EVO All Evo Model Discussion

Upper Handlebar Clamp Torque Spec?

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Old Jul 16, 2018 | 12:08 PM
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Default Upper Handlebar Clamp Torque Spec?

This past weekend I noticed that the handlebar on my 1993 FLSTF (Fatboy) was loose. I checked my 1993 Harley factory service manual but I wasn't able to find the torque specifications for the upper clamp (HD Part #56567-86B). Do I just use a torque spec based upon the fastener, which is a 5/16 - 18 x 1-1/2 socket head screw (HD Part #4816A)?
Which in this case I believe is 12 ft-lbs.
 

Last edited by LQQK_OUT; Jul 16, 2018 at 12:10 PM.
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Old Jul 16, 2018 | 01:09 PM
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I just hit mine with my Dewalt impact and call it good.
 
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Old Jul 16, 2018 | 01:26 PM
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Realize that those 5/16 grade 8 screws are threaded into a diecast zinc lower handlebar clamp section which will strip long before the screw will. Ask me how I know.
 
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Old Jul 16, 2018 | 08:15 PM
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I just torqued mine a month or two ago, but was able to find the spec in my '95 flstf manual. I don't remember what the spec was, but believe I found it in the fork re-assembly section. My memory sucks, so sorry in advance if that's incorrect. My manual is in my dad's garage, can check this weekend if you still need it.
 
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Old Jul 17, 2018 | 04:09 AM
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Firm but gentle should be just about right!
 
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Old Jul 17, 2018 | 10:56 AM
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Originally Posted by texashillcountry
I just hit mine with my Dewalt impact and call it good.
Now, now. Play nice!

Originally Posted by Uncle G.
Realize that those 5/16 grade 8 screws are threaded into a diecast zinc lower handlebar clamp section which will strip long before the screw will. Ask me how I know.
Originally Posted by grbrown
Firm but gentle should be just about right!


I call that "wrist tight". Hold the wrench so that the business end is practically in the palm of your hand. That way, you don't get too much leverage. Get them as snug as you can like that, then maybe go back with more leverage on the wrench and give them a smidge more...like maybe another 1/8th to 1/4 turn, tops. Like G says, you're screwing a steel bolt into relatively soft metal. A delicate hand is called for.
 
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Old Jul 17, 2018 | 04:55 PM
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Originally Posted by 0maha
I call that "wrist tight". Hold the wrench so that the business end is practically in the palm of your hand. That way, you don't get too much leverage. Get them as snug as you can like that, then maybe go back with more leverage on the wrench and give them a smidge more...like maybe another 1/8th to 1/4 turn, tops. Like G says, you're screwing a steel bolt into relatively soft metal. A delicate hand is called for.
If I'm understanding the question right and it is referring to the 4 bolts that hold the handlebar clamp to the risers then like I said I use my Dewalt 20 volt impact and just hammer the bolts in until they don't move anymore.
At a guess it sets them around 75 ft lbs of torque.
Never stripped a riser or a bolt.
As for a delicate hand if I did it that way my handle bars would be flopping all over the place.
Been there done that which is why I now just hit them with the impact.
 
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Old Jul 17, 2018 | 05:14 PM
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Originally Posted by texashillcountry
If I'm understanding the question right and it is referring to the 4 bolts that hold the handlebar clamp to the risers then like I said I use my Dewalt 20 volt impact and just hammer the bolts in until they don't move anymore.
At a guess it sets them around 75 ft lbs of torque.
Never stripped a riser or a bolt.
As for a delicate hand if I did it that way my handle bars would be flopping all over the place.
Been there done that which is why I now just hit them with the impact.
I wonder if there are different types of risers out there. I'd be scared to throw 75 ft lbs on mine, and the clamp itself gives a pretty heavy interference fit, so that's where most of the holding is coming from.
 
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Old Jul 17, 2018 | 06:53 PM
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Originally Posted by 0maha
I wonder if there are different types of risers out there. I'd be scared to throw 75 ft lbs on mine, and the clamp itself gives a pretty heavy interference fit, so that's where most of the holding is coming from.
Sure there are, all kinds of companies all over the place make them.
FWIW I'm using stock Harley risers that have been powder coated.
Like I said that 75 ft lbs was a guess.
 
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Old Jul 18, 2018 | 07:12 AM
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Originally Posted by 0maha
I wonder if there are different types of risers out there. I'd be scared to throw 75 ft lbs on mine, and the clamp itself gives a pretty heavy interference fit, so that's where most of the holding is coming from.
There are. Some have tapped holes, Some have hex recesses for matching nuts underneath. As I said, I managed to strip one of mine.

If I were running ape hangers, I’d also have to use excessive torque and take my chances, but I’m not.
 

Last edited by Uncle G.; Jul 18, 2018 at 07:18 AM.
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