Sorry for an obviously pretty basic question for you wrenchers, but, are the various bolt heads on Harleys Torx or Allen? Also what is the difference.

 

Both. The torx looks like a star and the allen, well you know what they look like.

 

Torx and allen are both used on Harley's, i would get a good set of both. The only difference, is the heads and how annoying it is that they dont use just all allen or all torx. not sure of the really purpose of that, i guess to deter stealing of your parts? But then, if anyone knows anything about motorcycles, they will have both and know what they are head of time.

Torx: T27 T40 T45 are commonly used

Hex:
5/32", 3/16", 1/4", 3/8" are commonly used

I would get a good set of sockets for both. Ball head set of Hex is good to have also.

http://www.cruztools.com/multitools.html
I have one of these to carry in my bag.

 

Thanks to both of you. jknowlton, thats the answer I was hoping for...

 

freakin hate torx! when ya can change them ******* out for alans, less poss for stripage....also, if ya do strip them, you can use a torx head and a hammer to twist it out

 

dam conspiracy is what it all goes back to. The tool makers need to sell more tools so they got with all the manufactures and convinced them they needed different heads on bolts so they could make another set of tools for all us dumbass to buy.

they just told the mfg look how much better this looks or how much better it performs all comes back to companies wanting a special bolt so you have to buy a special tool nothing wrong with an allen bolt but hay if i can make another style bolt then you will have to buy another tool.

 

Skully, I'm not sayin' you're wrong...I reckon it's possible they made the change just to sell more tools...but doesn't seem likely from the manufacturer's standpoint. Does anybody out there know if torx fasteners are perhaps cheaper to make...?? Perhaps there is a slight advantage in assembly efficiency when using torx versus allens..??
I've been curious about this for years, and would love to see somebody post an explanation that makes more sense than "to sell more tools".
If there isn't one...then Skully's post gets the prize...!!

 

Torque heads have more surface area. It is more beneficial on small fasteners. It's similar to the 6pt 12 pt socket deal on sockets. This is also why they used splined shafts in high torque applications such as automotive drive line components.

 

Thanks, Todd...

I had a hunch that the torx system gave more surface area to grip. The allens may look better, but I'd go with the greater grip, all other things being equal.

Is there a good source of chromed button head torx screws to use on the Harley as replacement for all the allen screws? Most of the bike shops only seem to have the allens.

Jim aka kiltiemon

 

Don't Buy the Cheap Torx from Ebay ($9.95 or less).
Made from mostly Lead. First time you use they bend.