Well it will be soon time to put new tyres on. Now I was told every time the front tyre comes off, the calliper bolts have to be replaced. They cost £ 39 (set of 4)!! Is this what you guys do? I thought perhaps I buy a set made of titanium and use it for the life of the bike but the garage did not recommend this and advised to use the honda bolts. What's wrong be Ti bolts then??
Don't take this as gospel but I think you've been misinformed mate. Why would they need to be replaced? you cant expect a track bike to replace them 3 times a weekend with every tyre change. I will be changing my tires in the next couple of weeks also so I'm hoping this in incorrect anyway.
the dealer told me and it is also in the honda maintenace/ service manual (the big one). This is for an RR8 (I believe the bolts are hollow inside), could be different for earlier models
It's just a belt and braces situation, there are many people out there that bare very heavy handed and the bolts will be damaged over time if they are over tightened. I am a mechanic and you can "feel" if the bolts are not right. If in any doubt, then replace. but as long as you make sure the thread is clean and not tighten correctly (preferably with a torque wrench) you will be fine. I have being doing about 3 European events a year on my track bike for the last 3 years and have never had to replace the bolts.
It's just a belt and braces situation, there are many people out there that bare very heavy handed and the bolts will be damaged over time if they are over tightened. I am a mechanic and you can "feel" if the bolts are not right. If in any doubt, then replace. but as long as you make sure the thread is clean and not tighten correctly (preferably with a torque wrench) you will be fine. I have being doing about 3 European events a year on my track bike for the last 3 years and have never had to replace the bolts.
oops, that should have said "but as long as you make sure the thread is clean and is tightened correctly"
the theory is they are a stretch bolt ( I think) so should be replaced,but tbh it's bollox,it would have cost me 200 in bolts alone last time at oulton park
thanks guys for the feedback. It looks like you guys re-sue the bolts (provided there is no damage, etc...) and you are all still here to tell the tale without experiencing any mishaps Interestingly the owners handbook does not say to replace them but the service manual does. I take it you have to unbolt the calliper to remove the wheel although looking at it I cannot see why it cannot just slide out. anyone using titanium bolts?
We have removed the front wheel countless times so the calipers have been on and off the same number of times, never replaced the bolts. If it is something your worried about then best to replace them just for peace of mind.
Yep been using titanium calliper bolts for a while now, use the same torque setting and no corrosion on them still look like new after 18 months of use Just clean off the old thread lock when you take them off and apply new when refitting
I'm using titanium bolts all over and as long as you torque them up and use thread lock they will last as long as the bike. Like all things though, give them a visual inspection making sure threads are not damaged.
only use a medium strength threadlocker, blue loctite is about the right strength, 243 i think the bottle number is. And invest in a 10-80nm torque wrench. it'll pay for itself saving you buying bolts at every wheel change!
apparently unless otherwise stated, all torque setting are for dry threads. they need to be reduced by 20% if you use threadlocker to 50% in case of anti seize compound! I will be contacting Loctite to see if this is true
Well the deed is done. Had two new pilot powers fitted (I know it is old and not one of the more fashionable tyres around). The wear has been amazing for 5000miles (abt <2mm front and 3mm rear with very little squaring off)and very uniform across the tyres (I guess it is because they spend as much time on their side as middle) I could have easily got another 2k out of them without any problem but I could feel the wear on the handling of the bike (but no drama but I could just tell). Blame it on how wonderful the bike feedback is. So at £147 for the pair (not fitted), I indulged More importantly, the garage fitting the tyres said the bolts were good .
