Fairing removal

[tonsmith]

Is there a preferred method to remove the side fairing from the motorcycle. I have asked the local dealer and have been told to simply bend the plastic, to gain access. I would like to do routine maintenance ( oil filter replacement, etc), or just view the anatomy of my bike. I would like to keep the plastic bodywork in as near new condition as practical.
...the hidden fasteners are hurt'n, the plastic pop-up are perplex'n

-another meticulous busa owner

 

[jwcfbd]

On the side fairings there is a piece that fills in around the inside of the fairing behide the front tire. It can be manipulated out with a little bit of work. Or you can unscrew it from the inside of the fairing. Your choice. Just make sure you keep track of what hole the each screw comes out of they might be different lengths. Wrong screw in the wrong hole = new faring. On the inner plastic there should be one pop up fastener. The trick to those is to push in the center pin then pull out the whole fastener. To reinstall them pull out the center pin through the top of the fastener to the outer lock (Don't remove the pin altogether) insert the fastener then push the center part back in until it is flush with the top of the fastener. Just take it easy and don't bend it anymore than you have to and it holds up fine. I just bend mine and I haven't had any problems. Keep a close eye on what you are doing and take it slow.

 

[Ripper]

I also put a peice of carpet under the bike when removing and reinstalling my side/lower fairings.The place to watch when reinstalling is when you attatch the side fairings to the front fairing. Make sure to put the side panels under the front fairing when fitting together and not accidently over top. The small metal tabs scratch very easily if you are not carefull.

 

[Iced]

I still find it a PITA to remove the side fairing.  I recently decided to tackle the 6K (second) scheduled maintenace myself (which I did at 5K since the shifting started to feel clunky and getting charged a ridiculous amount from the dealer doing my first scheduled maintenance).  Unfortunately, no matter how careful and slow i went to remove the side fairing, it still was a awkward to do without putting the tiniest nick somewhere.  If i had 10 eyes, maybe i could do it.  I don't know how you guys manage to do it, but perhaps you could share a little more info on your process!?  

Also, i seemed to have lost the plastic fastener that holds the side fairing inside under front cowl. It must of popped out during the last test run.  GRRRR.

 I can't believe i lost sleep over it last night.  My poor baby already has a nick in it and is missing a button on her clothes!

 

[Kento-Moto]

I have had my fairings off about 6 times now and only scratched them once 2 weeks ago ( I'm dumb ass! ) anyway,

I will ALLWAYS, I WILL ALLWAYS, I WILL ALLWAYS... Place a small piece of masking tape over the back of the fastners during removal & install.

 

[ThunderPants]

They are a pain to remove, I think the next time I do it I am removing the small inner piece that surrounds the radiator. With that off, the main fairing should be much easier to remove.

 

[Iced]

masking tape... so simple yet perfect... and why didn't i think of that. damnit i wish i asked you guys first. I'm gonna kick myself everytime i look at that nick. Good idea Hawaiibusa.

Thunderpants, i found it awkward to get the black piece around the tubing/hose/pipe (can't remember what it was off hand) as i was putting the fairing back on. I'll take another look tonight and try what u suggested.