I just swapped out my cowbells for some color matched ones, which require pulling the forks. I have a manual and it calls for 60Ft-lbs of torque on the fork caps. On my 09 FLHX the bars are in the way that prevent getting a regular socket on the top to get at the correct torque. I used a wrench to snug it up to what my non calibrated hand says is about 60ft-lbs. Overall a pretty easy job, easier then on my KTM anyway.

My question is, how critical is that torque? The cap pushes down on a rubber washer so I am guessing it is not super exact, but does need to be tight. Through the search function I found this tool. Anyone ever used it on a batwing bike without having to remove the bars or radio? What size wrench is it for? 1/2 or 3/8?

Thanks!
DAVE

 

I've set a few nuts to around 60 ft/lbs with a torque wrench. It's what I call pretty frickin tight. I would set the fork caps nuts using both arms until my eyes were bulging out of their sockets by about 1/8" inch. That should do the trick.

I'm with you on the critical factor. Not critical but you want those pups tight.

 

I didn't think 60 ftlbs was that tight... With the 16" wrench it added a bit of leverage. I would be worried about getting it too tight and damaging that rubber washer.

 

Well, apparently it's not THATcritical (KIDDING!) 'cause I found mine LOOSE when I just did my oil change! Yeah, sixty lb.s is kinda tight, but not too bad. But FINGER F---IN loose is TOO loose in my book! And I don't think it was a case of loosening up over time.
So I'm kinda pissed at the MOCO for letting what I think is a fairly critical fastener/plug loose.....
So take that for what it is....me whining, or a safety factor??

 

I ran into the same problem as far as getting a torque wrench to fit...so I just got them as tight as I could with a smaller wrench

 

Tighten them up good, exact torque is not critical.
It shouldn't take both arms and your eyeballs bulging out to get to 60ftlbs unless your not using a wrench.

 

I don't think the torque on that bolt is that critical (just my opinion) but Matco makes a few Harley tools. I bought one which is the fork bolt socket. It works good and will get you into tight areas, On some bikes you don't have room to get a socket and ratchet in there.

 

I use a wrench and get it tight enough for my peace of mind.