"Securing" Side covers - anyone got pics/tips?

I don't live in a particularly high crime or side cover theft area, but stuff happens especially if you go to swap meets or older bike events. That and I can be a bit paranoid at times :roll:

I have a few ideas on how to "wire rope" my side covers to my frame (and my $300 LED headlight) but space is limited behind the covers.

So if anyone has actually added theft deterrent (or-at-least-slow-them-down) equipment, share some pictures/tips. 8)

 

Get full coverage, write in Custom accessories, wait for a theft?

I just did that with my Audi just in case someone stupid enough would take my Turbo, but it applies the same.

I always wanted a Shocking device but with the gas tank right there seemed kinda dangerous, next thing you know they will be sueing you (at least in California)

 

I used to remove my side covers, and swap on the "crappy" seat on my 900 when I would ride it to Daytona Bike Week.
I never has a problem, and believe now that an obscure bike is not going to attract the "thief element"

We are all safe - from the "organized crime" element

 

When I had my old XS1100 one of the side covers had a tab broken off from the bottom. I drilled a small hole where the plastic folds back so you couldn't see and put a zip tie around the frame. I would imagine something similar is possible, with easier placement for you since it's more for security than "structural".

 

FYI: Along with security use, I thought it would be good for "flying off" or forgot to tighten it back on. Assuming the wire rope is short enough to prevent dragging it.

 

Get the insurance and an Ak-47, maybe you'll get lucky and be able to cash in on both, lol.

 

So I did a quick search here and pretty much the quote above was what I had planned on doing. Not worried about theft, but more so to keep the side panels from flying off at speed. I read some of the other suggestions in other threads but the above seems simpler. I was just hoping for a more elegant solution. Any other ideas out there for the XJ550 SECA panels?

 

Save drilling a new hole I removed the bumper and used a zip tie through the hole and around the frame.

 

Yes and have used those peel and stick little square anchors work well also you see them on the back of tv' s and such
You can get them at Home Despot

 

Thanks lost boy. If I understand you correctly, you removed the rubber bumper (circled in red below) and used a zip tie through the hole in the cover and around the frame.
I do like this solution although it think it may be a bit of a pain to put on and take off. I think if I do this I may just try keeping the rubber bumper but place a large enough
hole in the front of the rubber for for the zip tie to feed through. Even though I originally wanted something to keep the back from coming loose, new grommet back there
would hopefully resolve it. And if not, the front zip tie will protect the cover from flying off.

 

Good idea as well. If the front method proves too difficult to put on and off, I may try it. Thanks.

 

No I'm talking about the small bumper on the side cover about the size of a small button. I can get a picture if you need.

 

Got it! Tried it yesterday and yes that will do just fine. A bit of pain to get on the first time. But with a few pre-bends on the zip tie and practice and it is no problem at all. Thanks.

 

If its to prevent them from flying off , order new grommets from Len. Problem solved.

 

I agree Hogfiddles. But my right cover has a small crack right in the middle of the crescent tab. I have used epoxy on it so even though I believe it is now good, I want some added security. In addition, new grommets will eventually start to wear at some at some critical point. So I would like the extra security even with new grommets installed. Left side covers for the XJ550 SECA are readily available. Finding a right side cover for this model is like finding hen's teeth.

 

glue a couple of mouse traps behind the cover - set them and install carefully. The thief will become their own alarm.

 

My two favorite things for plastic repair:


And


Dave Fox

 

Thanks Dave, I'll look to see who carries it around here. Just so happens, I was about to order a this kit
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Plastic-Rep...hash=item41953baa2b&item=281676589611&vxp=mtr
Eastwood sells it now as well ( http://www.eastwood.com/rigid-plastic-repair-kits.html ). The guys in my Cafe group tell me it works extremely well and swear by it. You can even make new tabs with it, etc. But just want a cheaper option.

 

my question is why does every bike seem to be missing the right side panel?
that is the battery side
ebay has a lot of left sides for sale
but hardly ever a right
luckily mine are on solid

 

Right side comes off/on with every service to disconnect the battery. 30 year old plastic x a million removals = more broken parts. I had to buy a second right side cover, and the "great condition" one I got off the web had a broken peg held together with glue. At least that's still two more connections than the old one had. Unfortunately the new one is blue, but the bike is red. I guess I'm doin a "rat bike" now...

 

Also when people lay bikes down they tend to do it mostly on the right side. Just a combination of pulling on the brake and wanting to turn away from the oncoming traffic ( in USA anyway).

 

i think our man Len sells the rubber bushing that goes in the frame. then a little silicone on the nub and what you have will work much better.
i have a missing nub on the front of both of mine. i used JB weld to stick those super magnets from a old hard drive on the cover and they cling to the tank as good as nubs