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Lost side panel

  • <i class="fa--xf fal fa-check "><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" role="img" aria-hidden="true" ><use href="/data/local/icons/light.svg?v=1770955273#check"></use></svg></i> Discussion starter Discussion starter Hickabilly
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Hickabilly

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Joined
Oct 1, 2025
Messages
8
Location
Middleburg
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Bike
Bmw R18
I bought a 2023 R18 with zero miles from a dealer. Great deal but as soon as it got cold the battery wasnt sufficient to start the bike. Similarly the remote battery was weak.

Well, as a new owner I set out to replace the battery in the bike. I also have a R1250 that i have replaced the battery. I expected it to be a 5 minute job. But nope... For the first time i had to watch a YouTube video to figure out how to get the battery out. Why use such a short positive terminal wire. Took me an hour and a half to complete the work.

Anyhow, after finishing the work i put the side panels back on. But when i went to snap on the right side, the bottom grommets bent instead of popping on. I didnt realize it and on the next ride the panel popped off.

A new panel cost me $500 and i can see that the bottom attachments easily bend when attaching.

So, i just wanted to share my experience and a preventative measure. I cut a short piece of surveyor string and tied one end to the top grommet attachment and the other to the bike. I made it long enough that it doesnt interfere with getting to the screws for removing the cover but not so long that the panel could touch the road.

At least now if i fail to get it to snap on properly i wont lose the panel or have to buy another.
 

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"i can see that the bottom attachments easily bend when attaching."

Absolutely ! Not very serious mount here. BMW could have done them thicker.

Each time I remove them I check the possibly bent attachements, and put some soap in the rubber in order to not have to push much.
And... I've set a line to keep the panel aboard too ...

I di the same on my R1200 C for the same reason.

It seems BMW isnt considering that concern.
 
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Is the white on in the photo the one that you ´lost´?

Tbh I would have done a chap y pintura on that instead of spending 500$.

Have not experienced ány issues with removing/refitting. Nevertheless thanks for sharing; will take even more care and less force. And yes, do double check whether the pins are seated properly.
About the force needed; if the rubber grommets are a bit tight then use a bit of lubricant on the rubber.
 
Petrus said:
Is the white on in the photo the one that you ´lost´?

Tbh I would have done a chap y pintura on that instead of spending 500$.

Have not experienced ány issues with removing/refitting. Nevertheless thanks for sharing; will take even more care and less force. And yes, do double check whether the pins are seated properly.
About the force needed; if the rubber grommets are a bit tight then use a bit of lubricant on the rubber.
Click to expand...
The panel in the image is the one i picked up off the road when it fell off. The replacement is on order and is expected to arrive at the shop in a week. So right now i have to cringe at the scars every time i look at the bike.
 
Hickabilly said:
The panel in the image is the one i picked up off the road when it fell off. The replacement is on order and is expected to arrive at the shop in a week. So right now i have to cringe at the scars every time i look at the bike.
Click to expand...
You do not háve to cringe; it is what you do yourself.
Also you effed up yourself. Sorry.

Same thing the expense. It could have been repaired nicely for way less. Your decision and a consequence of your own doing.

I would point you to the japanese wabi-sabi concept.
For one it applies to the BMW inherently not being perfect because designed/made by man.
Secondly, signs of wear and tear are honourable proof of a useful life.

Back to the side panel: maybe see it as a liberation?! Your bike WILL develop more dings, scratches. At least this one you did ALL by yourself.
 
Gerard said:
You've been "lucky" to know it felt.
You have'nt considered having it repainted ?
Click to expand...
I considered repainting it, but when it hit the ground at speed it got fairly bent up. The bottom attachments barely align bow and the back side is split. The logo is broken also.

My OCD wants it to be back to original.
 
Petrus said:
You do not háve to cringe; it is what you do yourself.
Also you effed up yourself. Sorry.

Same thing the expense. It could have been repaired nicely for way less. Your decision and a consequence of your own doing.

I would point you to the japanese wabi-sabi concept.
For one it applies to the BMW inherently not being perfect because designed/made by man.
Secondly, signs of wear and tear are honourable proof of a useful life.

Back to the side panel: maybe see it as a liberation?! Your bike WILL develop more dings, scratches. At least this one you did ALL by yourself.
Click to expand...
Im not complaining about the cost and fully acknowledge my error in attaching the panel. My intention of the post was to warn others to not make my mistake and to offer up the idea of tethering it to the bike should an attachment mistake be made.

It was my failure, but others can benefit from my mistake.
 
Hickabilly said:
I bought a 2023 R18 with zero miles from a dealer. Great deal but as soon as it got cold the battery wasnt sufficient to start the bike. Similarly the remote battery was weak.

Well, as a new owner I set out to replace the battery in the bike. I also have a R1250 that i have replaced the battery. I expected it to be a 5 minute job. But nope... For the first time i had to watch a YouTube video to figure out how to get the battery out. Why use such a short positive terminal wire. Took me an hour and a half to complete the work.

Anyhow, after finishing the work i put the side panels back on. But when i went to snap on the right side, the bottom grommets bent instead of popping on. I didnt realize it and on the next ride the panel popped off.

A new panel cost me $500 and i can see that the bottom attachments easily bend when attaching.

So, i just wanted to share my experience and a preventative measure. I cut a short piece of surveyor string and tied one end to the top grommet attachment and the other to the bike. I made it long enough that it doesnt interfere with getting to the screws for removing the cover but not so long that the panel could touch the road.

At least now if i fail to get it to snap on properly i wont lose the panel or have to buy another.
Click to expand...
Post in thread 'Right side trip panel (covers toolkit) popped off'
https://www.r18forums.com/threads/right-side-trip-panel-covers-toolkit-popped-off.938/post-54783
Some good ideas here
 
Last edited:
A bit of dry lube on the side panel lugs helps them seat without pushing the gromets out. Also makes it easier to remove the panel.... you can feel it.....
 
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My apologies if someone feels that I have been a bit direct.
In the case of the R18 we collectively observe that the thing is heavy enough. See my point?

Sidestepping sensitivities about user issues; in the manual each and every fastener has a fastening torque specified. ´Vroeger´ the subject was covered by ´refit in reverse order´ and before that reassembly was most times not mentioned at all. Never mind torque values.

Torque values started to appear around the same time as warnings on the exhaust about it possibly being hot 🤪

The topic was in my opinion brilliantly illustrated by Aprilia in the late nineties. In the user manual of the 6.5 they printed in fat letters in a highlighted caption; ´This motorcycle is entirely made from inedible materials.´
 
Two observations made tongue in cheek with the intention of provoking at least a chuckle.

The filler cap of my Volkswagen Scirocco has an inbuilt torque limiter so I cannot overtighten it; a plastic tie so I cannot drop it and a pin which fits in an eyelet on the inside of the fuel door so I do not dangle it on the paint work.

Seen protecting covers for the crash bars for sale.
 
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