bolt tightening

Message

ichijou · #1 Unread post by **ichijou** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 9:45 am

well i feel kind of silly, i stopped by the bike shop for one reason, and i found out something else, some of the bolts on my handlebar were loose, which explained where the rattling sound was coming from, it just didn't occur to me that such things could get loose on a big bike and all.

well, now that i know better, are there any other nuts and bolts i should make sure to check now on inspection besides the handlebar area, it's a 92 nighthawk 750.

i felt so silly i forgot to ask while i was at the shop, on top of that i also managed to forget to turn the gas knob on when i left, and promptly stalled out right in front of west coast choppers, which i found both ironic and convenient, as the people behind me hopefully thought i was testing a bike and it went bad, rather than i was just an idiot who forgot to twist the gas knob.

mydlyfkryzis · Fri Aug 22, 2008 10:48 am

Another NH owner....

Regularly check Handlebar bolts, the bolts that hold the front axle in, the triple clamps and rear axle bolts.

Then check whatever you don't want falling off as you ride.

There is a lot a vibration on motorcycles, so bolts have a way of loosening up.

ichijou · #3 Unread post by **ichijou** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 4:22 pm

that's a lot of bolts isn't it, do you know off hand if the honda manual or the service manual has a picture showing where all these bolts are?

mydlyfkryzis · Sat Aug 23, 2008 10:20 am

Not that many.

Handlebar bolts are in front of you.

Fork bolts are visible. 2 on each axle, one on each lower clamp, one on each upper clamp.

A 12mm and 14mm wrench covers them all.

The axle bolts are larger though. I use a large adjustable.

That's the bolts you don't want to lose because they hold the wheels and suspension on.

You can do it weekly or monthly. Always look at them before riding.

I would check them More frequently at first. As you check them, you learn which tend to loosen, if at all.

After maintenance, check those fasteners that you removed for work more often at first.

ichijou · #5 Unread post by **ichijou** » Sat Aug 23, 2008 2:27 pm

thank you very much, i'm definitely going to watch those bolts like a hawk now.

kennydude · #6 Unread post by **kennydude** » Sun Feb 22, 2009 8:49 pm

grab a flash light and go over the bike one weekend, and just tighten everything

gives you more quality time with the lady also!

king robb · #7 Unread post by **king robb** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 4:34 am

have a tighten down party and go over the whole bike at least once per season...if you hear a rattle any other time track it down.
if you get a repeat offender...get you some lock tite.

king robb · #8 Unread post by **king robb** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 4:34 am

have a tighten down party and go over the whole bike at least once per season...if you hear a rattle any other time track it down.
if you get a repeat offender...get you some lock tite.