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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Arizona Wayne on March 27, 2017, 11:44:37 PM

Title: Help....after market MC clocks
Post by: Arizona Wayne on March 27, 2017, 11:44:37 PM
I bought a couple MC handlebar clocks a couple years ago I really like.  But now 1 of them needs a new battery.  My needle nose pliers can't attach to the back cover to unscrew it.  The back cover is 1.5 mm wide.  Does anyone here know where I can get the special tool to attach/get this cover open?
 
Thanx in advance.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Help....after market MC clocks
Post by: Zoom Zoom on March 28, 2017, 05:07:54 AM
What brand do you have? One I had in the past had 4 notches on the back bezel. I put the tips of the needle nose in them and unscrewed the back. That was Formotion I think.

Another brand I had, Marlin, uses a small screwdriver to pop the back off. It did not unscrew. If you look carefully around the edge, there was a very hard to notice place you could get a flat blade into.

John Henry
Title: Re: Help....after market MC clocks
Post by: Antietam Classic Cycle on March 28, 2017, 08:44:15 AM
I just let my local battery retailer (sells batteries for everything) do it for me. The battery costs $3 including installation.
Title: Re: Help....after market MC clocks
Post by: cloudbase on March 28, 2017, 09:41:13 AM
^^^

This.
Title: Re: Help....after market MC clocks
Post by: M0T0Geezer on March 28, 2017, 11:18:50 AM
Just buy a cheep Wal-Mart  strap-on (about $10)    :evil:

They last a year, then replace.  Here's mine:

(http://dansher.com/bikepix/Guzzi/Wally_Watch.jpg)

'Geezer
Title: Re: Help....after market MC clocks
Post by: Don G on March 28, 2017, 01:09:37 PM
The Cheapo strap on is the way to go, but some people suffer from FARKELITIS.  DonG
Title: Re: Help....after market MC clocks
Post by: Antietam Classic Cycle on March 28, 2017, 01:22:46 PM
The Cheapo strap on is the way to go, but some people suffer from FARKELITIS.  DonG

One can buy a clock and thermometer that mount to the handlebars on Amazon for around the same cost as a "strap on" watch.

 https://www.amazon.com/WXLAA-Motorcycle-Handlebar-Thermometer-Waterproof/dp/B01M4MYBFQ/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1490725270&sr=8-11&keywords=motorcycle+clock+and+thermometer

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61oPLNcKWcL.jpg)
Title: Re: Help....after market MC clocks
Post by: fatbob on March 28, 2017, 01:53:37 PM
 If it's the Marlin you have, I have the tool to unscrew the back. I can mail it to you. I lost my clock, bounced outa the holder. I use old wristwatches and Velcro now, like other cheap guys!
Title: Re: Help....after market MC clocks
Post by: Arizona Wayne on March 28, 2017, 09:03:11 PM
If it's the Marlin you have, I have the tool to unscrew the back. I can mail it to you. I lost my clock, bounced outa the holder. I use old wristwatches and Velcro now, like other cheap guys!


The back plate has 6 notches on it and all the seams are so flush that's why I figure it screws on.  Don't remember the brand but it's really nice and only cost me $17 new, so I got 2 of them.  I could take it to a watch dealer but if I could get the tool that would be nice too.
Title: Re: Help....after market MC clocks
Post by: balvenie on March 29, 2017, 04:00:40 AM
To get my Marlin apart, I (dimly) recall using the sharp edge of a single sided razor blade. Be Gentle or the blade will break. Maybe a craft knife would work.
Title: Re: Help....after market MC clocks
Post by: Moto on March 29, 2017, 12:20:47 PM

The back plate has 6 notches on it and all the seams are so flush that's why I figure it screws on.  Don't remember the brand but it's really nice and only cost me $17 new, so I got 2 of them.  I could take it to a watch dealer but if I could get the tool that would be nice too.

You might be talking about the clock that I posted about some time back. If so, I share your concern. I just looked at the back of one of mine (about 1.5 inches, not mm!, across), and see very shallow slots. I just gave a half-hearted try with a pair of needle nose pliers, without success.

Amazon has a $7 watch back removal tool that looks good. I may buy one, since my battery is also dead.

I hope you'll post your solution if you find one.

Moto

EDIT: I just ordered the tool, which should arrive April 4th. I'll post my experience if you haven't done so by that time.
Title: Re: Help....after market MC clocks
Post by: Craigo on March 30, 2017, 10:00:39 PM
Duct Tape
Seriously, tear off four or five inches of tape, then wad it up into a small ball, sticky side out.
Then push the ball into the back of the clock and use the tape as a friction tool to twist the back off.
Works great on watches, don't see why it wouldn't do just as well here.
Craigo

Title: Re: Help....after market MC clocks
Post by: Tom on March 30, 2017, 11:52:48 PM
One can buy a clock and thermometer that mount to the handlebars on Amazon for around the same cost as a "strap on" watch.

 https://www.amazon.com/WXLAA-Motorcycle-Handlebar-Thermometer-Waterproof/dp/B01M4MYBFQ/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1490725270&sr=8-11&keywords=motorcycle+clock+and+thermometer

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61oPLNcKWcL.jpg)

Have you bought them?  Looks like a nice set-up.
Title: Re: Help....after market MC clocks
Post by: sidecarnutz on March 31, 2017, 09:42:19 AM
IME, breaking the seal on the back of many watches to change a battery, usually means it is no longer water proof once its back together. I just buy a new watch.
Title: Re: Help....after market MC clocks
Post by: rocker59 on March 31, 2017, 10:34:54 AM

Here's an idea!  Try going without! 

Captain America had it right.

Title: Re: Help....after market MC clocks
Post by: Tom on March 31, 2017, 04:02:28 PM
Something to do while doing those looong straights out West.   :tongue:   :grin: :grin: :grin:
Title: Re: Help....after market MC clocks
Post by: Arizona Wayne on March 31, 2017, 10:39:56 PM
Something to do while doing those looong straights out West.   :tongue:   :grin: :grin: :grin:


I went to Walmart today but forgot my watch to get a new battery for it !!  :rolleyes:   But while I was there I saw the tool they use, which is adjustable for any size watch back plate.  :cool:   After reading what was said here, I looked up Amazon on internet and found the same exact  tool for $5 and ordered it.  :thumb:  Only thing is I probably won't get it for 3 weeks.  :huh:  Probably will be able to get a new battery for it at 1 of the $1 stores around here.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Help....after market MC clocks
Post by: twhitaker on April 01, 2017, 06:41:42 AM
A lot of the shopping centers have watch kiosks in the halls. For no more than the cost of the battery they'll replace it.

If the watch has a post with a tapped hole in the center of the back it is most likely a Formotion.
Title: Re: Help....after market MC clocks
Post by: slopokes on April 01, 2017, 07:07:34 AM
Just retire------ then u won't need a watch  :boozing:
Title: Re: Help....after market MC clocks
Post by: twowings on April 01, 2017, 07:45:47 AM
Sky light = daytime
Sky dark = nighttime
Sky light/dark 24 hours = Alaska

What's the problem??
Title: Re: Help....after market MC clocks
Post by: charlie b on April 01, 2017, 09:08:15 AM
LOL

I was a velcro person for clocks.  Get a cheap watch, remove the wristband and stick to dash.  I used the 3M exterior grade double stick tape (grey rubbery stuff).

I like those ones Charlie posted.  My thermometer was a kitchen meat thermometer stuck in the steering stem (I didn't have a nice chrome thingy there).
Title: Re: Help....after market MC clocks
Post by: Arizona Wayne on April 01, 2017, 12:07:07 PM
Just retire------ then u won't need a watch  :boozing:


I've been retired(disability) for over 15 years but still like to know what time it is sometimes.  :tongue:
Title: Re: Help....after market MC clocks
Post by: Moto on April 01, 2017, 09:25:57 PM
Here's my report. I received the Amazon $7 tool, which turns out to be wobbly junk, unable to remove the backs on my two clocks. I also tried the duct tape trick, but no success. I'll take the one with the bad battery to a watch stand, and have them try it.

As I mentioned, I have two clocks, both seemingly the same model. Namely, this model: https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Waterproof-Motorcycle-Handlebar-Harley/dp/B019WERJJY/ref=sr_1_1?s=instant-video&ie=UTF8&qid=1491099619&sr=8-1&keywords=motorcycle+clock+black (https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Waterproof-Motorcycle-Handlebar-Harley/dp/B019WERJJY/ref=sr_1_1?s=instant-video&ie=UTF8&qid=1491099619&sr=8-1&keywords=motorcycle+clock+black).

The slots on the back of one of mine are shallow and difficult to engage with the removal tool. The slots on the other one are even worse -- much shallower. It's the only part of the clocks that seems poorly machined.
Title: Re: Help....after market MC clocks
Post by: Arizona Wayne on April 01, 2017, 10:59:02 PM
Here's my report. I received the Amazon $7 tool, which turns out to be wobbly junk, unable to remove the backs on my two clocks. I also tried the duct tape trick, but no success. I'll take the one with the bad battery to a watch stand, and have them try it.

As I mentioned, I have two clocks, both seemingly the same model. Namely, this model: https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Waterproof-Motorcycle-Handlebar-Harley/dp/B019WERJJY/ref=sr_1_1?s=instant-video&ie=UTF8&qid=1491099619&sr=8-1&keywords=motorcycle+clock+black (https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Waterproof-Motorcycle-Handlebar-Harley/dp/B019WERJJY/ref=sr_1_1?s=instant-video&ie=UTF8&qid=1491099619&sr=8-1&keywords=motorcycle+clock+black).

The slots on the back of one of mine are shallow and difficult to engage with the removal tool. The slots on the other one are even worse -- much shallower. It's the only part of the clocks that seems poorly machined.


That's what my clocks look like.   Other than a battery dieing I've been very happy with both of them.  Gonna wait 'til I get my tool before I give up on it as in the pic it looks exactly like the Walmart tool which is used repeatedly.  :huh: