Just got done installing some slipons and pipe covers on my 17 RGS. Anyone else notice that Harley uses a strange mix of english/metric bolts. Not only english/metric, but a strange mix of Torx and hex heads.

My Ducati, and KTM are all metric.

Not bitching, just find it strange, and a bit of a pain in the *** when you are grabbing tools.

 

yep, noticed that when I put my saddlebag guard bars on... didn't make sense...
Bob

 

The MOCO likely does it to push folks to use the dealer for the install. It's no different than a car manufacture designing things so you have to remove the wheels in order to change a headlight bulb

 

The previous 2014-2016 bikes are the same way. So it's not new for 2017.

 

From what I see, HD is slowly replacing SAE fasteners with metric as they produce newer parts. They still use a bunch from the older bikes.. I figure by year 2100 it will be all metric.

 

You think that soon lol

 

I didn't get into my 16 RGS, so I didn't know.

 

I noticed the same thing. I just installed 14" Yaffe Monkey Bars and had to remove the outer fairing, the gas tank, the right side panel and the right side exhaust to run new cables for the clutch and front brake. I was switching between standard and imperial tools all the time as well as Torx to Allen Keys. Kind of a pain in the **** but I have all the tools anyways. Just more trips back and forth to the tool box.

 

In the back of the parts manuals every year there's a section that lists the components by part number and type and lists the year that part was first used. I get a kick outta looking through it every new model year.

I think the oldest part I saw on the M8 tourers was a retaining ring that's listed as being used since 1936

 

1936! thats funny