I've been looking at a few parts to add to my bike and have some questions as far as difficulty of installation.

How hard is it to install new hand grips? Foot pegs for forward controls? Derby cover? Timing cover?

If any of these are "easy" to do by myself, I'd like to do it that way to save me some money.

 

Easy - Foot Pegs, Derby Cover, Timing Cover (if it is held in place with screws...which I think yours is)

Moderate - Timing Cover (if it is held in place with rivots), Hand Grips (Because getting the old ones off can be a pain)

Seriously though if you are even the slightest bit mechanically inclined go for it. Most of these upgrades can be done with very basic tools and some torx bit drivers. If you haven't got it already, pick up the factory service manual. It costs about the same as an hour's worth of labor and will save you that the first time you use it. From there you'll better know what's involved to do these tasks.

For those that may correct me about the timeing cover installed with rivots, I listed it as moderate because it requires a drill and the ***** to start drilling into your bike. For someone who may be a little leary about working on their own stuff, that may move it into the moderate catagory.

 

I just checked out the service manual. I'll have to go pick one up soon. Does it basically go in detail about the parts of the bike?

Also with the derby cover, is it just a matter of taking off the old cover and screws and putting the new one on?

 

Yes, the derby cover is cut and dry. Just be sure to stand your bike straight up so the primary fluid does not leak out. It would not be bad to change the primary cover gasket but it is not mandatory.

 

Do you know about the timing cover?

 

I think on your 2009 the timing cover will have screws rather than rivets. Makes it a 2 minute job. On the Derby cover - get the new gasket - well worth the couple bucks for peace of mind. The Service manual is a gold mine of information. When doing the grips, just pay attention when you take the stuff off and it should be a no-brainer. Be sure to use some graphite on the throttle so it rotates easily. I use the graphite that is for locks. You can get it at any hardware store.