Oh Dear!!!

[Williamson]

My efforts to replace the front and rear tyres were mostly successful. 

However after refitting the tow hitch bracket (which fits under the side box mounting brackets), the side box retaining lever will not function correctly.  This happened when initially fitting the tow hitch, and I sorted it out satisfactorily, but last night was not as successful.

I should have waited until the weekend when I could do the fix in better light, but no I knew better - if just remove this and then that and then this - that's when the trouble started.

To cut a long story short, I've lost a little alloy sleeve / collar, see tip of arrow in this pic:


I actually know where the sleeve / collar is - it's somewhere in the bowels of the bike.

I'll do a ring around and email a few bike shops etc. see if I can get one, perhaps I can even make one up, but if anyone has any other ideas or even better has a spare one they would like to swap for a stubbie or two of Dog Bolter Lager, please let me know.
 
BTW, this website is pretty handy http://www.partzilla.com/parts/search/Honda/Motorcycle/2004/ST1300+A/GRAB+RAIL/parts.html

Finally, before a frig this exercise up anymore, has anyone got any tips on sorting out the side box retaining mechanism?

[StinkyPete]

If you can get me some dimensions (so I don't have to pull my bike to bits and loose my spacer) I can turn one up for you. 

[Williamson]

If you can get me some dimensions (so I don't have to pull my bike to bits and loose my spacer) I can turn one up for you.

 

Length = 14mm
OD = 12mm
ID = 8mm

STassist does it again.

[StinkyPete]

Williamson, PM sent.   

[Malcolm6112]

It can't fall through. Have a look with a torch.

 

[zevk]

a magnetic pickup tool is usefull for this sort of mishaps, (providing it is not made from aluminum...)

available for $10 from supa-cheap auto and the like... 

just slide the tool into the crevices and gaps of the body work and if lucky you might retrieve it....

good luck

https://www.google.com.au/search?hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1680&bih=955&q=magnetic+tool+holder&oq=magnetic+tool+&gs_l=img.3.0.0l10.1132.5168.0.9063.18.16.0.0.0.0.534.2561.0j6j2j1j0j1.10.0....0...1ac.1.48.img..8.10.2555.Ya0cdR4TIgI#hl=en&q=magnetic+claw+pickup+tool&tbm=isch&facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=5iIJRj5ZUtOC7M%253A%3BWhAQVa5Mu2leYM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fespimages.biz%252F2386%252FI%252F147%252F35%252F827B.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.ebay.co.uk%252Fitm%252FFacom-Flexible-Magnetic-Retriever-Claw-Pickup-Tool-high-power-827B-%252F380843406293%3B702%3B877


https://www.google.com.au/search?hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1680&bih=955&q=magnetic+tool+holder&oq=magnetic+tool+&gs_l=img.3.0.0l10.1132.5168.0.9063.18.16.0.0.0.0.534.2561.0j6j2j1j0j1.10.0....0...1ac.1.48.img..8.10.2555.Ya0cdR4TIgI#hl=en&q=flexible+magnetic+pickup+tool&tbm=isch&facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=Qlm0ZG09i3wRfM%253A%3BYwARxypyHjFHhM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.toolstop.co.uk%252Fcomponents%252Fcom_virtuemart%252Fshop_image%252Fproduct%252FAK6531.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.toolstop.co.uk%252Fsealey-ak6531-flexible-magnetic-pick-up-tool-1.5kg-capacity-p53335%3B1200%3B957

[alans1100]

Apart from how your towbar supports mounts to bike there is also a lot in common as well.

Looking at the Classic website and the 1300 design it looks like the heavy tow bar section looks similar to my 1100 which uses a longer bolt at the exhaust mount.

The rear supports are different to mine but both are bolted to the rear of the bar.

I leave the supports in place and just remove the heavier piece by removing the nuts on the exhaust mount and the two bolts that hold the bar to the supports.

[Williamson]

Thanks for the suggestions and ideas .....

It can't fall through. Have a look with a torch.

Done that.

a magnetic pickup tool is usefull for this sort of mishaps, (providing it is not made from aluminum...)

Its partner is alloy.

Apart from how your towbar supports mounts to bike there is also a lot in common as well.

Looking at the Classic website and the 1300 design it looks like the heavy tow bar section looks similar to my 1100 which uses a longer bolt at the exhaust mount.

The rear supports are different to mine but both are bolted to the rear of the bar.

I leave the supports in place and just remove the heavier piece by removing the nuts on the exhaust mount and the two bolts that hold the bar to the supports.

The tow hitch is not a Classic.  It has brackets which mount under the side box mounts.  This forms a "U" under bracket, under the guard.  This has a "tongue" joined (welded to the under bracket) which extends down the inside of the guard to around axle height.  I tried removing the rear wheel without removing the bracket, didn't work.

Next wheel change I could raise the rear of the bike off the ground so that the axle is around the height of the wheel (I don't think this is practicable).  Or remove the tow hitch again, at which time I'll get some mods made to the tow hitch.

Now, that StinkyPete has offered to help with a replacement sleeve / collar, has anyone experience with the side box lever mechanisms?

[alans1100]

The tow hitch is not a Classic.

Sorry Michael, that was a guess on my part as the Classic would be the most common one fitted.

[Williamson]

Just received some good news from StinkyPete.  There are two sleeve / collars heading my way.   

Strange currency some of these Southern Australians use, no interest in a beer or two (perhaps it's something to do with the standard of their local beer), but interest was expressed in a glass or two of red (hope I can rise to SA standards on that one).

Anyway, here's to Pete:


  

[StinkyPete]

   Good man...

[Williamson]

Got the problem with the side box retaining level mechanism sorted. 

When the tow hitch bracket fitted under the lever mount, it pushed the lever out by around 2 - 3mm (thickness of the bracket), which pushed the lever out the same distance and it rubbed against the side panel plastic. 

Just had to remove quite a bit of gear to see the problem.  Anyway trimmed around 3mm of the panel, you can't notice it unless the side panels are removed, all is good.

Except for one bolt (waiting for a collar to arrive), everything else is back together. 

Not too many parts left over - I seem to be getting better at the bike repair caper.

[Williamson]

..... waiting for a collar to arrive .....

The Eagle has Landed ........ bike should be back to normal by around 7:00pm.

Thanks StinkyPete.

[StinkyPete]

Happy to help