Cover Bolts - Finish

[Radioguylogs]

Simple question about my SF:

What kind of stock finish is supposed be on the bolts for valve cover, clutch cover, generator cover, etc?

I think they still have the stock finish, but it looks like a dull gray plating.

I was contemplating changing to stainless bolts, or painting them as I polish each cover.

Thoughts and ideas?

-Mike

[trbig]

Stainless. Low maint. and look great.

[natemoen]

I don't know if they really have much of any coating originally.

I would agree with going stainless. There is only a handful of bolts on my bike that are not stainless.

[TADracer]

Originals were simple plated steel metric cap screws. Refinishing or polishing will not last very long on the stockers. If you want long-lasting performance switch to stainless screws.

Stay away from hardware stores or the big box places and go to a fastener place like Fastenal and buy SS cap screws in bulk. Most all the covers on the motor take 6mm screws in only two lengths.

[CKlamer]

I am pretty sure the original finish was steel with a clear Zinc coating which is what you will usually get if you buy them from the dealer or online like PartsNmore.

I need to replace all of the screws on mine I believe almost every screw on my bike is completely rusted.

I did find out that most of the side covers and the cylinder cover all use the same size screw.

Just have to find out what size that actually is.

[crazy steve]

I did a 'group buy' a year or so ago, but here's a list of what you need...

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread...tainless+bolts

[natemoen]

Stay away from hardware stores or the big box places and go to a fastener place like Fastenal and buy SS cap screws in bulk.

Not disagreeing with you at all, but how many lawsuits and Govt contracts has Fastnal lost due to the poor quality pfaterials they use?

[jetmechmarty]

The OEM bolts were likely cadmium plated. I'm not sure you can have it done anymore, but it lasts almost forever. Polish it off and they'll rust. Mine now wears stainless.

[CKlamer]

I am a fastener distributor and that is why I am asking about the sizes I can buy them in bulk quantities all day long.

I sell to the military and aerospace companies so I can get just about any grade of fasteners needed.

If you have any questions let me know.

By the way the stock fasteners are not cadmium because they have a completely different look (Bright Silver) and would be very expensive compared to Steel Zinc. But yes Cadmium plated parts would last longer than the Zinc but Zinc plated parts are the most common.

[Radioguylogs]

WOW. This was my first 'real' post here... even though I hve been lurking for a year, and if this level of support is indicative, I'm in good hands.

I bought the SF a year ago for $400, and gathered the necessary parts since then. The electrical was a basket case (actually plastic bag case). Brakes were frozen, forks stuck in the down position, etc.

Now I'm getting into the work I have been dying to start.

I am convinced I should find a bulk buy of stainless bolts.

Thanks for the support.

[DGXSER]

Contact Crazy Steve. I think he did a bulk buy of SS fasteners some time ago, put together sets to replace all the engine bolts IIRC. He may have some left.

[IanDMacDonald]

I read over Steve's thread from last year. He sold the last kit to John that he had left-over from someone pulling out. I wish I was more active on this forum last year to see that thread..

[TADracer]

Not disagreeing with you at all, but how many lawsuits and Govt contracts has Fastnal lost due to the poor quality pfaterials they use?

Nate, I certainly don't know about that. I threw Fastenal out there because I pass one on my way to the office every day. But I do feel getting fasteners from a fastener house beats the big box retail stores hands down on price and quality.

[jetmechmarty]

My local Ace Hardware has very nice stainless. It is a bit pricey, but I figure it costs them plenty to keep it on the shelf.

[CKlamer]

Just remember that the Rockwell hardness and the over all tensile strength difference between Alloy Steel and Stainless Steel is very different.

That is unless you get a high strength stainless steel like A286.

I will be replacing mine with the Alloy Steel Zinc plated parts.