? about bolts

[mrhammer2u]

Seems all the bolt packages are A2. Tom's post leads me to believe A2 is no good?

Please advise???

[crazy steve]

The A2 bolts are fine on things like the engine covers and carbs, as long as you don't exceed the bolt's maximum torque spec. For certain high-load places (like the triple trees, footpeg mounts), the softer stainless bolts can be a bit shaky and I personally wouldn't use them.

One issue with any stainless bolt is ensuring it stays tight. As was pointed out, anti-seize is a lubricant and you don't want to put Loctite on the threads. I'll put a liberal dab of Loctite under the bolt head (wiping off the excess once torqued), haven't had one come loose yet.

[jetmechmarty]

Just to add to Steve's comment, I have his stainless kit on my engine. I liberally slathered each bolt with anti-seize compound and snugged them up. I've had to revisit a few of them as they loosened up, but most of them stay where I put them and no leaks have been noted.

Still, the elbow calibration is mine. I know some folks really like to crank 'em down. With anti-seize lubing those bolts, it's very easy to put too much stretch on them. I'd hate to pull the threads out of an engine case or snap a bolt head off.

If you really need a torque wrench, a Google search might find you the torque spec. Doing so will require know exactly what the lube is and what the bolt is made of. The me, it's just much easier to be cautious not to over torque.

[crazy steve]

When these small 6mm bolts break, it's usually broken flush with the hole. This also usually distorts the threads by the break, making getting the remains out harder, so now you're drilling it out. As anybody who has done this can tell you, it can be a real bitch to keep the drill centered to avoid damaging the hole threads. While anti-seize on stainless is mandatory (no matter what kind of metal you're threading it into), it's a pretty good idea on the OEM steel ones too....

[TomB]

Yep A2 are perfect for cover screws, I was trying to point out where high tensile are used on the bike A2's will not be strong enough.

Another one to note, if using a stainless nut and bolt, like on the trees, use an A4 screw with A2 nut, this will stop galling happening, and antiseize.

If you aren't sure about the high tensile applications, look at the screw head it will have 12.9 on it, or 8.8