Motorcycle Repair: Installing rubber grommet on side cover, flat head screwdriver, honda cl350

Question
Can you tell me the correct way to install the rubber grommets on my 72 Honda CL350 side covers? I have tried several times unsucessfully.
I'm afraid I'm going to crack the side covers.

Mac


Answer
Although i've never worked on a 72 honda, all I can tell you is the method i've used for grommets of all types, autos and bikes.  They should not be that difficult, if you are sure they are fresh (new) and the correct type try the following.

Heat them with a hair dryer to warm them up as best possible, if the hair dryer is not getting them warm to the touch, put them on some tin foil in your oven for a few minutes - just a few minutes until they are warm to the touch.  Then put a light coating of all-purpose grease, like bel-ray waterproof etc.,

Now, work 1/4 of the grommet into the cover as best you can, then continue as you would if you were fixing a flat on a bicycle moving around the edge... when you get to the last 1/3 or so that is the most difficult, use a flat head screwdriver and put it through that last 1/3 and try to squeeze it in.  

If it is more difficult than this, I suggest bringing it to a local honda dealer who would probably not even charge you if you tell him your story.

Hope this helps.

Anthony
'Ride Today - Live Again'