Sorting out Fork stem bolt torque setting
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Stage III
Joined: Jun 2012
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From: PHL-Pa
Sorting out Fork stem bolt torque setting
After searching this forum I am now more confused than when I started. I have an 08 Fatboy and have the standard clunk from the headset. I see all the thoughts on fall away method but prefer to start with a torque value. I notice some say 40-50 others say 70-80. I also notice the washer shows the bolt sinking into it causing it to bend. Is this considered normal? Thanks in advance for the help!
Check into bulletin M-1215, IIRC, it replaces that crappy sheet metal washer with a hardened steel one. Also updates the torque spec on the head nut to something like 70-90 ft lbs. check with your dealer, they can run your VIN and see if it applies to your bike. The washer is around $7. Make sure that the pinch bolts are loosened to allow the bottom tree to float while adjusting. There is also an adjusting nut under the top tree (star nut, not hex) that you can tighten a bit to help as well. Fall away is crap, adjust it until it feels right, no binding and no clunk. Should still have some fall away when on the lift, but IMHO, it's not useful to measure the amount. Good luck, and be careful, the steering is pretty important.
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Stage III
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: PHL-Pa
Great info. Thank you. I did have it torqued to 70 and there was no clunk and rode great, just seemed to be a lot of torque for that bolt. Plus when I saw the washer collapsing it concerned me. Thanks for the info on the washer as well. I appreciate it.
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