Tools
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,248
Likes: 1
From: Jacksonville, NC
I'd say it's fairly important if you want to make sure you get a good seal on the gaskets and whatnot. It's an especially good idea for the derby cover on the primary since the screws are going into aluminum and you don't want to strip one and have to buy a new primary cover. You'll use it enough to justify the expense if you do any other work on your bike since almost everything else is better off torqued to spec instead of guesstimated. I'd say a good torque wrench is almost as important as a service manual.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 2
From: Gastonia, NC
I have a really nice 'digital' torque wrench but I don't use it on those holes. I just put a little pipe 'dope' on the threads and tighten them down until I feel it bottom out. Never had a problem doing it that way. I'd sooner have a bolt come loose than strip one.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,627
Likes: 432
From: PA
Thanks for all the replies, I have a service manual and I use craftsman tools, however the reviews I have seen for their torx is not that good, looking into other makes, any suggestions ??
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,054
Likes: 26
From: Florida
For just changing fluids, I wouldn't say they are very important. As one reply stated, just used some thread sealer on your plugs and tighten them down until they bottom out. ON THE OTHER HAND, if you plan on doing any other type of wrenching to your scoot such as changing wheels, handle bars/risers, etc, then torque wrenches (quality ones) I think are a must. I own three myself and do most of my own services and all of my mods and good torque wrenches are so invaluable as far as I am concerned.
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