Lowered. Terrified.

[Angrytoaster]

So, last night I went and lowered the front end of my kat. Mind you, I did it so I can handle the bike (feet down-wise) more positively and not for aesthetics. I am rather short and can now finally touch the ground. My only issue is that I am afraid of my craftsmanship. All of the bolts were re-tightened but theres just something I dont trust about myself and fastening the bolts keeping me upright. I used a ratchet to secure the bolts and made them more or less as tight as I could go without stripping but still uneasy. Any experiences with this?

[4banger]

To calm your fears you'll have to apply Loctite to the threads and torque the bolts to spec. Don't overtighten or you'll weaken the bolts.
Good luck.

[curseboy]

I never get anxiety even when I should (like a leaking engine case cover spewing oil over my rear tire.) Having the torque specs and a torque wrench, along with loctite should give you peace of mind. If not, Paxil http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001037

[steves]

If you lowered the front, be sure to change the rear accordingly as you've effected the way the machine handles.

[foxox]

I never get anxiety even when I should (like a leaking engine case cover spewing oil over my rear tire.) Having the torque specs and a torque wrench, along with loctite should give you peace of mind.

The first thing I got after getting my bike was a torque wrench... It's great knowing things are tightened to spec. I got mine for $25 at Walmart. Sears wants $60+ for the ones they have, but then there's the awesome Craftsman life warranty. Either way it's probably worth getting one!

[JayBell]

The first thing I got after getting my bike was a torque wrench... It's great knowing things are tightened to spec. I got mine for $25 at Walmart. Sears wants $60+ for the ones they have, but then there's the awesome Craftsman life warranty. Either way it's probably worth getting one!

no craftsman warranty on torque wrenches

[scottynoface]

If you're that worried, maybe you shouldn't be wrenching on your own bike.

Just my $.02

[Angrytoaster]

If you're that worried, maybe you shouldn't be wrenching on your own bike.

Just my $.02

Was more looking for solace from you guys. I am exceptionally inclined when it comes to bicycles, and some wrenching, but this to me (mentally) takes it to the next level as its a machine capible of triple digits. Im just cautious is all, and I am going to take the previous advice and buy a torque wrench tonight. I took the precaution of lock tite already but will re-do it tonight.


Thanks guys! Ill post a picture or two if I can

[il_ragazzo]

lol torque wrenches saved my life! my father's old German adage "Gudntait" definitely would have killed me.

[foxox]

no craftsman warranty on torque wrenches

good to know! I already had the Walmart one (http://www.walmart.com/ip/Torin-Jack...rench/14560054) when I went to Sears so I didn't look closely :P Without the warranty, I guess I can destroy 3 of these things before the tool budget catches up :P

[curseboy]

If you lowered the front, be sure to change the rear accordingly as you've effected the way the machine handles.

Or not. Lowering the front a little bit should make it a little more responsive.

[Irish]

Sears has the warranty thats bullet proof .
I buy from only major chains and i dont worry .Buy the right tool once or buy a poor tool regularly .
Torque wrench was first tool i bought for the bike .
good luck relax and enjoy .....Worry if you have extra bolts after .

[rexazz2]

I have 2 torque wrenches, ft lbs and inch lbs for the small stuff

I never install a wheel on a bike or car without a torque wrench

I like to torque every thing I can when assembling
I rareley strip or break bolts or have leaks

[Angrytoaster]

Or not. Lowering the front a little bit should make it a little more responsive.

The bike actually handles pretty neat. Even though I didnt drop it very far it works for me a little better now.


Torque wrench located!

[HemiKat]

The first thing I got after getting my bike was a torque wrench... It's great knowing things are tightened to spec. I got mine for $25 at Walmart. Sears wants $60+ for the ones they have, but then there's the awesome Craftsman life warranty. Either way it's probably worth getting one!

Seriosly, a Walmart Torque wrench? The most important tool to have accurate and well built, and you bought it from Wally World? I spent $350 on my Matco. Im not going to have a headgasket leak because I cheaped out on my tools.