[Nicolaos]

Howdy all,

I just did a general service and full check through my bike yesterday and noticed that the Front axle clamp bolt from the front, right axle is missing.

No this has either been missing since I got the bike in March or since I took it in for a service just over a month ago. Or, slowly came undone since last service and fell out...not sure what the chances of that are.

My first question is: how dangerous is it too ride without it? Can I carry on riding until they order me the part (will take about 2 weeks)

My second question: Anyone out there that can take out theirs and send me the measurements so long. I want to see if I can get a bolt from a bolt specialist so long. The part number is 92153-0533 for what it's worth.

This is for my VN900 Custom 2010.

 

[PatC]

It won't hurt anything short term. The pinch bolt is there to keep the axle from turning. As new as your bike is, your bearings are probably sufficiently lubed to keep it from turning. You don't have to order a part for it. You can look the part up online and go to any hardware store that sell bolts and buy a metric stainless steel hex head Allen bolt for about a dollar, put a little blue LocTite on it and do it yourself. If you can't find the length online, just ask a mechanic at a Kaw shop. They may even have one in their spare bolts bin.

I have a story for you. Before my first trip to Southern California from north Idaho (1400 miles or so each way) I had my tires changed at a dealer shop. During the trip, I kept hearing a rubbing squeak every time I leaned over for a turn, especially to the left. At each stop, I'd inspect the fenders, wheel clearance, and basically racked my brain trying to figure out what it was. It didn't do it every time, and it didn't seem to affect the way the bike ran, so I powered on. I hit speeds of 80 and 90 in the Nevada desert and coming down I-15 into San Bernardino, and all along I-i5 to San Diego.

The next day I took it to a bike shop and they looked it over, and after about 5 minutes the mechanic says "well, there's your problem. Whoever put your tire on didn't put the axle nut back on or forgot to torque it down." I rode 1400 miles with nothing holding the front wheel on except that pinch bolt. The scraping sound was the left fork rubbing back and forth on the axle.

 

[Bandit101]

The pinch bolt is a 10x40mm. It is your bike, but knowing there is a bolt missing, I personally would not ride around the block until it was repaired.

 

[vivadude]

It won't hurt anything short term. The pinch bolt is there to keep the axle from turning. As new as your bike is, your bearings are probably sufficiently lubed to keep it from turning. You don't have to order a part for it. You can look the part up online and go to any hardware store that sell bolts and buy a metric stainless steel hex head Allen bolt for about a dollar, put a little blue LocTite on it and do it yourself. If you can't find the length online, just ask a mechanic at a Kaw shop. They may even have one in their spare bolts bin.

I have a story for you. Before my first trip to Southern California from north Idaho (1400 miles or so each way) I had my tires changed at a dealer shop. During the trip, I kept hearing a rubbing squeak every time I leaned over for a turn, especially to the left. At each stop, I'd inspect the fenders, wheel clearance, and basically racked my brain trying to figure out what it was. It didn't do it every time, and it didn't seem to affect the way the bike ran, so I powered on. I hit speeds of 80 and 90 in the Nevada desert and coming down I-15 into San Bernardino, and all along I-i5 to San Diego.

The next day I took it to a bike shop and they looked it over, and after about 5 minutes the mechanic says "well, there's your problem. Whoever put your tire on didn't put the axle nut back on or forgot to torque it down." I rode 1400 miles with nothing holding the front wheel on except that pinch bolt. The scraping sound was the left fork rubbing back and forth on the axle.

Damn!..........................................................

 

[racer_phill]

The pinch bolt is a 10x40mm. It is your bike, but knowing there is a bolt missing, I personally would not ride around the block until it was repaired.

But what is the thread count?




.

 

[Nicolaos]

Came right

Thx for your input guys, much obliged.

I went with Pat's suggestion: I found a great Bolt&Nut place here and together with a very helpful assistant, we measured the hole and found a bolt that fits perfect.

Good news is also that buying the EOM part would have taken 3-4 weeks of waiting and was quoted about $7. I got a perfect fit, did not need to wait and it cost me 45c.

I must say, I was taken back when I first noticed the missing bolt. Also because I ride my bike every day (it is my sole transport to work and back). I do roughly 75 miles per day and ride an average 90miles/hour. So I need my baby to be 100% and smooth.