What do you guys think about switching to allen head bolts?

[Monty]

Am I the only one that can't find the kit on Z1?

Edit: Nevermind. Found it. I didn't see the link at the top.

[detorn]

Edit: Nevermind. Found it. :

link? cause I'm still not seeing anything but single bolts

[1_v8_merc]

I think 90% of the problem with stripped Phillips case & cover bolts is using the wrong tool for the job.. That or just plain worn out drivers..

First off the Japanese Phillips (JIS) is not the same as a US spec Phillips screw.
Using a US spec driver on a JIS screw is a great way to strip out the heads..
The US drivers will not fully seat in the JIS head..

The JIS slot was designed to not cam out like the US Phillips so with the right driver they grip extremely well.. So well it's possible to snap the heads off the smaller screws.

People usually look at me like I'm nuts when I bring this up.. It's one of those things you'll just have to try for yourself.

The Chinese appear to be following the JIS standard.. The drivers work great on all the kids toys. They have become the most used screw drivers in the house.. I need to get a 2nd set because my wife keeps borrowing them.

The next point is size..

The 6mm bolts (case, covers, carb holders) take a #3 driver..
the smaller ones like the gauge cluster and headlight bolts take a #2
#1 is good for the turn signal cover screws.

Search for JIS on McMasterCarr.. They have a nice set of #1-#4 JIS drivers for $15

Even with the right drivers I went ahead and replaced any bolt I can with stainless socket head bolts. ( Allen drive) as they are just easier to work with.

X2!!!

I use Phillips or Flathead for everything.

The key is to have a good solid set of screwdrivers
(use US drivers with US replacement bolts)

The other key is to convert to straight stainless steel....no zinc!
(The stock screws are %50 steel and %50 zinc, or so....which means they strip EASILY and deform easily! )


I went to Lowes, bought stainless steel bolts for my Carbs, and my Craftsman screwdrivers fit PERFECT......NEVER had a single problem.


Allen/Hex screws scare the **** out of me.....I replace them any chance I get!


Atleast if I somehow strip a Phillips or Flathead.....I got 8 million different screw driver sizes laying around......easy fix.

[mike_of_bbg]

link? cause I'm still not seeing anything but single bolts

http://www.z1enterprises.com/detail.aspx?ID=2489

It's in the engine section for your model (I assume you're speaking of your GS1000G)

[mike_of_bbg]

I've seen a higher % of stripping in allen bolts than in philips head screws. Probably not much of a risk if you're properly torquing them down though; side covers don't take too much force.

[JEEPRUSTY]

I've seen a higher % of stripping in allen bolts than in philips head screws. Probably not much of a risk if you're properly torquing them down though; side covers don't take too much force.

The quality of the hex head bolts is bad. The kits I see look like mass produced crap. There is a very good cost related reason that japanes makers chose screws.

A quality allen head bolt has no discenible slop in it. The cheap ones do and are to be avoided.

[gothera]

anti-sieze

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/LOCTITE-Anti-Seize-Compound-1LLT8?Pid=search

thats what i use, take off cap and roll threads on top of stick and screw um in,. a must for ss screws

[bigbill808]

i have replaced 99% of my srews with ss hex bolts and i highly recommend it. i use marine grade copper anti size with all my bolts and never had an issue with stuck bolts or rusty threads.....

[iampocket]

This may seem like a stupid question but here goes...I've stripped out too many factory bolts on my GS1000 and am going to replace them with stainless, but my Dad said I may have to adjust the torque applied to the bolts because of the change. Does this sound valid to anyone? Can anyone reassure me that they have done the same thing and used the Clymber Guide recommended torque without any problem?

[cowboyup3371]

Iampocket,
Welcome to the forum. You'll get lots of great information here that can help you out with that bike from a ton of great folks here. However, you might want to start your own thread in one of the technical forums (General Maintenance for this one probably) so you get a quicker response.

With that said, I haven't tried this but will soon since I just replaced all of my valve cover bolts and all others are now mostly hex or allen head bolts and I just hand-tighten plus a little.

[Walle]

I wonder why Torx isn't the norm when upgeading from Phillips. It's much better than Allen head. That being said I have Allen's on my bike too.

[Detroit Diesel Man]

I have a bit oif a mix on my bike..I like the look of the old school phillups but the ease of the allen is nice..covers that stay on I have the stock screws in but cam caps and ign cover have allens in them..and a few flange headed bolts on the bike..(oem mercedes truck engine bolts/nuts)


DDM

[davidduarte]

2 out of the three threaded bolt studs for my oil filter cover had come out when I got my bike, I replaced them with socket head cap screws, then the third one came out too. I rode home (in the pouring rain) two days ago, dropped the oil, only to discover that the bottom screw had come out and was missing. Thank God the other 2 kept the cover on so my engine didn't become a boat anchor and strand me on the interstate in a downpour. I went to my local True Value, this time got stainless socket head cap screws. I like them way better than phillips head screws

[Matts96zj]

I've switched to flanged hex bolts (motocross bikes use these) & use a nut-driver to tighten. You can probably get more torque on it than a phillips, but not enough to strip... & upon removal, a 1/4" ratchet works fine. just my .02

[Crazy_Russian]

one of the first things that i did to the bike. got them off ebay, worked fine