Dumped it...

Hi Folks, new here and first post. So, I purchased a new Interceptor (2014 leftover) on Friday and loaded in the back of my truck and hauled it home. It wasn't until my 20th mile that I dumped it on the right side in a low speed turn. Now, I am not a new rider. I come from dual sport bikes with 50k miles since I started riding a few years ago.

The crash happened as I started to let the clutch out and didn't give it enough gas, it stalled as I started to lean into the turn. I was unhurt, hulked the bike back up on my own, and continued.

I will be replacing the plastic that was scuffed. The most damage is to the upper cowl where the interceptor decal is.

The question(s) to the collective is: It appears that I need to remove two sections of cowls on the bike to get to the damaged area. Is this going to be a huge pain? Are there any tricky gotchas? Hard to reach hidden fasteners? Fasteners I should replace if they are removed? Any components I should be checking and reviewing when the cowls are off? Thanks.

 

Welcome to the forum. You are not alone in dumping these bikes. Check this out.

http://vfrworld.com/forums/showthre...-time!?highlight=your+dumped+it+how+many+time

Now that you are part of our family, post up some pix of your ride, No matter if there is a boo boo visible\

 

OML.. how sad, glad it wasn't worse whats that they say " Shit happens?" Now that said, welcome to the crazy house,, LOL way to go Randy, Nice of you to point the new guy off coarse like he wants to remember or have anything to do with this hic up

 

Hi Rob

I am sorry to hear about your mishap but even so welcome to the MadHouse:welcome:

When you get time please visit the introductions section to say Hi to the rest of the folks on here and post up a photo of your VFR (pre or post your customisation is fine) - its easy click the insert image icon, then follow the prompts to select and upload photos from your computer. You may also want to update your forum profile (Forum Actions + Edit Profile) to include the specs of your bike and an approximate location City/state is fine so they appear automatically with all your posts and if you need help you may find someone nearby is willing to swing by and help - especially if you have a well stocked beer fridge.

:focus:

As for removing and inspecting the damaged panels, the mounting system is quite simple - a mix of: simple to unbolt hex head bolts, plenty of screws and a few of Honda's favourite plastic fasteners - the trick to removing them is (1) read the useless instructions in the handbook (2) find a small screwdriver and simply press INwards on the centre section of the fastener head which will move inwards slightly to release tension on the fastener. Finally slip the screwdriver behind the head of the fastener to ease it from the fairing.

I have no idea what level of knowledge you have, so just in case this is your first attempt at dismantling bits from a motorbike here are a few tips. Its a good idea to have a marker pen and plenty of plastic pots or sandwich bags to hand to label and store all the small bits in as you take them off. If you leave bits scattered over the garage floor it can end in tears. (dont ask!).

Take (get a friend to help) digital photos as you go, so you can later go back and see exactly which bits came from where. It may be several days before you are ready to refit or replace the fairing panels.

Place a blanket on the garage floor to put the fairing down on and inspect it carefully. Take your time before deciding whether to fix or replace as minor cracks and scuffs can be plastic filled (melted zip ties) and after sanding down and preparing, a professionally repainted panel should match the rest of the bike fine. Check all the fairing mounting brackets for damage/distortion, as necessary compare with equivalent bracket on opposite side of the bike. If stuff is bent it is often better to remove the component completely and carefully (slowly) ease it back into shape whilst held in a vice.

When you are done maybe invest in some R&G frame sliders. As you now know these bikes are quite top heavy and can be a handful at low speeds. Sliders will greatly reduce damage in tip overs or low speed slides.

Take care ATGATT




SkiMad

 

Ouch, glad you're okay but sorry about your bike. If you search the forum I think I remember seeing a thread with a nice tutorial on removing the 8th gen plastics. How fast were you going roughly? What gear were you in or trying to get in when releasing the clutch lever? I've been riding for a few years now but still consider myself a newb so I still like to learn from others' drops.

 

Sorry for the tip over, didn't mean to hit the thank you button
Great advice Skimad.


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Least your ok, metal and plastic can be repaired. I promise not to hit the "like" buťťön either

 

Take your time, use little plastic dishes to isolate each group as some of the hex head bolts have different shoulders and threads, hard to remember which went where. Don't force any of the panels, they interlocking tabs that will release with some wiggling.

Sorry for you mishap, I know what felt at the time, got to pull in the clutch quickly to avoid the effects of engine braking, let the momentum of the bike help you around corner.

 

Aside from what SkiMad says, don't force any of the panels whilst removing same.

 

Instruction on how to remove panels are in the owners manual.

 

Think some of us from the older generation
(cough cough) we all have similar stories--- I fer sure have a few, not proud but thankful I survived those years of reckless abandonment.



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Panels are a piece of cake.


I order parts from RonAyers.

 

Thanks folks. I guess its a little frustrating knowing that I biffed it in the first 20 miles, and at the main intersection in town... Oh well.

I appreciate the help all who have spelled out the cowl details for me; Thanks!

We now have 210 miles together. Can't wait to hammer out some cross country tours next year.

 

The bike feels top-heavy to me. 5,000 miles with it and I still get a little nervous doing u-turns. I've very quickly put my foot down a few times.


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Damn, dude ... that sucks!!! With motorcycles, it's not a matter of *IF* ... it's a matter of *WHEN*. It happens to us all.

Not familiar enough with the 8th gen to comment, but generally, the fairings are pretty easy to get on / off.

Glad you weren't hurt and the damage is pretty much cosmetic.

 

Don't worry, we've all either done it or are eventually going to.

Small tip, I find one of my smaller Allen screwdrivers with, a...er...small tip, is better at pushing in the middle of the plastic fasteners. Don't forget the four with cross-head screws under the belly pan.

Oh, and welcome!