Took my USA K8 out on Sunday

[Simon46]

Dusted the cobwebs off after winter and brought him out the garage. Did some checks pulled sidecovers off and the tabs broke off in the grommets. Aargh. Attempted to glue and wasn't successful. Anyway gaffa tape and cable ties got them temp secured for the trip. Started up took a few mins to warm up then off I trotted after a quick wash in the sunshine. Back brake is really squealy and sharp after a wash! Bike is probably used to route 66 in America but the nearest I could find near me is the new handforth bypass near Manchester Airport. Fresh shell Bramhall vpower petrol can't believe how much that tank holds. Loved the comfy ride after pulling my 1980s xt600 kickstart only thumper and my 1970s dt175mx stroker out the day before. One has to go but every time I ride one it has to stay. I know its no k0 but it gets his appreciation from other bikers. Here he is

https://i.imgur.com/iodNgLM.jpg

[K2-K6]

Nice when you get them out and they start ok,  certainly good weather for it today.

The side panel lugs,  I use silicone grease from plumbing supplies on them. It doesn't dry out and they usually just easily pass through the grommet.

To glue them,  you can try some of the solvent type plumbers also sell for "polypipe" installation.  If you rub a small amount on a discreet part of the rear surface of side panel, it'll show if it'll bond that material.

[Rob62]

I put brand new genuine honda grommets in my bike last yer but the are still bloody hard and tight when removing the panels.....could easily be broken off if you weren’t careful. I put a dab of vaseline on them to help....

[Simon46]

Thanks for the tip. Will try the solvent weld. I'm sure I greased them when I put him in hibernation 🤔

[Erny]

I put brand new genuine honda grommets in my bike last yer but the are still bloody hard and tight when removing the panels.....could easily be broken off if you weren’t careful. I put a dab of vaseline on them to help....

I have exactly the same experience, despite installing new genuine (soft) grommets, put vaseline, but still left side panel cracked... I used JB weld to glue it back, did not test yet. Strongly thinking to grind tabs a little to make them smaller to pass grommets more easy