Stripped bolts...

[Big Rig]

Ok, so I am sure I am not the only knucklehead that has done this...I might be the only one admitting it on a public forum...and I look forward to the shots...

I have an I/S and I stripped the starboard bow (nautical term for right side front) mounting bolt for my saddle bags. has anyone else done this? Too many hours wrenching last night so I could ride today...  Any insight into how one can fix? I believe this is hard mounted to the fender, am I correct in my thinking???

[RP#62]

On my wife's Tourer, it looked like the same thing happened to the previous owner.  His solution was to drill out the remaining threads and install 1/4-in bolts and nuts.  I didn't like the idea of having to deal with bolts and nuts and carry a different side wrench on trips, so I machined some stainless steel inserts and pressed them in from the back side (with a coating of the permanent type locktight).  This let me go back to the stock mounting hardware.
-RP

[Thunderbolt]

I just had to say how much I like your picture RP. 

[RP#62]

I just had to say how much I like your picture RP. 

All I can say is that Mardi Gras makes you do crazy things.
-RP

[Madmike]

If the red (high strength) LocTite doesn't fill the void they have another product that is used to restore press fits, I've used it a few times fitting bearings into worn housings and had good results with it.  (660 Quick Metal)

http://www.henkelna.com/cps/rde/xchg/SID-0AC83309-A456B2B6/henkel_us/hs.xsl/7932_USE_HTML.htm?countryCode=us&BU=industrial&parentredDotUID=productfinder&redDotUID=0000000HWS

[Momz]

I've had the same thing happen on my 2K I/S.
I took the screw to an Industrial Supply store and found a "Thread Insert" kit.

(1.) You drill out the stripped hole then use the proper tap (supplied) to thread that hole for a  new insert.

(2.)Next thing is to screw in the insert with the provided tool. When the insert is fully installed, you then tap on the insertion tool and it breaks off a tab.

(3.)Voila!....done! Just be sure that you use a new screw and no one will know that it ever stripped.

Most kits are less than $10.00 

[MP]

You could put on the rattlebars.com quick release kit.

[DFragn]

You could try re-tapping it first.
I've re-tapped a few locations including cleaning up the intake bolt threads in the heads.

Take your saddle bag screw to the hardware store to determine size and thread pitch. Buy the appropriate tap. When working the the tap  turn it clockwise until you feel resistance the back it off and work it again & again until you're through. A drop of oil helps.  Also, a new screw may be a good idea. Shouldn't cost more then a few bucks.

This won't work if you've completely trashed the threads. But then you could convert to the next larger size.

[ArmyValker]

I just had this happen today  Except I snapped the big 15mm bolt in half. Can't believe I wrung it in two with a hand ratchet.