2013 Norge 1200 GT Weird Gap if upper fairing

[Guzzi2Go]

I’m hoping someone can help me identify what is wrong with the upper side panels on my Norge see the attacked Pics . Yes I have the same issues with breaking tabs on various side panels that others have written about and I’ve got the JB weld ready to do some rebuilding But the gap seems to be a result of miss matched parts. I haven’t been able to contact the previous owner to ask but there doesn’t seem to be any obvious damage I’m second guessing my thought of miss matched parts. Has any else had this issue or have any suggestions?

 

[Raven]

My 2012 is nearly identical. It bugged me for a while. I've gotten used to it. You may be missing a small plastic pop-in fastener on the side near the SS brake line. I've had the tupperware off on many occasions and have never broken anything. There is an order to it which I can never quite remember. Take your time and don't force anything. If it seems something isn't letting go, there's likely another hidden fastener you're not seeing.

 

[Guzzi2Go]

LOL I've learned about the 'order' of removing things. It was a nightmare the first time, especially as a number of the screws were installed in the wrong place, but I worked through it. I've now got it down pat and I've even picked up U bolts and some shoulder panel screws to replace / repair the damaged ones from the previous owner's work.

I replaced the alternator belt last summer. That was an exercise all right. While the service manual calls for the belt replacement of 50 K I didn't find the original in that bad condition. Pics attached. It was also a good opportunity to give a through cleaning to the oil cooler and get rid of 50,000 Km of grud that build up on the face of the engine. It appears the oil pressure sensor failed and was replaced. All good and as expected, but they didn't clean off the old oil. There was quite a build up of dirt on that oil.

One thing I've learned is when taking off the side panels leave attached to the bottom panel, the small upper triangular panel, that hides the back of the cylinder head, only remove the top screw. It makes it sooo much easier during reinstallation.

Thanks for your comments on the miss-matched panels. It's almost as if the upper side panels have shrunk or warped. You're right I am missing to two pop up retainers on the sides. The were so worn out that the would not hold. I'm currently using zip ties which are not a very good solution. I'm looking for replacement pop ups.