Fork Pinch Bolt Torque Settings?

[Nigel Cliffo]

I have conflicting torgue settings for the front forks as the pinch brackets are different on the VFR to the VFRx.
The VFR has just one lower pinch bolt according to the honda manual stating a torgue settings of;
Lower pinch bolt
TORQUE:49 N.m (5.0 kgf.m,39 lbf.fQ (FOR A SINGLE PINCH BOLT)
Top pinch bolt
TORQUE:22 N'm (2.2kgf.m,16 lbf.fg
Front whell axle pinch bolts
Torque: 22 N·m (2.2 kgf·m, 16 lbf·ft)

Anyone any ideal what the torque setting is for the TWO lower pinch bolts on the VFRx please.

Also...

The LUST Racing lowering kit I brought states 25N.m!

 

[Scimitar]

I have noticed this type of high torque value before on Motorbike lower fork axle pinch bolts. Personally I am of the opinion that whoever wrote the manual simply looked up what a typical bolt of that size would normally cope with and quote that figure. However, I feel that 49 Nm is too high for this application. I think there is a distinct risk of cracking the lower alloy section of the leg. A torque of 25 Nm., as quoted by Lust, sounds much more sensible to me.
All we are trying to achieve is prevent the axle from wandering side to side and keep the fork legs equidistantly spaced. Even the merest nip of the spanner will easily achieve this. I set mine much lower than the Honda Manual states. Go with 25 Nm. and sleep easy.
I torque the top clamps close to book figures.

[Skids]

Do you mean the 2 pinch bolts at the base of each fork leg that help to clamp the front wheel axle?

That's 22Nm if it is them.

[Scimitar]

Thanks skids. Perfect advice. The main thing is not to over-tighten. 22Nm will be plenty. There is no need to exceed this figure. The last thing you want is to crack the lower section of the leg!

[Nigel Cliffo]

Thanks for advice guys.
I too think the higher torque setting seems excessive and scared of breaking the yoke.

[Goggins]

Here’s a page you can keep some notes off

[Skids]

I prefer the Honda version...

[Goggins]

1 x like

[Bruggen]

Hi Nigel,

What I believe you're looking for is the torque for the top and bottom bridge pinch bolts. The VFRX has the same 22Nm on the top bridge, but has 4 bolts, 2 each side on the lower bridge, these are torqued to 32Nm, as already said the front axle pinch bolts are 22Nm.

[Nigel Cliffo]

Hi, you are right Brighten, there are four pinch bolts on the VFRx lower fork bracket and one pinch bolts on the top bracket.
I get the 22nm on the top as stated in the manual but where are you getting the 32nm for the lower pinch bolts from?
I agree the 49nm seems excessive but always think you should follow the Honda manual. Acknowledging the manual features a single pinch bolt on the lower bracket.