Triumphrat

02-21-2006

couldnt find the answer to this anywhere. when i got my bonnie the mechanic told me that the head broke off of the pinch bolt on the lower right fork. i asked if its a problem he said no but later on you might want to extract it and replace it. he said all it does is "pinch" the fork near the axle bolt as a security feature. with t his nonfunctional is it any hazard to riding?

thanks for your help

Rube · 02-21-2006

I would not take my bike back to that "mechanic". Get the bolt drilled out and replaced asap! It is there for a reason. I would call the dealer and have them trailer the bike to a shop with real mechanics for the repair. :evil:

Dirtbikemike · 02-21-2006

DTL,

I recall looking at this 4 bolt cap when I changed the tires last month. I think it only prevents the axle from rotating as the axel nut is tightened. It doesn't hold the wheels on or anything like that and should not present any structural problems. Aren't there two nuts on either side of the cap? I am in the pickup today and don't have it it front of me but will look tonight.

I think the mechanic was trying to say "when the opportunity presents itself replace the stud" but I wouldn't write him off becasuse he offered an honest opinion.

Mike

riccih46 · 02-21-2006

darktolight,

As the "pinch" bolt is supposed to be tourqed down "after" tightening the axle bolts, I believe its purpose is to insure the axel doesn't spin after installing the axel bolts. I "accidentally" rode my bike with the pinch bolt loose testing my new fork spring installation and didn't notice any ill effects. However, the bolt is there for a reason so I would get it replaced asap.

Ric

02-21-2006

just one bolt on the right fork

Dirtbikemike · 02-21-2006

Good job Ric. !!

DickBender · 02-21-2006

darktolight,
Your "mechanic" is either an absolute w@nker or ripping you off. Where did he get trained in a butcher's?
If he broke it he should fix it or pay the bill for some one decent to do it.

The pinch bolt stops the axle from moving in the fork leg.
The gap that you can see between the wheel spacer and the fork isNOT supposed to be there.
The fork legs are 5-6 mm further apart than what they should be.

I don't think any thing will fall of but the wheel will be free to move laterally. Hold the 'bars and try to move the wheel at say the front from side to side, I bet that the disc will just about touch the caliper and the wheel will move
Does he think that the good people at Triumph would just put a bolt there because they felt like it?

Find another dealer.

darcy

ssjones · 02-21-2006

I'd sure want it fixed on my bike. (America's have two on each side). Triumph puts them there for a reason.

DickBender · 02-21-2006

I said before
"The gap that you can see between the wheel spacer and the fork isNOT supposed to be there.
Maybe that is wrong mine has no gap but 2 T100s on the floor have the gap.
To me it makes sense to have the spacer hard against the fork leg.
Idunno.
What I do know is that the bolt should be there.

Darcy

tommyturbo2 · 02-21-2006

That pinch bolt acts to produce a stable lower end of the rectangle made up from the top to the bottom of the fork. It restricts flexing of the fork when steering or braking inputs are applied. The absence of the pinch bolt clamping effect will produce flexing around the steering head axis that could even bind the fork tube slider if you were to hit a substantial bump while braking hard. It would probably put you into a "tank slapper" if you're going fast enough (read high side). Your mechanic is a goof ball! Go tell the dealer owner what he said and get his ass fired before he kills somebody! He should never work on anything with less than 4 wheels. tommyturbo2