Instrument panel cover removal help

[Randy B]

Ok. I forged ahead and did a full disassembly of the instrument pod. I did have to drop the headlight assembly down to allow access to the screws/bolts. The front cover was secured by 13 screws then the cover was easily removed (no pulling required). I was able to clean the inside of the cover and get everything buttoned back up (be careful not to loose 2 posts that float freely in the instrument assembly and are pressed by the 2 front selector buttons). If I can, I'll post pictures of the process.

Unfortunately, just after I completed the operation, I received a call from the Honda dealer. A CB1100 tech rep called the dealer and said they wanted him to go ahead and order the part and then have the service department attempt to clean the original with the replacement part in standby if necessary. Of course, because I did the work myself, the dealer is afraid they now won't be authorized to do the work. I'm waiting to hear back from the dealer service department. It does sound like they may be aware of a manufacturing defect as the CB1100 tech rep approved service that was initially rejected by Honda tech in general. Just thought others should be aware of the possible issue. While my cleaning job looks great and other's wouldn't notice the flaw ever existed, I would prefer it was factory perfect. Then again, I'm sure in a couple of months, I'll completely forget the the whole thing

Tell them that they should still do the work because they initially denied you the work and you couldn't just let it stay like that. It's their fault that you jumped into it in the first place and they should hold you responsible for that.

[White Dog_imp]

Stratus, I tore into my instrument cluster looking for a buzzing sound which I never found but I did wrap all the wiring in the headlightt bucket per Popgun and the buzzing went away. This was weeks ago but I just recently noticed all the grimy fingerprints on the inside of the speedo so yesterday I went back into the assembly to clean. A trick I learned is once the outside screws are removed, you can put the instruments back in the mounting holes and lift the front cover off, thus saving the integrity of the 2 plastic stems which mount under the A and B buttons. Since I had done this project before, my R/R time was less than one hour.

[Xyzzy_imp]

I'd love to replace the "A" and "B" stems with buttons that work with gloves.

I also have a bad habit of wiping the dust/dirt off of the display and as a result it is already scratched a bit. I'll probably have to replace it someday.

[Stratus_imp]

That's great advice White Dog. I think I did flip it back before removing the top cover and only after shifting things around did I notice the button stems were loose and likely to fall out if I wasn't careful.

I did receive a call back from my Honda service tech and he wants me to bring the bike by so he can examine the cover. Thinking about it, I'm wondering if the defect in my cover wasn't from a pressure washer but instead may have been a mis-application of anti-fog liquid coating. Looking closely at the speedo and tach covers, I can see a similar (but less heavily applied) brush pattern in a circular pattern. I can imagine Honda applying a coating to prevent instrument fogging in high moisture as it appears the instruments aren't airtight. Perhaps my cover slipped through quality control. Examining the LCD display, I saw zero evidence of liquid intrusion. I would have expected something if the issue was caused by pressure washing by the prior owner.

I'll post a reply as I learn more.

[Stratus_imp]

Today, after a wonderful 30 minute ride to the dealer (clear blue skies after 5 inches of rain yesterday), I received the good news that after a second look, Honda will be replacing my instrument cover panel. I took Randy's advice and suggested I wouldn't have cleaned up the display on my own had they not initially told me the issue wouldn't be covered under my 5 year warranty. The part is in the local warehouse so the repair should be completed soon.

[Cormanus]

Good news, Stratus.

[Stratus_imp]

I'm happy to report that Jim at Fox Valley Cycles in Aurora and the helpful Honda representatives really came through for me by replacing the instrument cover. Despite being a used bike and not knowing the prior history of care, they agreed to replace a part that could have been damaged by poor handling. It was clear that their main goal was to make sure the owner of the bike is happy with Honda and their product.

Interestingly, during the course of this, I was made aware that Honda follows this forum regularly and is interested in the opinions of owners of this unique bike. I have to say, I was very impressed by the personal involvement of everyone involved. In the past, I had an issue with a new bike from an Italian manufacturer involving warped brake rotors from new. In that instance, my concerns fell on deaf ears. It is pretty cool when you know a manufacturer really cares about their product.

[the Ferret]

"Interestingly, during the course of this, I was made aware that Honda follows this forum regularly and is interested in the opinions of owners of this unique bike."

Really? That's interesting. Who exactly from Honda follows this forum regularly?

[Stratus_imp]

Hi Ferrit, I'm not certain but it could be a social media department or the tech reps. All I know is that they were aware of my posts. Pretty cool that they take an interest in our group of enthusiasts.

[furious_blue_imp]

hmmm... monitoring the forum, now I wonder if the US '14 DLX with its silver engine, chromed headers, bigger tank and symmetrical (very important !) matched mufflers was primarily a result of reading this group's opinions of the US '13 model ? A set of changes so important that a number of members, including me, were willing to trade in their 1 year old '13s for '14 DLX-s ?
Dealer thought I was nuts, but I'm so happy with the DLX :-)