Passenger backrest had been coming loose for the last couple months so I would tighten it,noticed it had three bolts that were torx and one for a allen wrench so it looks like when I took it in to get the fender replaced after I was hit the dealer must have lost one and during the ride today it got loose and was driving me nuts with the squeek so it came apart when I got home . The non matching bolt was of a different thread count and the lower bolt on that side had broken so off it came and had to drill that bolt out and will be getting 4 chrome bolts at the hardware store that will be able to be tightened with a wrench and not torx or allens,I know it was nothing major but when it requires a 1/4 20 bolt put one back in and not a metric or 1/4 28 or what ever it was. I should have put some loctite on the bolts but wanting to get a rack that bolts there and will do it when I get one but the new bolts will go on with lock nuts for.now,one would think that someone who works for a dealer would be able to get a bolt with the correct thread count.

 

No one cares about your bike as much as you do. It is just the way it is. When you work on your own bike you will drop bolts, make scratches etc, but the difference is you will know how each and every scratch was placed on that bike!

 

At the very least, chase the threads with a tap, but if a different thread was used, you most likely have to repair that one with a heli-coil.

 

What year is the bike? Did you buy it new?

 

Find a person that you trust to work on the bike if you don't have the time, space, tools, etc. to do it yourself.

 

Bingo. For me, my last straw was when my ex-dealer forgot to attach the bolts on for the upper exhaust and started the pipe started cracking in half. I got a new pipe but only after another week in the shop.

 

Quality workmanship has gone the same direction as quality parts - down hill, we've become a disposable nation, just toss the bad **** away and buy new

 

I agree with you also I've had my new older Sporty just 2 weeks and it's been in the shop 2 times and both times I had to fix what they did, I'm not the greatest machinic, but I will Lear all I can so I don't have to depend on anyone.

 

I try to do what I can myself. Some things I dont have the tools or skills. Yes, I have a manual.
I hate it when I have to trust someone else.

 

For me, working on your bike is a big part of the overall motorcycling experience. I find it relaxing and enjoyable, and I like the satisfaction of going down the road knowing that my bike runs the way it does because I made it that way.