Fit N Finish..a little to be desired

[RSVECTORFREAK]

Well my first reason for buying yamaha's are usually for their dependability and fit and finish. I think the side panels on the vectors really need to be re-designed. First off you have to remove 7 screws to remove the panel, something I didn't even had to do on my '87 Exciter. Then after removing the panel numerous times the very top "snap in plug" is deformed and won't snap in the holes anymore. NICE! I go flying down the trail and the top of my side panel flaps in the breeze. Anyone else have their snap lugs wear out on the side panels??? Now all I get from my Doo Buddies is how nice my fit and finish is for a yammie. Being an engineer I am going to try to come up with a whole new setup for these pita side panels once and for all. Are the 06 vectors the same way or did they go to the DZUS fasteners that the Apex's have?

 

[Srxspec]

All Vector's are the same in design and it really isn't that bad if you have the right phillips screw driver (I believe it's a #3). For the little "nub" in the rear I make sure to put a little WD-40 on it so you can pop it in and out easily. The one I did have bend over I took a sheet metal screw and put it into the center of the "nub" so it was solid and couldn't bend over.

 

[RSVECTORFREAK]

Good thinking. Did you have to drill out the center before you added the screw?

 

[Srxspec]

Nope, I just simply screwed it right in!!

 

[RSVECTORFREAK]

I'll try it as soon as I get home.....

Thanks!

 

[NY_Nytro]

I really like them. It's pretty quick to get each panel off, 5 minutes for each. Other sleds I've owned never had any removable panels, most of them the lower plastic was one piece and working on the clutch or chaincase was a real pain.

 

[RSVECTORFREAK]

Have you seen the ones on the REV's. Opens up in 3 seconds and exposes the entire side of the engine compartment. I'll give DOO a big thumbs up on their access panels. No clips to worry about falling off or phillips head screws getting chewed up when the right driver is available.

 

[XTC500]

If any of you have spent some time watching SnowX races you would know that the Doo panels are not up to much either. In any given race you usually see 1 or 2 doo's riding with one of their panels flopping in the breeze.

 

[Oak Hill]

Watched the race on TV today and Doo Panels where flying. If you keep that tab lubed as recommended it works just fine.

 

[dusty]

As to those absolutely excellent screws that hold the side panels on, there is a solution. If there is a junkyard in your area that will let you pick your own parts, look for a second generation (1995 - 1999) Mitsubishi Eclipse or Eagle Talon. These cars use an identically sized screw (same thread, same length, same positive stop diameter and length, same diameter head) that uses a 10mm hex instead of the #3 screw driver disaster. You could always take one of your Yamaha screws to a Mitsubishi Dealer and ask them for their hex head equivalent instead of digging around in junk cars, but where's the fun in that.

Dusty

 

[06rsvectorer]

ive taken my side panels off 3 times pre-winter to get a battery charger hooked up (battery tender) and other stuff and ive need had one problem, the only problem is i had to take it off the mar-lift so i can get te panel off because the bottom on the panel is on the support for the lift. but getting it on and off ive had no problems

 

[gnip134]

I add wd-40 also and that thing pops right on.