Fork Baffle Question
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 415
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From: Maine
Fork Baffle Question
I scored a fork baffle on fleabay for $10.00 - I'm a sucker for a deal. So I thought I would install it on my 09 Street Glide just to surpress more airflow from getting behind the fairing. I am really very happy with the airflow/riding comfort with my current setup but for $10 what the hey?
Problem is, there are three holes in the lower tripleclamp to mount the baffle that I cannot see. These seem to be there to install the baffle (RG specific?) I have tried threading every bolt in my assortment into the holes but after about 1/8" they fetch up. Is this from paint in the threads? I typically just put a wrench on it and wind it until it cross threads or snaps the bolthead off. I'd rather not do this again. Can anyone give me some pointers on the fasteners required to secure the baffle to the tripleclamp? SAE thread? Throughbolt with a nut? Threads are plugged with paint/powdercoat so just wind it in? Any advice appreciated
Problem is, there are three holes in the lower tripleclamp to mount the baffle that I cannot see. These seem to be there to install the baffle (RG specific?) I have tried threading every bolt in my assortment into the holes but after about 1/8" they fetch up. Is this from paint in the threads? I typically just put a wrench on it and wind it until it cross threads or snaps the bolthead off. I'd rather not do this again. Can anyone give me some pointers on the fasteners required to secure the baffle to the tripleclamp? SAE thread? Throughbolt with a nut? Threads are plugged with paint/powdercoat so just wind it in? Any advice appreciated
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 578
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From: Canada
Sounds like you had best chase those threads out using the correct size tap. Dont remember the screw size that came with the baffle, sorry. Should have waited 10 seconds more before posting, I knew the Dawg would have the answer.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,803
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From: El Paso, Texas
Run a Tap through to clean out the threads. Installing the baffle will be easy and You won't break off a bolt trying to install it in dirty threads. I know the threads are SAE, but i can't remember the size. Anyone else know????
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,995
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
I installed one on my StreetGlide earlier this year. Being the **** guy that I am I bought some allen head chrome 1/4-20's and proceeded to install the baffle. The first one went in about 3/8" and started turning really hard. I forced it and ended up with a rounded out allen bolt. I then removed it and installed the other bolt and snugged it up. Off to the hardware store for another chrome allen head bolt, cost about $3. Started that one in and it became lodged in there but good. Rounded that one out too. Grabbed a channel locks to remove the rounded out allen and proceeded to snap it off. Drilled out the snapped off bolt and ran a 1/4-20 tap through the hole. Went to the hardware store and bought another chrome allen bolt. Baffle cost about $12 and I spent more than that on the allens. The thing to do is run a tap through and clean the threads. Don't ask me how I know, I just do. 
Last edited by springer 03; Nov 20, 2009 at 10:04 PM.
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Maine
Life is Good :)
LMAO Springer, that's the way I usually do it too. Like one of those jokes about how men change engine oil vs how a woman gets it done at SpeeDee Oil Change.
Dawg - You da man, that's exactly the reply I was hoping for but figured I'd never get. Got the taps in the shop and will do it today, Thanks.
Dawg - You da man, that's exactly the reply I was hoping for but figured I'd never get. Got the taps in the shop and will do it today, Thanks.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,045
Likes: 36
From: ST. Louis
You can clean out the threads just by running a bolt in and out.
Everytime it turns hard, just back it out and start over. It doesn't take long to clean out the holes.
In and out, in and out, keep repeating untill all the paint has been cleaned out.
Of course a tap is better, but most people don't have a "tap and dye" set.
Everytime it turns hard, just back it out and start over. It doesn't take long to clean out the holes.
In and out, in and out, keep repeating untill all the paint has been cleaned out.
Of course a tap is better, but most people don't have a "tap and dye" set.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Billings,Mt.
The stock bolts kind of have a self taping groove.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Nevada
I wouldn't chance running the screw in and out. If you break one off you have a problem.
Some bikes have more paint in the holes and it is very difficult to clean them out with a screw.. Do it right the first time imho.
Some bikes have more paint in the holes and it is very difficult to clean them out with a screw.. Do it right the first time imho.