bracket removal?
 

Is there any reason I should not remove this bracket that partially blocks the screw for the air filter cover?

I had to bend it to remove the screw.


http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...psg2rp2fru.jpg

jb

Looks like that wiring harness is supposed to be inside the bracket.


/

Yeah, that puppy is a nuisance, but probably no problem to either remove it or trim a bit on the forward portion. Might want to zip tie the harness to the frame to reduce chaffing between filter cleanings, though.

I'm not sure if my RX3 has that bracket. If my bike does have the bracket, it doesn't obstruct access to the air box cover. The wiring harness should be routed above the air box cover, following the outside edge of the frame.

I suggest you might remove one inch from the end of the strap. Then re-bend the strap into a 'U' which is located in a higher position, nearer the upper side rail of the frame. You can then route the wiring harness through the loop, and the wiring harness will be above the air box cover. ;)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...psjjb8hvbj.jpg

You should support the rest of the wiring harness with zip ties. Of course, you can remove the bracket entirely, and support the entire wiring harness with zip ties.

Thanks for the responses.

I had previously put the wiring harness in the bracket, but was worried that with constant vibration, it might wear through the harness covering, so I removed it.

This was the stock routing of the harness:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...pspj2ngfnk.jpg


And this is after I put the harness in the bracket (it was a tight fit, had to bend the bracket...that may have caused the screw to be blocked even more):

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...psfvn502ok.jpg

I'm leaning towards removing the bracket completely.

BTW, there is an identical bracket on the opposite side of the frame.

jb

almost looks like a helmet hook

Could be, but my guess it's a tab for attaching a turn signal flasher...if there wasn't already one on a side panel:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...pskuzenzeu.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...psnqlblqwy.jpg


The turn signal flasher tab on my TW 200 is the identical shape.

jb

It appears the factory didn't quite weld that tab in the proper location. ;) You can certainly remove the tab, and substitute a zip tie without any problems.

I would agree with that

That's what I did...used an angle grinder to remove bracket and touched up bare metal with Rustoleum paint.

Also washed and oiled the air filter before reassembly.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...psxpdayz0c.jpg



There sure is a lot of drama just to get to the air filter. :)

But that's not all. I should have posted this first.

To get to the air filter you need to remove the half side panel, which has it's own surprise:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...psbmwohurd.jpg


jb

:tup:

In earlier RX3 bikes the plastic side cover was a single piece. :ohno: Therefore, you needed to remove the entire pannier rack on that side to service the air filter. :wtf: Fortunately, Zongshen later split the side cover. ;)

Thanks for posting the nice photos. :) The last issue is a known problem. However, the solution is simple. You can replace that phillips head screw with a hex bolt, or you can do as I did, and simply remove the screw. The side cover is held in place very well without that additional screw. :)

Update:

You know the bracket that was blocking access to my air filter....the one I cut off...

I found out what it is for....

I was considering installing the cigarette lighter/usb plug so I thought I would read the installation tutorial......and what did I find.....

....there is a green electrical resistor that plugs into the wiring harness and hangs on the side of the frame on a special bracket......

http://www.cscmotorcycles.com/v/vspf...ge_%20(28).jpg

So if I decide to get the lighter/usb outlets, I will need another way to attach the electrical resistor to frame.

:hmm::hmm::hmm:

jb

Nah, yur good. That one is on the right side of the bike.:tup:

You didn't remove the wrong bracket. The bracket for the USB resistor is located on the right side of the bike, behind the flasher relay. ;)

THANKS....... :thanks:....although I wasn't too worried. I figured industrial strength velco would hold it on.

jb