Do I really need a torque wrench?
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 57
From: St. Louis, MO
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,509
Likes: 437
From: South Florida
Torque specs are deceptive. Part of the issue is when covers start to warp because they were overtorqued and then didn't seal right. When A bike is cold, it has different characteristics than when it's hot. A torque wrench will help you tighten to proper specs for the bolt and the expansion as things heat up. I would definitely say yes.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 9
From: Marina del Rey
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 960
Likes: 1
From: United States
I definately wouldn't assemble anything involving a gasket or a bearing and not use torque specs, but then again I also assume the engineers that designed the thing know a little more about it than I do. I don't think they give torque specs simply for the heck of it or to confuse the guy working on the bike. I think they list them for a reason. At any rate, I torque to whatever they say. If there is a range, I try to tighten it to the midpoint of the range. Silly me, I also follow the tightning sequence if they list one.
Assuming these engineers know what they are doing? They have yet to fix the moisture problem in all the speedos and fuel gauges! How many years have they had to fix this problem? IMO its kinda embarrasing.
But seriously use a torque wrench!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,498
Likes: 128
There are plenty of options besides just Snap-on and HF.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 9
From: Marina del Rey
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,524
Likes: 6,406
From: Honah Lee
Just my opinion but the smaller stuff with gaskets between the covers and in aluminum you do not as long as you do it in the correct sequence and recheck later. With locktite you do not re torque. However things like clutch hub nut, compensator sprockets, drive pulley bolts, brake rotors anything critical should be torqued. I seldom us my inch pound wrench but the 250 one gets used. Softails do not vibrate, so they are less prone to loosen fasteners. Dodged my friends Roadking horn cover. However my other friends Softail fiberglass bag brace broke and dropped down and that startled me.
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 57
From: St. Louis, MO
I'm not made of money, but $100 for a wrench isn't out of the realm of things I can buy.
