It must not be that big of a problem if the service manual doesn't say to use it. I think the only reason new bikes have it is to ensure they don't leak on the showroom floor... it's bad for business!

 

For all the torque nay sayers, I as well as many others I know have had lots of trouble with master cylinder cover leaks. Dot 4 can be pretty nasty when it splatters little hard to see droplets all over sheet metal when dispersed by the wind. I tried new gaskets different tightening procedures light on the touch a little more etc. Went with the new 6 inch pound factory spec, which is different than the repair manual. Harley upgraded this spec from 12 Inch Pounds. Still leaked. Then I decided to buy an inch pound torque screw driver. It wasn't cheap either. I was surprised at how much different, (tighter) 6 inch pounds actually was from my many different guesses. Snug, to just seeing the gasket move slightly. All the tricks but none worked. When I finally used a proper torque screwdriver and tightened to 6 inch pound, no more leaks since. Did my buddys, no more leaks. To each his own but I believe in torqueing things correctly! This tiny little thing reinforced that.

 

Well, you blew my comment way out of proportion. Yes, torque wrenches are needed for many applications but if you are using one for every single fastener then that's over-kill. When it comes to very light torque, less than 25 in pounds, I trust my feel of how tight it is over the torque wrench.

 

obviously you didn't read Rick01 a couple of posts ago. Just goes to prove you can't teach an old dog new tricks as well as you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink.

 

I read it. Again, I've never used a torque wrench on a master cylinder cover either. And, I've never had one leak. Guess I'm just extremely lucky.

 

I have a torque wrench in my skull...it is commonly referred to as the cerebrum.

 

It's not about the master cylinder cover. The point he is making is that only amateurs don't use torque wrenches.

 

Same here.
I have a calibrated 3/8 drive foot lb. Proto.I think it starts at 5 lbs.
When I torque the drain plug to spec,it feels too tight but then it clicks.
No problems.

 

I always go for the middle of the reccomended torque range and ensure the treads are clean and in good shape before tightening anything. Word of the wise: never mix up ft. Lbs with inch lbs. I dig out the torque wrench a lot more on aluminum vs steel