According to the Harley P&A catalog, looks like Harley does offer a grade 8 in chrome, not so sure about zink screws, though indyfjr mentioned they did.

I'm a little surprised by some of the replies; I had thought changing them out was a good idea to resolve a 'known issue'. But it looks like it isn't the problem issue that I thought it was. Maybe I read a thread regarding changing out from Torx to hex on some other part. Reading so many threads, all the information gets mixed up in my head, I guess. Man, wait until I'm older... I won't be able to remember anything. Oops, I already am.

 

Also, I put a small dab of Anti Seize on the threads and take care to NOT over tighten them. That "POP!" the over tightened fasteners give upon release sounds mighty close to failure, to me. With a good, snug fit of a T 27, all should be well.

 

While I see your point, I've always used a T-27 (500% positive), and it has never felt great.

Hex feels to me like it sits deeper in the bolt, so sure, maybe less area, but I never felt about hex bolts the way I do about torx.

 

12 point are better than both as the head and the threads are the same size but us hd guys are too worried about form and less concerned about actual function. Torx is the better button head fastener over hex, they don't use them because they are cheaper than hex, lol.

 

I would take one out, and bring it to your local ACE hardware store.
The store near me has a good assortment of chrome, Allen head, Torx, etc.
Not exactly cheap, but probably less than the HD dealer!

 

T-27 is an "odd" size for some. It's all too easy to use a T-25, which kindof fits, but ends up stripping the head if you apply any real force. Just my theory :-)

 

Agreed. Get a good quality T-27.
Some say give it a tap with a hammer then back it out.
I use a 1/4 inch impact gun with T-27 and give short bursts in reverse.

 

Ragtop wrote above:
[[ I would take one out, and bring it to your local ACE hardware store.
The store near me has a good assortment of chrome, Allen head, Torx, etc.
Not exactly cheap, but probably less than the HD dealer! ]]

I second Ragtop's recommendations.

Don't get TORX -- get allen head bolts instead.

I replaced the TORX bolts with stainless allen heads from the local hardware store.

IMPORTANT:
While you're there, get some anti-seize lubricant as well (Permatex, etc.).

Coat the threads with anti-seize before you put them in.

DON'T use a torque wrench, or even a standard ratchet wrench on these. A plain ol' L-shaped allen wrench will do. Get it snug, and then a little more. When you use an L-wrench you won't over-torque it or strip the threads.

Some years back Sears used to sell a small palm-sized ratchet that was good for smaller bolts like this. Not sure if they can still be found.

 

While you're at the hardware store get some split ring lock washers. Don't use a torque wrench, ratchet or anything that gives you "leverage", just screwdriver hand tight. They won't seize up or come loose on their own.

 

Reading this I'm reliving my first nightmare with the TORX screws. Shonuff, I used the 25 instead of the 27, and one of those buggers stripped. I 'bout peed my pants when I realized I had to drill the head off to remove the derby (I had already drained the primary fluid). All turned out well though, and shortly thereafter I went and bought the service manual.