replaced about 3 of the little buggers before figuring that out. 

Put some Locktite on the screw so you don't lose the side panel completely. 

Heck, put some Locktite on every bolt and fastener you encounter on this thing!  I say that lovingly.   But crimeny--Locktite is handy for this bike.

[vstevens]

h

Yes, lube the rubber grommets.   I replaced about 3 of the little buggers before figuring that out. 

Put some Locktite on the screw so you don't lose the side panel completely. 

Heck, put some Locktite on every bolt and fastener you encounter on this thing!  I say that lovingly.   But crimeny--Locktite is handy for this bike.

On my way to get some locktite... is there a particular type or is it all the same? 

The grommets were already well lubed, maybe too well.  The inner fold of the grommet was also pretty slick... likely why they pulled off so easily.

[Cam3512]

BTW, that is your rear brake reservoir.

[SmithSwede]

I use the regular red Locktite. 

[malik]

The grommets are a pain, 'tho I've never locktited the bolts & they haven't worked themselves loose in 120.000 km +13,000 km - so far so good. The kickstand's a bit of a pain too - keep the pivot bolt well lubed.

Mal

[Perazzimx14]

I use the regular red Locktite.

Red is permanent

On the side panel screws I use purple "low Strength"

[pyoungbl]

Do NOT use red lock title on any bolt or screw you intend to remove at a later date.  Blue is your friend!  Red is forever.

[sib]

Do NOT use red lock title on any bolt or screw you intend to remove at a later date.  Blue is your friend!  Red is forever.

Agree.  A bit confusing, however, because the blue stuff comes in a red squeeze tube.

[sign216]

Agree.  A bit confusing, however, because the blue stuff comes in a red squeeze tube.

More agreement. 

[Triple Jim]

Color of Loctite doesn't tell the whole story.  There are seven different red and eight different blue Loctite types.  Some of the blue types have a higher breakaway and "prevailing" torque rating than some red types.  Prevailing torque is the average torque over a full turn of loosening after breakaway.

http://henkeladhesivesna.com/henkeldocs/LT-6540_AN_RemovableReliable_SS_v11_Final_Links.pdf

[vstevens]

Agree.  A bit confusing, however, because the blue stuff comes in a red squeeze tube.

I would have bought the wrong stuff... thanks for that

Color of Loctite doesn't tell the whole story.  There are eight different red and eight different blue Loctite types.  Some of the blue types have a higher breakaway and "prevailing" torque rating than some red types.  Prevailing torque is the average torque over a full turn of loosening after breakaway.

http://henkeladhesivesna.com/henkeldocs/LT-6540_AN_RemovableReliable_SS_v11_Final_Links.pdf

Wow... thank you for the education in Loctite!  I had no idea there were so many types.  Man, am I glad I asked about it!

[Triple Jim]

I think the blue that you find commonly is Loctite 243, and the red is Loctite 263, but you really need to go by the product number when you buy it.

[Cam3512]

I think the blue that you find commonly is Loctite 243, and the red is Loctite 263, but you really need to go by the product number when you buy it.

Right. For some reason they used to put the blue liquid in a red container!

[Triple Jim]

Right. For some reason they used to put the blue liquid in a red container!

I have at least four types of Loctite here, and it's all in red plastic bottles.  That includes one of the purples, two greens, and one red.

[LaGrasta]

reading this helps me realize, it's not just my bike.
right side panel
kickstand
tank pucks
etc
I love this thing and a bit of tinkering is good for a man's soul.