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Handlebar bolts cover removal

Posted: Mon Oct 17, 2016 6:12 am
by raito
I am in the process of deciding which RAM Mounts components to get, and for the base I kinda like the handlebar clamp base. But first I'd like to know how to remove the bolt cover the proper way without damaging anything.
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Re: Handlebar bolts cover removal

Posted: Mon Oct 17, 2016 6:27 am
by iceman
Myself and others asked this - someone said you could place sticky tape over them and pull them off - not sure how you would remove the cat, that can be even more tricky :)

Re: Handlebar bolts cover removal

Posted: Mon Oct 17, 2016 8:38 am
by homie
Yes, get the very stickiest duct tape or buy a small roll of gorilla tape. Work the tape over each cosmetic cap getting into the outer edges with your finger nail as deep as possible... rip off. Then be prepared for some of the tightest hex drive bolts on the PCX. Use a top quality drive and extended leverage (impact wrench) perhaps to loosen. I did this to push up the bars for a more comfortable riding position and the caps are a snap but the bolts are a BEAR!

Nice little Russian grey 8)

Re: Handlebar bolts cover removal

Posted: Mon Oct 17, 2016 9:13 am
by raito
Nice, I will try that.

One more thing, the description on Ram mount says "Have an M8 by 25, 30, or 35mm handlebar bolt?". Is it safe to assume the ones in my PCX are M8 bolts in one of those lengths?

Re: Handlebar bolts cover removal

Posted: Mon Oct 17, 2016 9:36 am
by Jge64
They are a pia to get off, I used a jewelers flat screwdriver to pry off easily.

Re: Handlebar bolts cover removal

Posted: Mon Oct 17, 2016 9:52 am
by homie
raito wrote:Nice, I will try that.

One more thing, the description on Ram mount says "Have an M8 by 25, 30, or 35mm handlebar bolt?". Is it safe to assume the ones in my PCX are M8 bolts in one of those lengths?
My SM does not mention handle bar removal, fastener sizes or torque values for the 4 bolts. The instruction above was trial and error. I think people destroyed the caps before asking for assistance or using tape. Good use of this forum to ask.

Re: Handlebar bolts cover removal

Posted: Mon Oct 17, 2016 5:22 pm
by WhiteNoise
Hi raito
Yes, use pieces of sticky tape and apply as mentioned. But first fold a corner down on each piece so you can use it to pull each cap off. A quick pull at that ;)

Once you've exposed the for bar bolts try using this set-up. It worked easy peasy for me.
I used a 6mm hex drive head and ratchet. "Before" you're ready to set those bolts back in, apply a dab of loctite to their threads. Good luck! :P

Sorry the pics are so big

Re: Handlebar bolts cover removal

Posted: Mon Oct 17, 2016 6:32 pm
by honkerman
I like that socket set. It's shiny.

Re: Handlebar bolts cover removal

Posted: Mon Oct 17, 2016 11:36 pm
by raito
That was easy. I first tried using cheap ordinary tape (not sticky enough), and then tried to pry using bicycle tyre lever (not thin enough). So before trying to find a stickier tape, had to try prying with a sharper object: cutter knife.
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No luck with bolt though. Only had my bicycle multi-tools with me, that would just break apart if I turned strong enough. Anyways, good news is that it seems we have M8 bolts if I got my info right..
6mm hex size means M8
6mm hex size means M8
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Re: Handlebar bolts cover removal

Posted: Mon Oct 17, 2016 11:36 pm
by raito
WhiteNoise wrote:"Before" you're ready to set those bolts back in, apply a dab of loctite to their threads. Good luck! :P
Not sure if I can find this loctite here.. What problems would I get if I don't loctite? You got nice clean tools set!

Re: Handlebar bolts cover removal

Posted: Tue Oct 18, 2016 12:00 am
by Jge64
You don't face any problems if you don't use the Loctite, it's a good idea, but just check them every couple months to see that they're tight .

Re: Handlebar bolts cover removal

Posted: Tue Oct 18, 2016 12:36 am
by relic
Be care full with that loctite stuff it can cause more problems than it is worth
I don't think those bolts-four of them are going to fall out
if you want to dink around with your handlebars leave the caps out -anti-seize the four bolts
and give them a twist if you think they need it
I looked into those ram mounts and gave upon the idea
I think you will end up with with problems with your cables being too short

Re: Handlebar bolts cover removal

Posted: Tue Oct 18, 2016 8:54 am
by homie
Is it time for the video of cap removal again? Don't peal it, pull straight up :D I don't know where you will get shiny new caps if you pry this out people. The tape works every time if its tacky enough. I did not use lock tight and the bars have not moved since they were moved up. Merciless next time with lock tight. Since the failure of under tightening would be a slight movement in your handle bars I think that's easily corrected without thread lockers.

Re: Handlebar bolts cover removal

Posted: Tue Oct 18, 2016 11:10 am
by WhiteNoise
Help's here with buying Shiny caps :P
http://www.bikebandit.com/oem-parts/201 ... #sch909772

Honda fixes the bolts tight.
Use some Blaster PB. Carefully spray a bit around the bolts. Watch Out for overspray! Cover The surrounding area. Let liquid sit around them for awhile. I sprayed at night and they were Easily removed by morning.
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Love all Me Tools! Nice day, Clean work area, clean tools (some new) and a phone to call for help :D (well....ya never know!) And a few swigs H2O
Oh...and bug spray! Those skeeter's are a biatch!

Re: Handlebar bolts cover removal

Posted: Tue Oct 18, 2016 12:02 pm
by easyrider
I would not use any fastener glue . Manufactuers like to use it do avoid liability when assembling critical components. Not really necessary on re assembling but many like the security. Heat is utilized to break the bond if overly tight.Use a heat gun (be careful) then loosen.. Should help.

Re: Handlebar bolts cover removal

Posted: Tue Oct 18, 2016 12:26 pm
by homie
WhiteNoise wrote:Help's here with buying Shiny caps :P
http://www.bikebandit.com/oem-parts/201 ... #sch909772
Good work WN, you are like the parts manager or a supply Sargent. Ye can pry away now :lol: go get some new ones. 10.00 plus shipping :o o_O :roll: that's not how precious and I roll :lol:

It is the perfect Indian summer Chicago day! Already put 40 miles this morning and now a sponge bath, wax and Chief says "all day should be Indian day"

Re: Handlebar bolts cover removal

Posted: Tue Oct 18, 2016 5:31 pm
by you you
homie wrote:It is the perfect Indian summer Chicago day! Already put 40 miles this morning and now a sponge bath, wax and Chief says "all day should be Indian day"
Same for the bike I hope..?

Re: Handlebar bolts cover removal

Posted: Tue Oct 18, 2016 8:35 pm
by homie
you you wrote:
homie wrote:It is the perfect Indian summer Chicago day! Already put 40 miles this morning and now a sponge bath, wax and Chief says "all day should be Indian day"
Same for the bike I hope..?
Very funny youyou, Hey I'm about to retire the crash list with the next off. That's 50 accidents too many and i'm sure the victims will second that motion but before we wipe the history how about a poll 8) How many crashes were incurred on joy rides verses business?

Re: Handlebar bolts cover removal

Posted: Mon May 01, 2017 3:42 pm
by ScottDR
Once again, a great post that can really help people. This is not covered in service manuals! Cheers all!