It is important to properly torque fasteners because if they are too tight you might damage something and if it's not tight enough then it might come loose.

 

Actually I would say you need at least 2 torque wrenches: A half-inch drive calibrated in ft/lbs for large bolts (engine, frame, axels etc) and a 3/8 inch drive calibrated in inch/lbs for smaller bolts (derby cover, primary drive cover, hand controls, etc).
After stripping out too many fasteners that were cranked down too tight, and finding loose engine mount hardware, I pretty much stick to manufacturers torque specs on just about every nut and bolt when I'm putting things back together.

Just my

 

i'm ****, i torque literally everything always.

 

Given what we spend on Harleys to begin with, a pair of torque wrenches is peanuts.

AFAIK, all you need is a 3/8" head in inch-pounds and a 1/2" head in foot-pounds (plus the socket sets to fit them).

Craftsman even has a flip-flop beam-type torque wrench that is both of those in one. And since all the torque specs are given in a range, those beam types are all you'll need.

 

Tighten it until it breaks then back it off a quarter turn

 

Cheap insurance. Sometimes I have precious cargo on the back of my scooter if my wife wants to ride. Then it is not just me I would be endangering by skimping.

 

it's funny I've been in the HD shop numerous times. I rarely see them use a torque wrench when putting stuff like bags, seats, pegs, fenders, even wheels. They charge you for locktite then don't use it WTF..

op if you have to ask this question. go buy yourself a couple good torque wrenches. then again I only use them on certain things. I've never used them on primary covers, or clutch inspection cover, timing cover, seats stuff like that.

 

Unless you want **** falling off your bike that the manual said to torque to xxx amount or you want to end up snapping things off because you torqed it too hard
then yes you need one

 

they cost $20 at harbor freight. why not buy one?

 

Personally I use a torque wrench when ever the service manual calls for it.