Locktite or not - handlebars
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 231
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From:
Locktite or not - handlebars
I am finishing up my handlebar install (street slammers) on my 2005 Road King Custom and just wondered if I need to put locktite on the threads. It looks like they had red locktite on them from the factory, but it could have been a paint mark. This is my first handlebar swap and need some suggestions from the experts.
On a side note, I was worried about the install after reading all the posts and the dealer estimating $800 - $1100 in labor - it was one of the easiest jobs I have experienced with the bike. It took about 4-5 hours (including time to find the tools I misplaced while working).
thanks
On a side note, I was worried about the install after reading all the posts and the dealer estimating $800 - $1100 in labor - it was one of the easiest jobs I have experienced with the bike. It took about 4-5 hours (including time to find the tools I misplaced while working).
thanks
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,018
Likes: 17
From: Southeastern Wisconsin
I haven't done bars on my RK but I would think using locktite could not hurt anything. I would hate to go through taking off my headlight trim just to do it again cause it vibrated loose.
Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 21,641
Likes: 22,560
From: North Carolina
Loctite is a great product if you use it properly and use the right type.
I use it a lot and have never had a problem using it on anything. I mainly use "BLUE" because is holds well and is easily removed. RED is the high strength and is designed to be permanent. Is is not easily removed and usually requires the part to be heated up to break the hold and remove the fasteners.
I would use it but I would use BLUE.
I use it a lot and have never had a problem using it on anything. I mainly use "BLUE" because is holds well and is easily removed. RED is the high strength and is designed to be permanent. Is is not easily removed and usually requires the part to be heated up to break the hold and remove the fasteners.
I would use it but I would use BLUE.
Club Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 112,202
Likes: 1,316
From: On a hill among the hills, PA
I used blue but just a bit never had em come loose and never had a problem removing the bolts. I also have an RKC and to remove the shroud takes more time than it does to tighten the bolts!
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 749
Likes: 2
There are very few exceptions to using locktite on a Harley. Almost all fasteners that do not have lock washers call for locktite. The bike service manual will tell you which product (red/blue, etc) is called for. I'm pretty sure handlebars fall into the red locktite, but I'd have to check the manual to be positive.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 5,072
Likes: 104
From: Prescott, AZ
the handle bars have a very specific sequence to the bolts - the service manual will show this - follow that and all will be fine... don't follow that and you just may have a problem - steel bolt going into alum..
as stated - proper sequence and torque is all you need.
as stated - proper sequence and torque is all you need.
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 948
Likes: 1
From: Worth, Illinois
I would locktite the crap out of something like the handlebars. I'd hate for you not to use it and torque it tight and have it vibrate loose while riding, as for that may be ugly if that were to happen. Use the red it can't hurt.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 28,473
Likes: 3,950
From: Vermont
Nothing at all about loctite in the manual for handlebars......just proper torque and torque sequence.
