Why I said "Danger"? - Because the threads in the risers can strip when torqued to the service manual spec(12-15 ft lbs), which can cause your handlebars to move.

Full Disclosure; I am going to start with the Facts and it will be clearly denoted, so if you don't like my opinion you can stop there, which will also be clearly denoted.

Facts:

• 2018 Harley Breakout 114 with 1518 Miles, bought new by me, many chrome parts swapped before I took delivery including changing the stock chrome risers to Black Part # 55900157A.
• At 300 miles I took it in my enclosed trailer to South Padre, securing the bars with a Canyon Dancer and Front Tire Secured in a Baxley LA Chock Motorcycle Wheel Chock secured to the trailer floor.
• On the way to South Padre i checked the bike and the handlebars had fallen down from the stock position. I had tools, handheld allen wrench(not T bar) so I tightened them as tight as I could get them.
• Rode the Bike, no problem, on the way back I secured the straps to the forks above the lower triple clamps.
• When I got home I pulled out the service manual to properly torque the 5/16-18 X 1.25" Allen Cap Screws to 15 ft lbs per the service manual(Yes all snug starting with top as they have a shoulder you are supposed to tighten first)
• The bottom two Cap Screws(5/16-18x1.25" stripped, (stripped means they kept turning)
• I removed the riser clamp and handlebars, the threads in the risers(part #55900157A) were stripped.
• I noted only about .25" of the threads were stripped, when there is a good .5" of thread lower(Saving opinion for now)
• Obviously the bike is not going to be ridden at this point(Opinion)
• Went out an bought a HeliCoil 5/16-18, installed, as a temporary fix(Opinion-should be strong enough to get me on the road)
• Ordered a 2nd Part #55900157A Risers(Opinion-against me stating Mother Harley will never see another dollar of my money, and certainly not the dealer)

Installed new Risers this morning(8-28-2018) per the service manual:

• The Lower Cap Screw, left hand stripped again(at 12 ft/lb) using a Proto 3/8" torque wrench(Opinion it's a very good torque wrench)
• Opinion: FXXK
• Removed handlebar and Riser Cap, screwed 5/16-18 X 1.25" Cap screw into the Riser, measured from top of riser to bottom lip of cap screw, measured how much the cap screw protrudes though the riser cap(.3"), so I have another .25" of threads in the riser NOT being used.
• Went out and bought Hillman 5/16-18 X 1.5" Cap Screws(Note .25" longer than the stock 5/16-18 x 1.25" Cap Screws)
• Blue Loctite and Torque to 15 ft lbs the (4) Cap Screws, no problem, no stripping

Opinion: You can stop reading here if you don't like my opinion

• This is my first Harley and my last after my previous experience which has cost me $800.https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softa...55-70-mph.html
• I am not a mechanical engineer, but this is retarded to not use an extra .25" on thread length, causing screws to strip(using less than Max Factory Torque Spec(15 ft/lbs)
• i do not know what i don't know, what am i missing here, makes no sense to me, why an engineer would design something, like this, what is there a shortage on 5/16-18 X 1.5" Cap Screws?
• Gesus this is stupid........ Rant Over....
• Ride Safe

 

Thanks for the heads up. Have to say I have never heard of this before. I do check mine along with other critical fasteners.

 

OEM screws should be 1-3/8" long. Perhaps you didn't have the correct screws to begin with? I agree, 1-1/2" would grab more unused thread.

 

 

All I'm saying is the threaded portion of the OEM srews should be 1-3/8" long. Did you compare the OEM screws with the P&A screws? Sounds like they sent you the wrong screws. You are definitely not the first to rant about P&A fitment.

 

I never strap at the bars, I always strap at the forks.

 

The OEM Screws that were with the Chrome Risers(In the Box) were also 1.25" long, (2) sets of part number #55900157A also has 1.25' long Socket Cap Screws.
The service manual makes no mention of size, and the installation instructions for #55900157A just mentions the part number 3153 for the socket cap screws.
https://serviceinfo.harley-davidson....S#d1519960e224

I totally agree with you that they "should" be longer than 1.25", my question is "where did you get the information that they are 1 3/8" long?"

If someone could look up part number 3153, that might solve the mystery as why I have qty (6) 1.25" cap screws..

 

I just reread your post, sorry for the miss, the screws that came with mine are black, not bright zinc.. part Number 3153

 

You said only .25 inches stripped, but there's more thread. The bolts are too stinking short. Get longer bolts, problem fixed.

Oh, and tell the dealer!

 

Totally agree on longer 1.5' Allen Cap Screws!
After the Risers are stripped, you have 2 options.

1. Replace the Risers - Part Number #55900157A $249.00 https://www.harley-davidson.com/stor...-fat-riser-kit
2. Buy a 5/16-18 $20.00 Helicoil
   Amazon
   Amazon

Both option should be totally unnecessary.......