Stuck left side cover

[mfarrington]

The left side cover won't turn loose at the base connector. I WD40'd, which increased the wiggle room, but didn't allow for removal.

I suspect the grommet (if there is one, I don't know) has gotten hard, or something. I have tried prying with effort, but to no avail. I don't want to break my side cover.

Best regards,

[MarkD]

Wait! Tere is a hidden lock to this cover. It needs a key to release it. There is a thread about this--I'll try to find and post the link.

[MarkD]

Wait! There is a hidden lock to this cover. It needs a key to release it. There is a thread about this--I'll try to find and post the link.

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=41360

[mfarrington]

Mark, you are the man!

Thanks brother. That's what I appreciate about this group. Got problem solved, fast. Interestingly, on all my other XS11's this lock was not used. This is the first time I've changed the battery in 32K miles, not too bad!

Peace,

[IanDMacDonald]

Phew! Close call! Nice save Mark!

[GLoweVA]

Thanks brother. That's what I appreciate about this group. Got problem solved, fast. Interestingly, on all my other XS11's this lock was not used. This is the first time I've changed the battery in 32K miles, not too bad!

Peace,

On the other bikes, probably not used because the locking tab was broken by a previous owner who didn't know any better.

[DGXSER]

Not meant as a dig on you Mike, but I do find it rather surprising that a member who has been around since 2007 would not have known of that lock yet.

[mfarrington]

DGXSER,

No dig taken, I thought I'd share a bit of transparency towards the thread. I suspect if I'd posted almost 10K posts in 5 years, I'd probably know more. I make no bones about the fact that I am not mechanically oriented, and spend very very little time in bike maintenance. I've changed several batts, but don't recall the key. I suspect GLoweVA is correct, tabs on my other scooters probably broken by previous owner.

Thanks again, Mark.

Peace!

[GLoweVA]

Mike, one of the members here makes/machines a part that replaces the locking tab on the right side cover. It looks to be a well made nice part and a good repair for those covers that the tabs are broken off of.
I think I saw them on Ebay too.

I think many XS11's have lost a left side cover due to worn grommets at the top and no locking tab for the lock to keep them attached. (one good gust of wind at 50mph, and poof off it flies)
Others have rigged up a bolt and I think I've read about some even using a zip tie to keep it secure.

I hope you don't lose any on those other bikes.

I've been lucky with the 3 bikes that I own. (all three still have good tabs) (knock on wood)

[IanDMacDonald]

No worries Mike. I remember trying hard with a screwdriver to get that cover off. Felt really stupid when members on here help me discover that lock.

[DGXSER]

Mike, I apologize in that while it does seem the subject comes up quite often around here, I realize other folks have more of a life than me and do not hang out here quite as much. I truly did not mean it to come out harsh towards you, but realize how it might not have any other way to be interpreted.

Now for fixing a broken tab, I did come up with a method I implemented on the last SG I worked on last winter. I made a bracket that replaces the lock, with a bolt / pin that then goes through the tab section of the side cover. I put a hole n the pin and used a clasp like is used on trailer hitch pins to hold the side cover on. Cheap, easy, fairly quick, and easy to access on the side of the road if needed.

[mfarrington]

DGXSER: No worries, mate, it's all good. It takes a lot more than that to harsh my buzz.

The key thing (!!!) is that this group supports each other with significant depth of knowledge, and fast. And when we get a chance to harass each other, well that's part of the fun, too.

Peace,

[James England]

The key thing (!!!) is that this group supports each other with significant depth of knowledge, and fast. And when we get a chance to harass each other, well that's part of the fun, too.

Peace,

this forum is the best there is, IMO

[Yahman]

Mike, one of the members here makes/machines a part that replaces the locking tab on the right side cover. It looks to be a well made nice part and a good repair for those covers that the tabs are broken off of.
I think I saw them on Ebay too.

I think many XS11's have lost a left side cover due to worn grommets at the top and no locking tab for the lock to keep them attached. (one good gust of wind at 50mph, and poof off it flies)

That would be me. This is the repair tab you mentioned.



You can get them from me on eBay. Let me know you are a member here and I'll throw in a new lower right-side rubber grommet to help keep the right cover on as well.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/291045181735?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

Ride safe,
Larry

[LoHo]

Dang...it would be tough to pry that out with a screwdriver....