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General Topics/Tech TipsDiscussion on break in periods, rider comfort, seats and pad suggestions. Tech tips as they become available will be posted here.
The factory torx screws might as well be made out of butter. Yesterday, I did my 20k three hole fluid change. One of the five screws was missing and one other stripped the head on removal (probably half way there from the last time). I also find it annoying that the outer primary cover is chrome, the derby cover is chrome, but the screws are just dull steel. I'm sure I can't be the only one. Anyone find the perfect replacement? I'm thinking about just going to Lowes and buying some button head screws...
How about going to an industrial supply house and getting stainless steel bolts? I find those to be better than some of the "mild" steel fasteners used on our bikes.
I replaced my derby cover Torx screws with 1/4-20 x 5/8" black oxide stainless steel socket head cap screws and matching M6 flat washers. Now they match the outer primary cover screws. Not sure if they're available in chrome. You could buy plain stainless screws and polish them.
The original Torx screws work OK if you use the correct size Torx bit on them, which is not included in most standard Torx sets. The next size smaller bit appears to fit but is that bit small and strips the points out of the hole in the screw. You have to buy the correct size Torx bit, but I don't remember what number it is as I bought mine many years ago. And all my standard screws are as good as new.
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Derby cover bolt options
