Derby Cover Bolts
 

Does anyone know what size bolt for later big twin. Thanks
The heads (torx) are about gone. I'm thinking of going to a allen head or hex head.

I found these for the mean time.
Amazon has everything. Nice price.

Just get some more torx head bolts. Might as well get the correct sized wrench for them too. (T-27.)

Amazon? How about your local hardware store?

take one of the screws out of the derby cover. go to a local hardware store and ask them for some stainless aliens. simple as that.

I can't help with the size as I've never had the need to replace them however whether or not you go with hex or torx, always use the correct bit and use a speed handle to remove and install them.
The speed handle allows pressure to be put on the bolt/screw while being able to control how much torque is being applied.

I always use a 1/2" with a 3/8" adapter with bit due to the bigger 1/2" drive allows for more control.
However since you can get both the 3/8" and 1/2" for under $18 they both should be in everyone's tool box that wrenches their own bike.

https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-...dle-62700.html
https://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-ha...dle-95992.html

For the Derby Cover, I'd use Buttonhead screws.

try 8-32 x 3/8, stainless button head

Put them in a drill and spin them against a rag with semi-chrome on it and polish them up

Pretty sure 1/4 -20 X 1/2in

That probably accounts for a lot of the issues. I don't myself understand why these screws seem to frustrate so many.

Yeah I agree, have never had a problem with the torx head.

the size of the bolt?

See above

Actually he was close
It's really
SCREW 1/4-20 X 5/8 TORX HD. (GRADE 8) Part Number: 1062

I replaced my torx with some Allen bolts like those. I like them a lot better.

This^^^^^ Got mine at Ace Hdw…..

Many of the bolt sizes are listed in the parts manuals.

The Parts manuals are available free from Harley at the SIP (Service Information Portal):
https://serviceinfo.harley-davidson....cle/lookupForm

Use the search at the top / right and search for year and Model- ie 2013 Road Glide

Click on Parts Catalogs if it isn't listed in the results (normally it will be in the top five or so results)

The first page has these links (in the recent parts manuals)
(These Links go to a 2013 Sportster Parts catalog)
Alphabetical List
Parts
Hardware List
New Parts List
Numerical Index
Component Types and Introduction Dates
Common Service Parts


Use the Parts link or alphabetical list to find your part number.

The Hardware List will show the parts like this: (use the search function to search for the part number and use find next until you see it in the Hardware List)

PART NO. DESCRIPTION
1028 SCREW 5/16-18 X 2-1/2 SEMS socket head, with lockpatch
1039 SCREW 5/16-18 X 2-1/2 hex flange head (Grade 8)
1048 SCREW 5/16-18 X 1-1/2 hex flange head
1081A SCREW 10-24 X 0.895 SEMS pan head
1091 SCREW 10-24 X 9.5 SEMS socket head

Caution: Stainless and Aluminum do not get along, the stainless will freeze in place, a real bitch to get out.

i have stainless in my 85 for over 30 years. they never froze "in place".

They do. The use of anti seize will solve the problem.

aluminum and stainless steel can and do corrode when put together. The two differing metals set up a galvanic couple (aka a small battery) and corrode. Add in some moisture and the reaction happens faster.

do ordinary OEM steel bolts like the moco use, freeze in place?

That's also known as "electrolysis", and usually occurs where there is a lot of salt. If your motorcycle has fasteners corroded due to electrolysis, you need to address that as part of your maintenance program. I've used stainless fasteners on motorcycles since the 1970s and have had no problems with them.

Chrome Button head allen bolt, 1/4-20 X 1/2 should work.

Just buy the bolts from the dealer and use a # 27 torx bit . i have 66,000 miles on my 08 change oil every 3,000 miles that is 22 times and the bolts are like new USE THE RIGHT TOOL !!! # 27 it does not come in all kits buy a good brand and not harbor freight

and you don't have to tighten it down like a gorilla either. a small dab of anti-seize, snug them up (using a crosswise pattern), and you shouldn't have any problems with them.

Ive seen this happen ALOT. Some kind of "dissimilar metals" gaulding occurs....

The Parts manuals are available free from Harley at the SIP (Service Information Portal):
https://serviceinfo.harley-davidson....cle/lookupForm

Thanks for this, very helpful!
I have the parts manual in hard copy, but to have it on the PC is VERY nice. Also the wiring diagrams, nice to be able to zoom in.
Downloaded them to a PDF using the print button, then "save as PDF" in the print menu.

Yep, Ace Hardware carries chrome bolts.

My local "Do-it-best" hdwe store has a complete selection of chrome, black chrome, stainless nuts, bolts, washers, spacers. Hex, allen and torx.

did you need washers with those?

did you need washers with those?

I use black Allen heads.

Have a black bike, chrome derby. The black Allen heads look good.

black derby cover bolts
 

i got these from harley just came out last black derby cover bolts torx 27
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hdf...4f32fd9fd0.jpg

Why in the world would anyone swap Star (Torx) for Hex (Allen)? SMFH!!

because in my experience Allen button heads offer a more stable fit for the wrench. Torx bits “flop” sideways too easily in comparison.

An easy way to keep the bit straight is to use a long extension, much less chance of the bit wobbling.

Using the wrong size or cheap tool, Star is much better than Internal Hex, I'm not giving engineering lessons, easy enough to look up.

Star or Tork head bolts (T-27) got a bad reputation back in the late '90's because the available tork kits didn't have the t-27. People tried using the next size smaller and that didn't go too well.

Maybe Harbor Freight isn’t the best place to buy all of your tools. Just thinking’.