Help with Hardware for Caliper Covers

[Savage]

Gents,

Could someone please tell me the bolt sizes (length & pitch) required to mount these caliper covers?
Better yet, if someone could possibly send me a photo of the required hardware as well.
I would like to mount them but most certainly want to make sure it’s done correctly since we’re talking about my front brakes here...

Thanks!!

[Jess from VA]

I think those are/were made by Big Bike Parts/Show Chrome. (two names, one company)

They may no longer be made, but the trick is to do some searching online and look for a copy of the instructions and parts list that came with them.  Often available in a PDF format.  If you cannot find this, you can telephone that company and ask them to email you a copy of the original instructions and parts list.

Many covers were thin enough, they simply used the OE hardware (bolts).

I don't care for those because it lets brake dust and road crud build up on the calipers that ought to be scrubbed off from time to time (unless you pull them off, which most don't do).  Also blocks periodic visual inspection.

I don't see any that look like yours on this list.  http://www.bigbikeparts.com/templates/group_ProductList.aspx?GroupGuid=43

I suppose they could be Cobra.

[Jruby38]

I don't like to cover up nice machining with cheep tin covers. Its looks stupid.  The only thing worse in the WRINKLE Honda plastic chrome.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I’m pretty sure they are Cobra and getting the left side is near impossible. Savago, those are a terrible accessory to add to your bike. I will take them off your hand though.   I think you need some little barrel spacers and slightly longer bolts.

[Bighead]

Nope Jess is correct they are show chrome. But Rob is also correct in they are near impossible to find. Well the one side is the other is still Available. Savago I have a set of those and the bolt isnt the problem. There is a spacer that goes between the cover and calipers.
And Jruby everyone is entitled to an opinion even if it is wrong

[Savage]

I was told they were from Show Chrome, and that the full set is unobtainium.
The left side cover can still be had, of course, because the Shadow and other derivatives have a single front caliper mounted on the left.

I can fabricate the spacers myself, that’s not a problem.
I‘m hoping someone who has a set could give me the hardware specs (bolt lengths and pitch, spacer length) since it would save me time.

As always, thanks for your expertise and willingness to help, gents.
Love this forum.

[Bighead]

If I get a chance this week end I will get some measurements for
You. Not promising but will try.

[Warlock]

I was told they were from Show Chrome, and that the full set is unobtainium.
The left side cover can still be had, of course, because the Shadow and other derivatives have a single front caliper mounted on the left.

I can fabricate the spacers myself, that’s not a problem.
I‘m hoping someone who has a set could give me the hardware specs (bolt lengths and pitch, spacer length) since it would save me time.

As always, thanks for your expertise and willingness to help, gents.
Love this forum.

They are show chrome. Had some on my other Valkyrie few years back. Wish I could find some more for my trike.
David

[Jess from VA]

If you don't want to hunt the spec sheet for them, or call Show Chrome for it (or they might sell you a set of hardware), you can run to any hardware and pick up a few short spacers of various lengths around quarter inch, and one of them will probably work.

It seems likely the length of the spacer needed should be about the same length longer (than OE) bolts you need.

Had the same trouble with my (used) Honda Bag Rails (most hardware missing).  The spec sheet listed the longer bolt lengths/sizes (and I got stainless), but the spec sheet was useless for the spacers as they were just listed as spacers, with no other detail.  So I took a bolt (the spacer went through) to the hardware, got several lengths, and one of them worked. 

A number of guys just reused the OE bolts with the bag rails, which worked but was a bad idea.  With the hardware added, the OE bolts no longer tapped to full depth into the frame boss threads, and maybe only grabbed 3-4 threads, with a significant loss of strength in a fall or slide.

And the caliper mounts obviously must be solid.

[steveB (VRCC UK)]

Check grade  and shear values, ordinary hardware store bolts are only G5 at best - I would guess Honda use a metric G10.9 or even G12.9 but I'm only guessing.  BTW as an old school designer I was taught never to use stainless bolts in shear conditions (ie your caliper bolts) so beware of shiny hardware bolts. Also beware of shiny chrome bolts that have no provenance, Honda would check for Hydrogen embrittlement at manufacture on bolts destined for high load areas.  Maybe check with the cover manufacturer to see what they used  - all the Valks I've worked on with these covers use a zinc plated socket cap bolt which normally are at least G10.9.

[Hook#3287]

I've had/have 4 sets of those over the years, with the first being over 18 years old. Never had any issue with them and I like the way they cover calipers. 

The allen head bolts came with them and appear to be chrome.  Also spacers.

Bolt shanks are 8 x 55 mil with threads going about 1/2.

Spacer is 8.5 mil ID, 18 OD & 22 mil long.

I cut a 1" piece of rubber vent line the long way and slipped it over the part next to the brake line. It seemed a little too close for me.  It keeps the metal from touching the line.   

[0leman]

I cut a 1" piece of rubber vent line the long way and slipped it over the part next to the brake line. It seemed a little too close for me.  It keeps the metal from touching the line.   

I have had these type covers on my Valk since I bought her second hand in 2008.  Previous owners put them on.  No problem with the brake lines.  There is about a half inch between cover and lines. 

The measurements on spacer and bolts are about the same as Hooks.   

[The emperor has no clothes]

I thought the ShowChrome ones were non fluted ? Like these.

[Bighead]

Dont know Rob but the ones I have are Eggsactly tje one savago posted and came from show chrome. Bought them in 1998 a few months after I bought the Valky.

[Avanti]

I believe Cobra's where small and only covered the outside end of the caliper.  Cobra's idea was, less is more.