Harley General Torque specs
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,077
Likes: 3,293
From: Plover, WI
I wouldn't worry about a heavy duty wrench either, you may never need it. If you plan on performing your own "regular" maintenance, an inch-pound wrench will be needed for the smaller fasteners (ie. master cylinder cover screws, etc.), which are frequently overtightend by a novice. On the other hand, most (if not all) models require more than 80 ft.-lbs. on the rear axle, after a belt/chain adjustment.
Last edited by barneyboy; Jun 4, 2018 at 05:43 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
let me interrupt you right there. i don't care if it's a sportster, a street, a dyna, or a friggin vespa, it's your bike, be damned proud of it. when you buy a new bike, it won't necessarily be an 'upgrade', it'll just be a different tool, adapted for a different job.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,012
Likes: 298
From: Central Fl
This for sure. Or you can pick up a Beam style Torque wrench, that will measure from zero to approximately 150 Ft #s of torque. These wrenches are very affordable and very accurate. Also keep in mind a little less torque is generally preferable to a little too much.
Stage II
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 2
Likes: 1
From: us
For most Harley-Davidson motorcycles, an 80 ft-lbs torque wrench will cover many of the tasks, especially those related to general maintenance. However, there are certain components, such as the main engine mount bolts or the axle nut, that might require more than 80 ft-lbs of torque. To ensure you're prepared for all tasks, you might want to consider a torque wrench that goes up to at least 100-120 ft-lbs.
Check your service manual for specific torque values for your bike model, and based on the highest value, you can decide if you need a stronger torque wrench. Safe riding and wrenching!
Check your service manual for specific torque values for your bike model, and based on the highest value, you can decide if you need a stronger torque wrench. Safe riding and wrenching!
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 1,322
Likes: 731
From: Pennsylvania
I cannot speak for any of the technical upgrades and service details. No apologies, I just ride.
I shared this story about new handlebars put on my bike during the purchase (February) a few years ago. Delivery in March so I finally took her on the road for a test ride in April. Maybe a half mile down the road, I am now looking at the road in my mirrors because my handlebars were not tight and slipped. WTF! So having only an old rusty Allen wrench I tightened them the best I could. Went another 10 miles and everything was just fine.
So I took the bike to a local HD shop (not the dealership I purchased from, 2 hours away) and asked for a once over and tighten the riser/clamp to HD specs. So a week later on a group ride, I get about 3 miles down the road, same thing. Tighter and not "sloppy" but not right. I was able to get through the ride, but I gave up. I am now tightening this as much as I can. Hopefully I wont strip anything and nothing will break. Has been fine since. I check it once every few rides to be sure.
So I took it to a local custom shop. New to us. The guy was very knowledgeable and seemed trustworthy and came recommended. So getting a new rear tire, I asked him to check the clamp. So picking up the bike yesterday he says they were very loose. You need a wrench with a long arm to tighten those bolts properly. NOT NECESSARILY a torque wrench. He shared some examples of things I honestly didn't understand, but the upshot was that most Harley torque specs are BS.
I don't even know what or who to believe anymore!
I shared this story about new handlebars put on my bike during the purchase (February) a few years ago. Delivery in March so I finally took her on the road for a test ride in April. Maybe a half mile down the road, I am now looking at the road in my mirrors because my handlebars were not tight and slipped. WTF! So having only an old rusty Allen wrench I tightened them the best I could. Went another 10 miles and everything was just fine.
So I took the bike to a local HD shop (not the dealership I purchased from, 2 hours away) and asked for a once over and tighten the riser/clamp to HD specs. So a week later on a group ride, I get about 3 miles down the road, same thing. Tighter and not "sloppy" but not right. I was able to get through the ride, but I gave up. I am now tightening this as much as I can. Hopefully I wont strip anything and nothing will break. Has been fine since. I check it once every few rides to be sure.
So I took it to a local custom shop. New to us. The guy was very knowledgeable and seemed trustworthy and came recommended. So getting a new rear tire, I asked him to check the clamp. So picking up the bike yesterday he says they were very loose. You need a wrench with a long arm to tighten those bolts properly. NOT NECESSARILY a torque wrench. He shared some examples of things I honestly didn't understand, but the upshot was that most Harley torque specs are BS.
I don't even know what or who to believe anymore!
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Joe Kucinski
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 4,798
Likes: 5,889
From: Knoxville
I cannot speak for any of the technical upgrades and service details. No apologies, I just ride.
I shared this story about new handlebars put on my bike during the purchase (February) a few years ago. Delivery in March so I finally took her on the road for a test ride in April. Maybe a half mile down the road, I am now looking at the road in my mirrors because my handlebars were not tight and slipped. WTF! So having only an old rusty Allen wrench I tightened them the best I could. Went another 10 miles and everything was just fine.
So I took the bike to a local HD shop (not the dealership I purchased from, 2 hours away) and asked for a once over and tighten the riser/clamp to HD specs. So a week later on a group ride, I get about 3 miles down the road, same thing. Tighter and not "sloppy" but not right. I was able to get through the ride, but I gave up. I am now tightening this as much as I can. Hopefully I wont strip anything and nothing will break. Has been fine since. I check it once every few rides to be sure.
So I took it to a local custom shop. New to us. The guy was very knowledgeable and seemed trustworthy and came recommended. So getting a new rear tire, I asked him to check the clamp. So picking up the bike yesterday he says they were very loose. You need a wrench with a long arm to tighten those bolts properly. NOT NECESSARILY a torque wrench. He shared some examples of things I honestly didn't understand, but the upshot was that most Harley torque specs are BS.
I don't even know what or who to believe anymore!
I shared this story about new handlebars put on my bike during the purchase (February) a few years ago. Delivery in March so I finally took her on the road for a test ride in April. Maybe a half mile down the road, I am now looking at the road in my mirrors because my handlebars were not tight and slipped. WTF! So having only an old rusty Allen wrench I tightened them the best I could. Went another 10 miles and everything was just fine.
So I took the bike to a local HD shop (not the dealership I purchased from, 2 hours away) and asked for a once over and tighten the riser/clamp to HD specs. So a week later on a group ride, I get about 3 miles down the road, same thing. Tighter and not "sloppy" but not right. I was able to get through the ride, but I gave up. I am now tightening this as much as I can. Hopefully I wont strip anything and nothing will break. Has been fine since. I check it once every few rides to be sure.
So I took it to a local custom shop. New to us. The guy was very knowledgeable and seemed trustworthy and came recommended. So getting a new rear tire, I asked him to check the clamp. So picking up the bike yesterday he says they were very loose. You need a wrench with a long arm to tighten those bolts properly. NOT NECESSARILY a torque wrench. He shared some examples of things I honestly didn't understand, but the upshot was that most Harley torque specs are BS.
I don't even know what or who to believe anymore!