Triumphrat

zargarex

Hi all, I'm fairly new to the Bonneville world, but have been lurking here for many months -- there is tons of great information here. Thanks for that.

Since picking up my Bonnie 08, I've got a laundry list of to do items for her. A few projects seem to involve torque wrenches; I've searched the forums but haven't really found what I am looking for... So... If I were to buy one torque wrench, which one would offer the widest range of possibilities, i.e. what torque range would solve the most problems? Also, are beams better than click in the lower torque ranges?

Thanks,

propforward

Tricky question really - in terms of each type it comes down to which one you like more.

I prefer the two torque wrench approach. I use a small 1/4" drive click type that goes up to about 25Nm, the other is a 1/2"drive that covers 20Nm up to quite a lot - can't remember the value off hand, but it's way more than I ever need on bikes.

I expect you should be able to find a reasonably priced 3/8" drive that will cover ranges up to something like 40 Nm, which will be more than enough for basic motorcycle maintenance. Oil filter spec is 10 to 12 Nm, drain plug is 25Nm. Brake banjo bolts are around 25Nm I think, wheel axle nuts I forget, but that should cover them.

Pop down to Sears with a couple of nuts and bolts and try a couple out............

Oops, forgot - welcome to the forum! Enjoy your bike and your riding. Post pics in twins chat so that we can admire it!

PPS - a better idea - you for sure are getting a workshop manual for your bike right? Go through that, it should have all the torque specs on a main page tb the front somewhere. See if you can find one that matches all of that - you should be able to. I was doing the 40Nm bit from memory - never a good idea. The filter and drain plug are right 'cos I did those just now.

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If you ever drop your keys in molten lava, forget about them, because man, they're gone.

zargarex

Ah good, I was looking at the 3/8 Craftsman 944593 model -- 3.61-29.03Nm... Good thing I asked

I'm struggling between the Service Manual and a Haynes... This seems to be a question of religious nature from my searches. I'm gonna take a look the SM when I stop by the shop this week to decide.

Thanks again.

oldroadie

From the nature of your question about the wrench I'd suggest the Haynes. It has many more pictures to guide you; the factory book makes assumptions about you already knowing locations and the look of the parts.

This wrench is a good choice if you don't already have a large selection of 1/2" drive sockets http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00944594000P as it uses the more common 3/8" drive (of course, the 1/2" similar model torques a much higher range all the way to 250 ft/lbs). It will cover large bolt on the bike except the front sprocket. The wrench you're looking at is a great companion as it's range includes the engine covers and valve train bolts and it's really handy for handlebars and tight areas since it's much shorter.

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2001 Bonneville
2004 Bonneville America

propforward

Absolutely - the Haynes will talk you through some stuff, rather than assuming you know the ins and outs.

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If you ever drop your keys in molten lava, forget about them, because man, they're gone.

ggRAT

I got one of these Snap-On Torqometers at a local flea market for $75 (Retail $319 US), brand new in the box. Sometimes you get lucky.

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propforward

Tool aquisition is a beautiful thing. Especially when you score lucky like that. Coooell.

__________________
If you ever drop your keys in molten lava, forget about them, because man, they're gone.

localmotion411

When installing my fork gaitors and fork springs, I went ahead and bought the Craftsman 944593 thinking it was all I needed. While it covered everything up to 29.03Nm, I still need to get one that will handle much higher torques. I am going with the two-wrench approach, getting a newer higher-torque wrench and keeping the one I have.

zargarex

Ordered the Haynes manual yesterday.

Thanks for all the replies, much appreciated.

Baltobonneville

You need two torque wrenches. In my uninformed opinion and for me, the smaller one is more important, because I have a well-founded fear of overtightening screws. I'm not so worried about axle nuts and the like.

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Marty
2005 Bonneville Blue 790cc, AI removed, Staintunes RC, Unifilter, no snorkel, 120/40/Thrux needle/1 shim/3 turns, fly screen, tacho, D9 gauge panel, center stand, Ikon 7610s, Hagon fork springs, gaiters, Pirelli Sport Demons, 3 seats.