GS1100GK ~ muffler bolt choices?

[stanzukowski]

Of all things, there appear to be two different options for the bolts that go through the muffler flanges for the 1982 GS1100G/GK.

I'd buy both just to be sure, but would rather not blow the $20 on something I won't use.

See image below, from the parts fiche. Data pulled from http://www.powersportspro.com

Does anybody know which bolt I should get?

If not, I'll try calling Powersportspro, but in the past they haven't been knowledgeable about such small parts on such an old bike.

Thanks for any advice!

~stan

[apopleptic]

The difference on these two bolts is the length.
The first one you have indicates a 45mm length and the second indicates a 40mm length.
Can you measure the old one?
here's an equivalent for the 40mm http://www.fastenal.com/web/products...1115727&ucst=t
here's an equivalent for the 45mm http://www.fastenal.com/web/products...1115728&ucst=t

The head stamp on the old bolt should be a 4, which means these should meet, or honestly quite exceed the strength of the originals.

Fastenal will let you order them for pickup in store so you can avoid the shipping charges if you would like. Just call your local fastenal office.
Good Luck!

[Dogma]

If you're not doing a concourse-grade restoration, replacing the screws with studs is my recommendation.

[apopleptic]

Yeah, if you want to use some socket cap SS ones here you go for those as well.
40mm http://www.fastenal.com/web/products...0A40000&ucst=t
45mm http://www.fastenal.com/web/products...5A40000&ucst=t
These are what I was thinking of using since mine are rusted and the original bolt is stamped with a 4 which seems to mean light duty.
They're about $1.50 each

[stanzukowski]

The difference on these two bolts is the length.
The first one you have indicates a 45mm length and the second indicates a 40mm length.
Can you measure the old one?
here's an equivalent for the 40mm http://www.fastenal.com/web/products...1115727&ucst=t
here's an equivalent for the 45mm http://www.fastenal.com/web/products...1115728&ucst=t

The head stamp on the old bolt should be a 4, which means these should meet, or honestly quite exceed the strength of the originals.

Fastenal will let you order them for pickup in store so you can avoid the shipping charges if you would like. Just call your local fastenal office.
Good Luck!

Thanks! I love this forum

Only problem is I don't have the original bolts. I'm replacing a 4-1 that the P.O. put on. He gave me the original pipes (which I had repaired to fix a few small rust holes), but some of the hardware had gone missing, including these bolts.

What's the best way to measure proper bolt length lacking the original bolts?

[stanzukowski]

Yeah, if you want to use some socket cap SS ones here you go for those as well.
40mm http://www.fastenal.com/web/products...0A40000&ucst=t
45mm http://www.fastenal.com/web/products...5A40000&ucst=t
These are what I was thinking of using since mine are rusted and the original bolt is stamped with a 4 which seems to mean light duty.
They're about $1.50 each

That's a great idea. Once I figure out 40 or 45, I'll definitely go with Fastenal. There's one just a few miles from me.

[apopleptic]

Wow, what a great question. I'm not too sure on this, but I'd love to know.
Although it's easier to add an extra washer to take up slack than it is to stretch a bolt.
I'd recommend going to home depot or such and buying a bolt there for a test fit.
May be worth the $1 or so, and you can always return it telling them it doesn't fit.
Just be careful not to damage your engine by forcing something too long in the hole and tightening it.
Good luck!

PS. Don't forget the M8x1.25 part or you'll curse when you get there.
Also beware Fastenal tends to want you to buy the 100 packs alot of the time, just bring the item numbers I noted in the prior post and they'll order you singles.

[stanzukowski]

I'd recommend going to home depot or such and buying a bolt there for a test fit.

Why not just buy them all from Home Depot? Issue of quality?

[apopleptic]

Why not just buy them all from Home Depot? Issue of quality?

Home depot (by me at least) doesn't carry any stainless metric fasteners. only alloy. I put one of their alloy bolts on a handlebar adapter for a cup holder and it rusted over night. Didn't even rain that night...
Although you could use them I would recommend against from my past experience.

PS. I sent you an invite to join the PA riders group. We haven't really done anything yet, but we are trying to get more members from PA to join.

[Ghostgs1]

I would do as Dogma suggests. Go for the equivalent of B16 grade in a M8 stud (think that may be 10.9, but not sure). Use SS nuts for bling factor. If you use 50mm length you will have room to double nut them if you like. Ray

[Dogma]

Furthermore, what selection Home Depot does have is puny and usually in disarray. Try a local Ace or TruValue hardware store. Many, if not all of them, have stainless metric. They will be a bit spendy, and you may run them out of stock in the size you want. For that quantity, ordering a box from McMaster is probably cheaper, and maybe faster.