Ugly factory hardware
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 65
Likes: 7
From: Florida
Ugly factory hardware
The cheesy *** bolts and screws on my Iron 883, to be totally honest, really **** me off. My dad had a thing for Hot Toppers (iirc), the chrome plastic bolt covers. So expensive, but I imagine switching everything to stainless steel wouldn't exactly be cheap either.
Is there a simple, not too expensive, non Joe Dirt looking way to cover or replace the garbage hardware on our bikes?
Is there a simple, not too expensive, non Joe Dirt looking way to cover or replace the garbage hardware on our bikes?
you can switch it all to ARP or Probolt titanium, open your wallet wide and put your money where your mouth is.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
http://arp-bolts.com/
https://www.probolt-usa.com/
https://alloyboltz.com/
nothing wrong with the stock hardware.... all high quality stuff.
cheap way to cover the good stuff? duct tape?
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
http://arp-bolts.com/
https://www.probolt-usa.com/
https://alloyboltz.com/
nothing wrong with the stock hardware.... all high quality stuff.
cheap way to cover the good stuff? duct tape?
Last edited by cvaria; Jan 3, 2018 at 11:55 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 7,539
Likes: 12,183
From: Indianapolis
I kinda understand the OP's point, not that they're garbage but IMO for the price Harley is asking, at least the really noticeable fasteners should be chrome plated.
I've replaced the 5/16" socket heads on the handlebar clamp and headlight cowl with chrome plated fasteners. When I mounted up the chrome plated cowl the plated hardware really stood out, had to go... The only other fasteners I might replace are the Torx head holding the frame rails.
BTW, I bought the chrome 5/16" socket heads at Lowes, 2 in a pack for around $4.
I've replaced the 5/16" socket heads on the handlebar clamp and headlight cowl with chrome plated fasteners. When I mounted up the chrome plated cowl the plated hardware really stood out, had to go... The only other fasteners I might replace are the Torx head holding the frame rails.
BTW, I bought the chrome 5/16" socket heads at Lowes, 2 in a pack for around $4.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 1,609
Likes: 694
From: over the mountain
The fasteners on my motorcycle work as intended. They hold my bike together. They were not intended to be pretty but perform a service. They appear to me to look as good as the fasteners on other motorcycles. I am more concerned about the performance of my motorcycle and getting in enough riding time. I usually don't notice the fasteners as I'm going down the road and I could care less what others may think.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 7,539
Likes: 12,183
From: Indianapolis
The fasteners on my motorcycle work as intended. They hold my bike together. They were not intended to be pretty but perform a service. They appear to me to look as good as the fasteners on other motorcycles. I am more concerned about the performance of my motorcycle and getting in enough riding time. I usually don't notice the fasteners as I'm going down the road and I could care less what others may think.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 1,609
Likes: 694
From: over the mountain
They darn sure do. But you can improve upon their performance. Can you improve upon a fasteners performance? Are there high performance fasteners than can hold things together better. In some cases yes but not in all cases. Good try though.