'83 XS 'Heritage Special' lower side cover question

At the risk of appearing to be a complete dolt, I'm wondering if there is a 'difference' in the lower side covers on the '83 'Heritage Special' vs that of other 'Special' models that have this additional side cover set-up? Specifically, I'm wondering about the Right Side.....as I'm having difficulty finding one that fits my bike. I just acquired this '83....and aside from a few other issues....this is one that will nag me until it's properly resolved. I actually have 2 of the Rt Side Lower Covers..... and NEITHER of them fit! It seems that the two little mounting tabs on the covers I have are simply too close together to fit this bike. Yet, they fit on another similar model. This begs the question: Is there an 'adjustment' that can be made to effect proper fitment? It looks like maybe the tool box holder includes one of the two mounts....where the other seems to be on the frame itself. Clearly the one on the frame ain't movin'....but maybe the tool box can be re-positioned in order to effect proper fitment of the lower side cover? I'm going to attempt to attach a picture of the bike, which if I can do successfully, will show that this is a pretty 'clean' version of an '83 HS. I'd like to 'finish it off' with all the proper 'stock' items, including replacing the after-market gas tank, as well as re-installing the 'stock' carbs. But, this cover thing has me stumped right now.....so....first things first. I want that fixed!! Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Tom

Wow!! Not so much as a 'peep' from the entire Forum?????? I'm crushed! WC

It looks to me like the sheet metal frame cover is missing. The lower side cover tab slides in behind it. I'll get you a photo, but I may forget before I get to it. I'm sure we can resolve this. I've had my SK from new. The '82 XS650SJ has those extra pieces as well. None of the others do.
http://www.partzilla.com/parts/search/Yamaha/Motorcycle/1983/XS650SK/STAND+FOOTREST/parts.html
items 58&59

This is odd as there are the typical holes with the rubber grommets in them....and the little cover itself has the tabs in it that just stick in the holes. But, for some reason, the right side cover that I have looks to have the tabs molded into the cover.....but the spacing is about 3/4" off. Either I need to rotate the tool box some, which doesn't appear to be 'do-able'....or I need a different cover. Very strange........... WC

I have never seen one of those covers that didn't fit.. Perhaps remove the chain box and see if it is sitting where it should be?

the last two pics are an 82 as it came here

and when it left,

gggGary did you fall down? Can you get up?
OP I'm with Gary and Marty. The right /correct cover should fit.

weekendrider said:

gggGary did you fall down? Can you get up?

Click to expand...

I have to hang just to keep laying on the ground.

No one shoots the bottom of the mufflers, well there are a few of us,

You sure you don't have a LH cover? they kinda seem backward when looking at them off the the bike.

I'm pretty sure I've got the Rt and Lf thing correct!.....lol. What I'm NOT sure about is the possibility that there is a difference between an '82 version of this cover and my '83 version. I'm attaching a couple more pics......not the greatest, but it's like 12:30 at night and the bike is INSIDE my house getting ready for some work, and I just couldn't get a better angle to take the photos.....let alone any better light. So, it's a 'flash' shot with my camera....but I think the first pic will pretty well confirm that it is, in fact, a 'Rt Side Cover' vs a left. So, assuming there's no further question on that account, the second picture will hopefully depict what it is that's troubling me with this. If you look at the two 'plastic tits' that are protruding from the inside of the cover....and look at the positions of the two holes they are 'supposed' to fit in...you'll note that while the forward one is lined up pretty evenly with the hole, the rear one is a good 3/4" off between the hole and the 'stud'..... or what ever you want to call the thing. In the first picture, you can see how I simply can't push the panel into a 'flush' position......and in the second picture you can see why. The 'spacing' of the holes vs the plastic 'pins', or 'studs', or 'protrusions'..........what ever.....they simply don't align correctly. SO.......maybe what I have is for an '82....and the '83 just might be slightly different? I'm still unsure....... but at least you can see I'm not crazy! Further comments, suggestions?

By the way..... Gary.....I find it rather ironic that I too have a 'flat-black' version of an XS-Special....though mine's an '81. If it stops raining long enough for me to back it out of the garage tomorrow, I'll take a couple pics of it and post 'em for you as well. The '81 has been my daily-driver since early last year when I 'rescued' it from a fate worse than death. It had sat for a LONG time up against a telephone pole along side of back-country road. It was about to head to the dump when I came along and purchased it. After a LOT of trouble-shooting I finally found both a bad connection at the coil, AND a bad Ignitor module. Once I got it running I changed out the 'stock' carbs for some older versions off a '77. I also changed wheels to the aluminum rim '77 wheels that had been painted black by their prior owner. I continued to change out things like handle bars, fenders, exhaust systems, chain & sprocket (now 32 tooth rear), shocks, etc. The bike is now REALLY fun to ride!! I just purchased a cafe seat and some 'clubman' handlebars. I don't know if I'll be able to take that riding position for too long.....but it should sure look damn cool!!....lol

Anyway......... gotta love these old XS bikes! I'm addicted to 'em! Thanks for the help with the issue above. I REALLY want to get this cover thing resolved. I have a feeling it may end up being that I'll need a specific '83 cover!! Oh well....... Gary, could you measure the center-to-center distance on one of your covers between the two 'tits' on the cover....as well as your distance between the two mounting holes? That might provide some useful information....and at least let me know if the frame is actually different on mine.

CIAO,

Tom

Just another quick update: My cover has 5V4-21741 on the back, and the 'tits' are 4.25" center-to-center. The holes in the bike measure 5" center-to-center. So, as I said, about 3/4" off. I know the rear grommet hole is part of a bracket that's welded to the frame, while the front grommet hole appears to be part of the tool box. Again, I'm not sure if it's just an 'adjustment' issue.......but the tool box looks to be properly mounted from what I can see.....AND..... I don't see anything bent. So I gotta believe there's yet another cover with a different part number for this '83....and what I have may be an '82 cover. Any help with this from some vintage parts books would probably help me lock this down for sure. Thanks, Tom D.

That is the correct part # for both the '82 and '83.
Here is a link to one for sale on e-bay. Without measuring I'd say the pins are same yours and the ad's.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/XS650-Yamah...ash=item4d467d65c2:g:ewQAAOSwLpdW-xJ6&vxp=mtr
The problem must be in the mounting holes.
How bout a shot/pic of that?
If you loosen the bolt holding the chain box can you "roll" it forward?

I've had 5 or 6 heritage Specials, of both years the covers ARE all the same. It's "gotta be" something with how the chain box is mounted. I see the cover for the chain box looks distorted. Glad you are enjoying your XS's!

See if this is any help? Do your grommets appear to be placed where mine are?

On my lower, right side cover I put the bottom in behind that beauty plate and then insert the tit that goes into the chain box and then turn the cover clockwise and forward to fit the frame mount. Yeah it's a bit of the hokey pokey but it's one lower cover that shouldn't get blown off while riding......as long as I don't bust a tab.
So I'm saying it's not a direct plug 'n play.

Looking at your situation, it's more like inserting the tit into the chain box and then moving the lower cover counter clockwise and back to catch the frame mount. I'd loosen the chain box and see if it could be moved back a tad, though i truly believe you need an ultra snug fit on these lowers. Too many time I've seen where somebody has lost one while riding, and these covers are as common as hens teeth........imagine thirty five bucks a cover IF you can find one.......

Lefts are worse! jus' saying. it may be because the left has to come off to get at the tool box at night on some godforsaken farm road.