rear shock bolt

[garyheskett All 49 x 3 st.louis]

I took off the rear wheel today on the 97 Standard, 126,000 miles for a little new grease on the splines.
My right bottom shock bolt doesn't grab any threads anymore. I just put some locking pliers on it and pull it out. This time, I took the shocks off and used the ratchet strap to raise the swingarm. Everything went well.  I was just wondering what the remedy would be for that bottom shock bolt. It's been like this for years, I can't even get it out unless I relieve the shock. So, I don't think it would ever come out, but would like any suggestions. Tap it with new threads, but I don't know where to find a new bolt if I try that.  Any ideas?  Thanks,  Gary

[Joe Hummer]

Hey Gary,

There has been talk of putting a helicoil in it.  Here is some info on it...  http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,54708.0.html

Hope it works for you...because I might need to do mine also. 

Joe

[Ricky-D]

Yes, a helicoil or some kind of insert is really called for in this situation.

You should not depend upon "So, I don't think it would ever come out" for dependability.

The ramifications of that bolt coming out could be very costly not to mention the safety aspects of the proposition.

***

[hubcapsc]

I can't even get it out unless I relieve the shock.

I consider that part "normal"... If the bike is just sitting there, the shock is
under compression, and the bolt is hard to turn. If the bike is jacked off the
ground, the shock is under tension, and the bolt is hard to turn. I jack my bike
to where the shock is neither in tension or compression, and loosen the bolt
then.

-Mike

[Daniel Meyer]

Yes, a helicoil or some kind of insert is really called for in this situation.

You should not depend upon "So, I don't think it would ever come out" for dependability.

The ramifications of that bolt coming out could be very costly not to mention the safety aspects of the proposition.

***

Agreed! Fix it before you ride it anymore. That's outright dangerous.

[salty1]

Some prefer serts over a helicoil. Agree on the dangerous to ride as is.
http://c-sert.com/the-csert-system/

[Chrisj CMA]

+1,000 just because you have been lucky for years, doesnt mean one good bump and that thing cant fly out.  Not prudent to ride it like that, but....its yer a$$ not mine. 

BTW for all that bolt (pin) is one that constantly gets over-torqued.  It needs antisieze and tightened just a tad past finger tight, maybe about as much as a spark plug.  Over tightening it will not help it hold better.  It is not the same as the other side.  The left side is strong, you can over tighten that one all you want (almost), wont hold any better either but its not threaded into aluminum.

[Rio Wil]

126000 miles and been that way for years......don't think you are in immediate danger......but ya oughta fix it sometime...

[Cracker Jack]

You probably haven't hit a good bump yet, could happen anytime. I believe a piece of duck tape will keep it from flying out.

"C" Word Jack

[garyheskett All 49 x 3 st.louis]

Criticism taken in positive manner.  Thanks Salty and Joe for the links.  I will attempt to fix it soon.  I just didn't think with my fat a$$ on the bike that it could ever come out, but you all are right, and crashing does suck!!