How to take off side cover?

[dontlikeoc]

I have trouble taking off the left side cover(plastic) from an XS1100 Special. I can see the top two being a usual rubber grommets. The bottom one is the one I am having troubles with. It doesnt seem to be grommeted. Neither it pops in/out. Is that bolted?

Dealing with a 30 year old plastic, I dont want to risk breaking it.

[randy]

It's locked! Use your ignition key, look below the airbox you'll find the lock.

[Athedra]

Well dont feel bad about the lock thing, took me weeks to figure out the seat is a bolt down and doesnt work with a key.

Hope you came right



Like I always say: " BLAME IT ON THE BEER "

[dontlikeoc]

Thank you for your advice. The bike is in the shop for fuse box transplant now. I will come over on Tuesday to deal with the sidecover.

Locking the side cover...a very strange concept. Kind of makes sense considering I once had lost a side cover of a GL1200 and had to pay $$$ for its replacement.

[Ken Talbot]

When you first try it, be aware that the key will only go in about half way, and push in gently on the bottom of the lock tab to take pressure off of the lock mechanism. That will save bending a key in case the lock hasn't been worked for a while.

[cajun31]

Hey Dontli,

That cover conceals the toolkit and it also has a small compartment under there that allows you to keep your insurance papers, registration etc. I always put those items in a sandwich bag then put them in the small compartment.

[jaimes-duran]

Like all these guys have stated, the left side cover is locked. If you look for it it is hard to spot but you'll find it near the bottom left side of the cover. Your key only goes in a little only the tip. It's actually neat that this locks because this way since the battery can only come out one way it can't be stolen! Also it has the compartment mentioned by the others. Also if you look on the same side of the bike near the rear shock there is another locking mechanism to lock your helment on the bike.

[TomRodgers]

BEEEEEEE GENTLE!!!!!!!!!

I laminated my papers. dont want the fuzz thinking i have a dime bag of goodies!!!

[jjwaller]

BEEEEEEE GENTLE!!!!!!!!!

I laminated my papers. dont want the fuzz thinking i have a dime bag of goodies!!!

Be careful with that. In many places laminating registrations is illegal. They won't count if laminated. Might check it out, just to be on the safe side.
Hard to believe, but true.

[cywelchjr]

Here is Cali their now recommending that you don't keep the papers in the vehicle any more but rather carry a copy in your wallet (has to do with concerns over identity theft). You don't have to carry the original with you here, just a copy is fine. That said, I keep my reg papers in the locked pocket of the fairing, and the insurance card in my wallet (pretty much anybody other than me that rides it will have done so over my dead body). I don't ask to ride someone else's bike, and pretty much would not let someone ride mine (not totally true, if I really trusted someone I would likely let them, but only for an around the block or such thing). To me, your bike is just too personal, especially after spending many hours getting the bars and controls set to where I like them, I would not feel comfortable with someone else's settings and I doubt they would be comfortable with mine.