It’s time I addressed the issue of tools & torque specifications. What issue? Address what you may be asking? Good questions! With over 100 videos uploaded and the vast majority of those relating directly to performing some kind of upgrade, customization, maintenance or repairs on motorcycles two questions surface with some frequency. These two questions are specific questions that should not be asked. These questions if asked then bring a question I want to ask back. The two questions I am referring to are: what size socket do you use for (bolt, nut, part here), and what are the torque specifications for (bolt, nut, part here).

The first question I want to ask back is: why are you working on your bike without a service manual? How did I know you weren’t using a service manual? If you were referring to a service manual for your specific brand, make, model, and year of motorcycle you would have the torque specifications at the flip of a page and would not be asking for those values. I am quite adamant in my videos about the use of a service manual if you're going to work on your bike. When I get this question it is not one I will answer, and I would encourage other viewers not to answer their question either. There are to many variables on torque specifications between brands, makes, models, and even years of bikes and it's quite possible the person asking is referring to a completely different motorcycle. I had a guy tell me the torque specification on one of my 2015 Street Glide Special videos was wrong because the torque value listed in his service manual was different for his 2008 Road King. Seriously? Well, duh, yeah, different year, make of bike, hell, even a different size of the engine! Of course, it's going to be different! I guess he thinks his bike references the final word on torque values worldwide for each and every motorcycle…. This type of issue is why I generally do not mention specific torque specifications and why I will not answer this question when asked.

Torque Spec Harleyfront Axle Nut

To validate this argument I want to refer to a critical drive component on the motorcycle: the Compensating Sprocket. The pictures below will help you understand why I don’t give torque specifications when asked. The first service manual picture is of the final torque of the compensating sprocket bolt on a 2012 Street Glide with a 103. 140 ft-lbs.

Harley Tri Glide; Torque specs; Likes: 11. Page 1 of 2 1 2 Last. Jump to page: Results 1 to 10 of 20 Thread: Torque specs. Well when the bike cooled I inspected and saw one nut had vibrated loose and fallen off the rear pipe flange causing the problem. I bought a new nut and checked the Sportster manual for the correct torque for the flange nuts and it says tighten to 96-120 in lbs. That converts to 10 ft lbs. I guess it's kept that loose due to heat expansion.

The next service manual picture is of the final torque for the compensating sprocket bolt on a 2015 Street Glide Special with a 103: 175 ft-lbs. 35 ft-lbs difference between the two.

This is a perfect example on a critical drive component as to why you should not be asking about torque specifications. You should be using your service manual for your make, model, and year of bike to obtain the correct values.

The other issue is when the question is asked about the size of the socket or wrench needed for (bolt, nut, part here). It never ceases to amaze me on how many people seem to think that every nut and bolt on every model and year of bike are the same. Manufacturers change sizes quite frequently. So when the question comes up about socket sizes my immediate thought is are they even working on the same make and year of bike? My other concern at that question is: are they even capable of properly using tools if they can’t even figure out what size socket or wrench they need for a nut or bolt? Not everyone has a mechanical aptitude. I get it. I also understand that a lot of people would like to work on their bikes, I think that’s great. I also understand there are different levels of mechanical aptitude. Where one person might have no issue pulling a primary, another person may be quite concerned about changing brake pads. There is nothing wrong with different aptitude levels and how much someone is willing to wrench on their bike. There is an issue if they cannot determine the size of the socket or wrench they will need. This demonstrates a serious lack of understanding basic tool use and assessment inability. If someone cannot determine the bare basics of socket and wrench sizes they shouldn’t be wrenching on their bike. Not being able to utilize tools properly could lead to serious injury or death if nuts and bolts are not secured correctly with the proper tool size and torqued to specification. Then add the possible inability to properly utilize tools and the outcome could be quoted from Chef Gordon Ramsay on Hell’s Kitchen: “This is a disaster”!

Torque Specs Harley Outer Primary

The bottom line is this: If you are wanting to wrench on your bike get a service manual for your specific make, year, and model. Use my videos as a visual reference before or as your working on your bike. Refer to the torque values from your service manual as necessary. Get the proper tools and know how to use them. You can usually purchase the tools you need for a task for less than the cost of paying a service department to do the work for you. Then you have the tools for repeating the same task later and for any other work you want to perform.

Ride Strong Wrench Proud

Torque Specs Harley Rear Axle

Engine, Transmission and Chassis
Assembly Torque Values

Technical information on fastener torque values used in the maintenance, repair or assembly of Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

Engine

Crank Pin nut
Pinion Gear nut
Oil Pump cover bolts
Oil Pump manifold screws
Tappet Guide bolts
Rocker Cover
5/16 inch bolts
1/4 inch bolts
Upper Engine mounting bracket:
To cylinder heads
To frame
Gearcase Cover screws
Cam / Nosecone Cover screws
Timer screws (inner cover and sensor plate)
Tappet Screen Plug
Spark Plug
Transmission Side Cover bolts
Crankcase bolts
Step 1
Step 2
Intake Manifold Flange capscrew
Primary Cover screws
Compensating Sprocket nut
Transmission Sprocket nut
Transmission Sprocket locking screw
Clutch hub nut

Torque Value

180-210 foot pounds
35-45 foot pounds
90-120 inch pounds
70-80 inch pounds
9-12 foot pounds
15-18 foot pounds
10-13 foot pounds
28-35 foot pounds
28-32 foot pounds
90-120 inch pounds
90-120 inch pounds
15-30 inch pounds
90-120 inch pounds
18-22 foot pounds
10-12 foot pounds
Tighten in star pattern from bottom
10 foot pounds
15-17 foot pounds
15-17 foot pounds
9-10 foot pound
150-165 foot pounds
110-120 foot pounds
7-9 foot pounds
70-80 foot pounds

Chassis & Suspension

Front Axle nut
Rear Axle nut
Front Brake Disc screws
Rear Brake Disc screws
Allen Screws
T-45 Torx
Rear Wheel Sprocket bolts
Laced Wheel
Cast Wheel
Front Brake Caliper mounting screws
Rear Brake Caliper mounting screws
Blake Bleeder Nipples
Brake Line Banjo Fittings
Front Fender mounting bracket bolts
Pivot Shaft
Rear Master Cylinder mounting nut
Triple Tree Pinch Bolts
Fork Stem nut
Rear Shock Absorber
Upper Stud acorn nut
Bottom bolt