Tank side panel fell off

[Paul Mac]

It wasn't fitted correctly.

If it was a poor design I'd expect it to happen to everyone or at least more than appears to be.

After you have refitted it or when picking it up from a dealer service - check it!

Fair point Clive - I have indeed taken to checking this before I ride my GS. It surely though should be designed to be far more positive and definate that the peg is properly engaged. Panels on my RT are held on by small screws that you know are definately not going to work loose and allow the panels to blow off. I accept though the RT panels are a pain in the ass to remove and it's a major operation to get at the innards etc. I am still sure though that it is not beyond the wit of BMW to design a quick release system that is both positve, fit for purpose and 100% secure whilst not being prone to fail do to user error or any other reason.

 

[Clive]

I'm in agreement with Paul. When you remove then nearside side panel the recess that holds the fuel pump couldn't have been designed better to hold water. If you don't check this regularly the aluminium corrodes very quickly.

It's difficult to see where else it could be located on the GS Adventure, which I'm sure was designed at the same time as the GS - I don't know why it is in a recess though - there doesn't appear to be a reason why it couldn't have been fitted flush with the top of the tank so a drain could be present.
On the GSA there isn't room to fit/remove the vented cover that is present on the GS. With the cover removed on the GS at least you can easily see when it has water present and remove with kitched towel without having to remove the panel.

 

[The Bede]

Nowt special required ...

I've spoken with my local dealer (Rainbow) and they are unaware of any after market upgrades for this part.........can one of you kind chaps give me the Wunderlich part number

I suppose Wunderlich, or Touratech, could make a few bob with a little pre-pack of washers, nuts and bolts. But it is hardly necessary.

Pull out the stock plastic fastener, retain the rubber washers, bolt thru' thus ... bolt/washer/frame-bracket/rubber/panel/washer/lock-nut.

Dome head allen bolt, trimmed to length, keeps it neat. Pop lock-nut into ring spanner (dab of blu-tack if you must), hold it in place and it's easy to pick up the thread when assembling said "sandwich"

 

[The Bede]

PS ...

... Mine came apart on the M40, fortunately a straight section, speeding past weaving White Van Man at "Mandatory Ban +5mph" (allegedly). I like to think it was pure skill and instinct that saved me from nutting the armco

... they don't make underpants as tough as they used too!

 

[Dickieboy]

Has anybody suffered the petrol tank plastic panel coming adrift whilst on the move? Doing 65/70 down the Slough/Windor relief road when I had a great bang on my right leg and found the panel flapping. It hasn't been removed for several weeks and have done lots of miles at motorway speeds in that time with no problems. There is a tear at the top hole where the dzuz goes.

The fact that it's a 1200 tends to suggest the panel was alright and the bike fell off the panel. (at least it was only the wheel that fell off my 1150)

 

[alimey4u2]

Just been in the shed & zip tied mine for peace of mind......Thanks ALL......

 

[Gog yn y De]

Problem solved

Simply install a pair of H&B bars that cover the panels and they won't fall off ever again. The snag is, as I have just found out, is that you can't remove them even if you wanted to. To so that you'd have to remove the bars which are a pain.

 

[wilbjr21]

The side panels won't come off if fitted correctly. An earlier post gave a good positive method for locating the panels correctly.

The debate should be that it may be possible to fit then incorrectly and not know. But this arguement can be used with most things.

 

[kiwiAdventure]

I am convinced that this thing will not let go if it is fitted properly.
You need to hold the black fastener head while pressing the tank cover onto it, wing horizontal, and press one onto the other until it clicks into place. Easy-peasy.

Correct. If the black fastener stops turning then it is OK. If it keeps turning then it's not locked in. How easy is that