Topic: Installing case guards

[medic09]

So without thinking, I went to install some shorty engine case guards I picked up last year for my K8.  Of course, the engine bolts (one top each side, and front bottom that runs the width of the bike) are too short to take the extra 7mm on each side (additional total 14mm).  Of course, my wife noticed this before I had struggled on for another 20 minutes.  (*Why* does that woman come out to the garage to humiliate me?  Oh, right; I asked her to come lend a hand...   And her bike is parked next to mine.  )

So, those of you who have mounted such case guards, where did you get your extra length bolts?  I've tried hardware stores (times 3), two bike shops (including a helpful Honda service dept.), and a specialty shop that does only bolts and such.  No luck on the long bottom engine bolt.   I may have found something suitable for the top two.

We're talking a bottom engine bolt that would be 10mm shaft with a 17mm head, about 335mm in length (318mm plus the extra 14mm).  BTW, what's the *pitch* on these?  The Honda guy couldn't find it listed.

The tops would be 10mm with 14mm head, about 105mm in length (87mm plus the extra 14mm).  Same question regarding pitch.

Thanks!

[eldar]

You know, I have the same issue with the bottom bolt. Some one had suggested seeing if I could use 2 smaller bolts but I have not checked yet. Maybe get a 2 inch bolt that has a slotted head on it for the engine side that will fit between those runner that the long bolt normally goes thru With a washer and then put a washer and locknut on the end on the guard side. These engines are mounted quite well and I dont know if the long bolt is really needed.

[Gordon]

How about using some threaded rod from the hardware store and cut it to the length you need?

[medic09]

How about using some threaded rod from the hardware store and cut it to the length you need?

Since this is an engine mount, I'm wary about generic 'threaded rod'.  If it were automotive grade, then it would be okay.  The guy at the specialty fasteners place, and the Honda service guy, said I'd probably need to get one machined.

[keepitrunin]

i used stainless steel all thread i got lowes or home depot and got the stainless steel hardware from the local guy!

[eldar]

Well I never thought about threaded rod. Medic, the engine weighs about 200 pounds. I could take a 1.5 foot length and stand on it like a ladder rung I bet and I weigh more than the engine. You can remove this rod and the engine will just sit there. I would be willing to bet and I think I will go this route, That this will work fine.

[medic09]

Well I never thought about threaded rod. Medic, the engine weighs about 200 pounds. I could take a 1.5 foot length and stand on it like a ladder rung I bet and I weigh more than the engine. You can remove this rod and the engine will just sit there. I would be willing to bet and I think I will go this route, That this will work fine.

Stainless steel might work.  I'm thinking that the stresses applied are quite different and more dynamic than simply standing on it.  Doesn't this help provide some of the relative rigidity of the frame up front?

[nteek754]

Hey guy  uh  umm   standard THREADED ROD  been on my bike for  um 30 years now works just fine  just dont touque it  like you would a grade  8 bolt but tighten it up and be done with it  have fun Craig in Maine

[medic09]

Hey guy  uh  umm   standard THREADED ROD  been on my bike for  um 30 years now works just fine  just dont touque it  like you would a grade  8 bolt but tighten it up and be done with it  have fun Craig in Maine

Well, it's hard to argue with results, eh?

[keepitrunin]

maybe put the allthread inside a sleeve if there is room too or just get the thickest stainless allthread that will fit and use flat and lock washers on both sides or skip the lock washer and use a stainless nylok nut like i did!

[medic09]

Well, I spoke to Benny, an old Honda pro in ABQ today.  He says all-thread is fine if the the bike is just a regular ride.  I asked don't I need some automotive grade or some such.  "Your not drag racing the bike are ya?  Then you'll be fine with regular hardware store all-thread."

So, I'll go back to Home Depot and get the best quality they've got, and let it go at that.  Pretty much what Craig in Maine said.   

[Steve F]

My engine guards came with a longer bolt, but since you don't have one, see if you have a machinist in the area that can make you a special rod, just threaded on the ends.  I made one for the rear long bolt for my cafe' bike to accomodate the rear sets.  Stainless rod, threaded on the ends.