Did some routine check up on the '05 RK.

Checked all nuts / bolts / cables.

One headbolt that attaches the exhaust pipe to the head took almost a whole turn. I used an open end wrench and gave it a good tight fit.

Here comes a really dumb question.......

Should there be any play in the bolt to allow for expansion when the bike is hot?

That sucker is pretty tight now.

Thanks

 

what pipes do you have? i replaced my nuts with the steel locking ones and washers. dont use nylon locking nuts, they will get too hot. mine have been tight since day one after installing the locking nuts. i had to tighten the stockers about once a week.

 

I had the dealer install a set of V&H true duals with oval slip-ons about 2 months ago.

I doubt anything was replaced with anything other than what was there.

 

Did you use a torque wrench to tighten it up? How tight is one turn?

On my RK there is one nut that there's no way to get a torque wrench on it, 12 point box end only. Last week I installed a set of V&H Dresser Duals and discovered my exhaust flange bolts were very loose. The bracket for the rear pipe that bolts to the top of the transmission was also broken, had to get a replacement. I did my own service at 10K miles and I'm positive I checked all the exhaust fasteners.

 

tighten till it spins freely is a good gauge.

j/k, did you use a torque wrench?

 

When I installed my dresser duals I called V&H and asked them about torque values as I didn't see any in the instructions. I was advised that they suggested to tighten the nuts to snug and that they do not provide torque values for them.

 

I believe my maintenance manual says about 100 in/lbs for the exhaust bolts. I am at work and don't have access to the book here.

 

No

 

Okay, so a little off topic......You guess with the V&H Dresser duals...How do you like them? I am thinking about getting them and using my SE slip ons.

 

I have the V&H duals and am very happy. Look great, sound great with the ovals, and my right thigh is thanking me on hot days.