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Potential new bike - stainless steel fixings an issue? question

Submitted by nathan_boyd on Fri, 09/08/2024
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Commando

I'm looking to purchase a 850 MK3 and have seen one advertised which I like, however, it has stainless steel fixings. Whilst this is seen to be a positive (and I did too originally), reading further some folk flag issues around needing to coat when you insert and also the need to use lower torque settings (so as to not damage the bike/ strip the threads). As someone relatively new to classic bikes I like to use the torque guides, and can't locate any specifically for SS, and as I didn't specifically want SS, as daft as it sounds, I see this as potential barrier. So the question is is this correct and should I be concerned? If so can anyone provide example coatings (e.g. blue loctite was one suggested) and are there any std torque settings? Any help, debunking or comments gratefully received.

Submitted by alan_osborn on Fri, 09/08/2024

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Be aware that the SS nuts bolts are not metric. metric bolts in imperial holes? and also you then need metric spanners as well, could end up a 'dogs dinner'.
Blue Loctite?-could be nut lock or screw lock?

Submitted by george_farenden on Fri, 09/08/2024

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Al seems to suggest that the stainless fixings are metric, but the vast majority of Commando fixings are available in the original sizes in stainless so you shouldn't need metric spanners. Me? I'm happy with stainless nuts and bolts in non safety critical areas, and actually prefer them. The coatings I would suggest would be neverseez or copperslip, as stainless nuts can 'gall' onto the bolt without lubrication.

As to tightness, I'm afraid I'm old school and only use a torque wrench on critical fasteners like crank bolts or head bolts for example so am unable to quote if torque limits are lower or similar to normal bolts. Personally, I wouldn't be put off a bike just because of stainless nuts and bolts.

Regards, George

Submitted by richard_payne on Fri, 09/08/2024

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We were overjoyed when stainless fasteners became available as a single winter on salted roads was enough to turn a shiny bike into an old dog (and all-year commuting was the norm).

I put Copperslip on pretty well all fasteners and as per George, generally only torque where critical. Oddities are perhaps the Commando forks where you'll never achieve suggested torque on the yoke clamps using a standard "Allen" key and the slider pinch bolt which barely needs a nip.

I've never stripped or damaged anything. I was put off using stainless wheel spindles by the Molnar / Middleton steel grade arguments in 'Motorcycle Sport' all those years ago, but I crashed a Commando really heavily (enough to put the wheel spindle into the timing chest) and there was only a slightly perceptible deflection on the RGM stainless rear isolastic spindle.

I'd never use stainless on a thirties bike, but bling was the thing in the 1970s and it works.

Submitted by ian_soady on Sat, 10/08/2024

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... was suggesting that you check that the fasteners are not metric rather than suggesting that they are.

 



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