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Loose riser bolts

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Old Feb 23, 2012 | 01:23 PM
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Default Loose riser bolts

The riser bolts are loose on my 2006 Heritage. I have the Shop Manual and I know the torque is 30-40 lbs/ft. What isn't clear is if I need to remove the chrome cover from behind the headlight to access them. It looks accessible from the back but I don't know if I'll get enough range of motion for the wrench. The risers and bars are stock.

...and I did a search and couldn't find an answer.
 
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Old Feb 23, 2012 | 01:32 PM
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I can't really answer your question, since I own a different model (Fatboy). But I did have the same problem. The riser bolts kept getting loose, then the bars would shift around. I strongly suggest replacing the stock rubber bushings with the polyurethane ones. They don't cost much, and since I did it, they have never come loose again. Plus you get a more firm feel on the turns. Just my dos pesos....
 
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Old Feb 23, 2012 | 03:01 PM
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You'll save yourself time and headache by removing the covers. It's just a few more screws.

And when you think of how important the riser bolts are for your safety, now's not the time to half-*** it, ya know?
 
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Old Feb 23, 2012 | 03:08 PM
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Loctite?
 
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Old Feb 23, 2012 | 03:13 PM
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Originally Posted by glock221
Loctite?
But as that rubber wears it allows the bolt to get loose. That's why polyurethane is a better solution.
 
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Old Feb 23, 2012 | 03:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Clayvis
I can't really answer your question, since I own a different model (Fatboy). But I did have the same problem. The riser bolts kept getting loose, then the bars would shift around. I strongly suggest replacing the stock rubber bushings with the polyurethane ones. They don't cost much, and since I did it, they have never come loose again. Plus you get a more firm feel on the turns. Just my dos pesos....
Does Harley sell them or where did you get them?
 
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Old Feb 23, 2012 | 03:21 PM
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I sinch my rubber bushings up once a year with a 2 foot breaker bar. No problem so far.
 
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Old Feb 23, 2012 | 03:28 PM
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Originally Posted by blksoftail
Does Harley sell them or where did you get them?
Yes, Harley sells them. I got mine at the local dealership. They were under $40 if I remember correctly.
 
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Old Feb 23, 2012 | 03:35 PM
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Old Feb 23, 2012 | 05:44 PM
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Originally Posted by Clayvis
I can't really answer your question, since I own a different model (Fatboy). But I did have the same problem. The riser bolts kept getting loose, then the bars would shift around. I strongly suggest replacing the stock rubber bushings with the polyurethane ones. They don't cost much, and since I did it, they have never come loose again. Plus you get a more firm feel on the turns. Just my dos pesos....
I'm fairly certain your Fat Boy has the same cover behind the headlight. Did you remove it?
 
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