I had a custom derby cover made, but I've never pulled one off. When I pull the old one off is it going to dump oil everywhere? What if I had an assistant hold the bike up off the kickstand and level? Or perhaps even lean to the right? Will I have to change the seal or can they often come off intact? Thanks in advance.

 

If you put the bike on a jack, it will be level (perpendicular to the ground). Take the derby cover off, it will not leak any oil.

 

The seal will probably still be good. I have open and closed mine half a dozen time with the same seal.

 

put bike on jack,or bit of 4x2 under kick stand so bike is level,someone can steady it if you like,with bike straight, oil wont leak out,the hard part can be those torx screws,make sure you have got a quality hardened bit,or it may twist or snap,you may even need an impact driver,yhey can be frustrating,if your bike been recently serviced should come out easy

 

No oil is going to leak out even with the bike just on the jiffy stand but a 2x4 is what I used before I bought a lift. You will need a torque wrench and the gasket should be replaced. Check your service manual for the correct bolt tightening sequence. Seams trivial but this is important to secure the derby cover flush to the mount. I can try to photograph the page and post it if you don't have one.

 

Yep - level the bike & nothing should come out, but I'd replace the ring/gasket. Why take a chance on a $5 part. Also, be careful w/the torque on these little cover bolts - they strip & snap real easy.

 

NO loctite on those screws either!

 

If fluid does come out the dealer overfilled it. What year is your bike? In 07 derby's started coming with o-rings and still a lot of custom cover are still flat and the older flat gasket must be used.