Randall Washington, aka "Randakk"
President and Chief Executive Rider
Winston-Salem, NC USA
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Return to main Tech Tips Index Replacing GL1000 Side-Cover Latch HardwareAdvanced technical features abound on the GL1000. Even by today's standards, the bike continues to impress. One simple example: the very positive side-cover latch hardware.
GL1000 Side-Cover Latch Hardware Because of this great design, lost side-covers are a rarity on GL1000s. Many modern bikes would be improved with this thoughtful system. Eventually, the latch hardware might need to be removed...typically for paint work or to replace corroded components. It can be an aggravating proposition and put your side-covers and paint at risk unless you know a couple of tricks that I cover below. Tools Needed:
Tools needed (+ Bench Vise)
Replacement Parts - 1 of each per Side-Cover:
Remarkably, these parts are still available from Honda as of this writing.
Latch Pin and Spring
Retaining Cup Washer and Special 2mm Corrugated Roll Pin Removal / Replacement Steps: 1. Trick #1: My method of clamping the assembled side-cover into the vice is the main tip which makes this an easy task. While depressing the spring slightly, clamp the side-cover latch pin in your bench vice as shown below. Be sure you have relieved side pressure exerted by the cup washer from the roll pin. Rotate the side-cover to a convenient resting spot taking precautions to protect the side-cover's finish. Apply penetrating lubricant to the old roll pin.
2. Tap the roll pin with a small hammer until it is "flush" with the latch pin. 3. Using an 1/8" drift, carefully tap the pin out. Important: if you plan to re-use the old pin, take adequate steps to capture it as it exits the latch pin. Typically, they will fly an impressive distance!
4. You can now remove all of the remaining hardware from the side-cover. 5. To re-install the latch hardware, reposition the latch hardware onto the side-cover in the correct orientation, slightly depress the spring and grab the latch pin in the vice with the hole pointing up. Again, rotate the side-cover to a convenient resting spot taking precautions to protect the side-cover's finish. 6. Trick #2: Grasp the roll pin in a hemostat tool as shown. If you don't own a pair of these locking medical clamp tools, now is your excuse. They are incredibly handy. Lubricate the hole, then start the roll pin into the hole with a few light taps with the hammer. Remove the hemostat and finish tapping the roll pin into position taking care that it is centered, Remove the side-cover from the vice.
The side-covers are now ready to install. Return to main Tech Tips Index Intellectual Property Notice: All material appearing in this website is the property of Randall Washington, and is protected under United States and international copyright laws. The photographs, text and other content may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, stored, or manipulated in any manner without the express written permission of Randall Washington. For more information on the use of material from this website, click here |
