Seat Bolt Solution
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,844
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From: Wisconsin, USA
Seat Bolt Solution
I never liked taking out the seat belt screw, with the tour pack in the way. I had to use an offset ratchet screwdriver. It was very awkward and one more tool to carry. So this Spring, I paid the ridiculous price of $20 for the HD knurled screw. This morning I was riding and my seat felt squirelly. Stopped and the darn screw was missing. I beat myself up for a while wondering how stupid I was for not tightening it right, but then I remembered the last person to take my seat off was my new Indy when he fixed my gas coupler 1500 miles ago. Possibly my ex-indy.
I did a search of HDF and the web. Found out it should be a 1/4" 20 (coarse) bolt. Wasn't sure of the length so I bought a bag of stainless steel 1/4" 20 x 3/4". 10 For $2.99 At Fleet Farm, some SS 1/4" lock washers and some rubber o-rings.
3/4" was too long. Probably didn't make a difference, but I wasn't sure if there would be a tire clearance problem, so I removed it and replaced with 1/4" 20 x 1/2". Fits perfect. Now I don't care if bolt falls out. Bag of 20 was $4. Cranked snugly with 7/16 combo wrench, which was already in my tool kit. O-ring probably not necessary. Didn't want to risk dripping loctite on fender, so didn't use . If it falls out again, I will use it next time .
I did a search of HDF and the web. Found out it should be a 1/4" 20 (coarse) bolt. Wasn't sure of the length so I bought a bag of stainless steel 1/4" 20 x 3/4". 10 For $2.99 At Fleet Farm, some SS 1/4" lock washers and some rubber o-rings.
3/4" was too long. Probably didn't make a difference, but I wasn't sure if there would be a tire clearance problem, so I removed it and replaced with 1/4" 20 x 1/2". Fits perfect. Now I don't care if bolt falls out. Bag of 20 was $4. Cranked snugly with 7/16 combo wrench, which was already in my tool kit. O-ring probably not necessary. Didn't want to risk dripping loctite on fender, so didn't use . If it falls out again, I will use it next time .
Last edited by Ron750; Aug 1, 2013 at 03:05 AM. Reason: added picture
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,844
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From: Wisconsin, USA
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,328
Likes: 15
From: Pacific Northwest
I've never been able to tighten a thumb screw enough to make it stay put (without resorting to pliers). I used a stainless button head allen and keep a ball end hex key in my tool kit - works great.
My '95 EGC still has the stock phillips-head screw.....and I still own the longest phillips-head screw driver known to man just to tighten it up.
My '95 EGC still has the stock phillips-head screw.....and I still own the longest phillips-head screw driver known to man just to tighten it up.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 3,369
Likes: 472
From: CC TX
My 13 came with the thumb screw, I have never had it loosen up to date, I don't use pliers.
The dealer made a point of telling me about the cost and the fact that people had reported them stolen, perhaps they were not stolen but in fact vibrated loose and fell off the bikes while riding.
Accessing the thumb screw is difficult to do when the tour pak is in place.
The dealer made a point of telling me about the cost and the fact that people had reported them stolen, perhaps they were not stolen but in fact vibrated loose and fell off the bikes while riding.
Accessing the thumb screw is difficult to do when the tour pak is in place.
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^ I'd be surprised if somebody went tithe trouble of stealing a screw and NOT taking the whole damn seat too! I bet the thumb screw just can't be tightened enough, as somebody else said.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Florida
I have never had an issue with the thumbscrew, & I just snug it hand tight.
HD makes a seat tab with a captive screw that is impossible to lose or steal. around $24. It is a slotted thumbscrew that you can hand tighten, or use a screwdriver on. Got one of them on another seat, too.
HD makes a seat tab with a captive screw that is impossible to lose or steal. around $24. It is a slotted thumbscrew that you can hand tighten, or use a screwdriver on. Got one of them on another seat, too.
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