After messing around initially with cutting threads on some bolts and not liking what I was seeing, I started looking for a better solution to soothe my perfectionist leanings.
I wanted:
- a consistent and continuous run of threads (I noticed some thread outer diameter changes on the transition from factory threads to my own when cutting by hand),
- thread strength in order to take any wiggle/rubbing from the Altrider crash bars and ACD plate...in the event of a good hit, this force would be perpendicular to the studs and I wanted the threads to hold up for the long term,
- to handle the repeated removing/re-assembly of nuts for oil changes and the torque that would lock in everything.
I sourced some Grade 10 threaded rod and nuts. I got a buddy with a machine shop to cut the studs to 65mm and ensure a square end and perfect thread at the ends. The nuts/studs came with a black coating already, but I touched them up with a bit of black enamel to seal the metal further and to cover the exposed metal at the ends from the cutting...this also matches the black of the bike frame better to my eye, and the high strength threads should take a bunch of abuse.
If anyone is looking for a pair of studs, I will send a pair your way for $15.00 + 5.00 Shipping USD (relatively heavy package). This does not include washers as this seems to be a personal preference...I will only be using washers on the very outer nut, as the inner nut will be good for my spacing on the plate. I have to make these in batches, so there will be some delays between each group.
I am happy with the outcome.
PM me if your interested. (pics show the original ACD bolts to the left of the new studs)
UPDATE March 3/2016:
First set of studs sold...I will get some more made up and sent to those of you waiting by early next week.
Installed using the inner nut for spacing between altrider bars and ACD plate then I added a stainless lock washer on the outer nut. About 1/4" of threads showing this way. Skid plate install/removal simplified, which is nice.
UPDATE: March 21/2016
The second batch has sold out. I am still taking orders, and when I get a few I will get another batch on the go. There has been some longer shipping times with USPS to those in the states, but so far-so good. If I shipped a quicker method, I would have to increase shipping costs.
UPDATE: March 30, 2016
I have more material on order (I hope it doesn't take too long to show up), and am taking orders!
UPDATE April 19, 2016
My material on order has been delayed for some reason...I will update again when I get it in.
U{DATE April 25, 2016
Material finally showed up and I am hoping to get the studs made up and sent out this week if all goes well.
UPDATE April 27, 2016
I got the studs made up (finally) and will be shipping this week to those who've ordered some.
Of this batch, I only have 3 pairs left that are unsold.
Not sure if I will do another batch, but if there's interest I might do one more run after this one.
UPDATE May 1, 2016
All orders have been put into the hands of the postal service (yikes!) and are on the way.
I have 2 pairs of studs remaining.
UPDATE: May 6, 2016
Only 1 set of studs left!
UPDATE: June 7, 2016
Last set of Studs have sold!
I won't have any more made on hand, but if I get enough interest I can get more material on order and another batch in the works.
UPDATE Sept. 15th, 2016
I will not be making more studs in the foreseeable future due to other demands at this time. Sorry to those wanting some. If you are looking to make your own and have questions, please ask away!
I wanted:
- a consistent and continuous run of threads (I noticed some thread outer diameter changes on the transition from factory threads to my own when cutting by hand),
- thread strength in order to take any wiggle/rubbing from the Altrider crash bars and ACD plate...in the event of a good hit, this force would be perpendicular to the studs and I wanted the threads to hold up for the long term,
- to handle the repeated removing/re-assembly of nuts for oil changes and the torque that would lock in everything.
I sourced some Grade 10 threaded rod and nuts. I got a buddy with a machine shop to cut the studs to 65mm and ensure a square end and perfect thread at the ends. The nuts/studs came with a black coating already, but I touched them up with a bit of black enamel to seal the metal further and to cover the exposed metal at the ends from the cutting...this also matches the black of the bike frame better to my eye, and the high strength threads should take a bunch of abuse.
If anyone is looking for a pair of studs, I will send a pair your way for $15.00 + 5.00 Shipping USD (relatively heavy package). This does not include washers as this seems to be a personal preference...I will only be using washers on the very outer nut, as the inner nut will be good for my spacing on the plate. I have to make these in batches, so there will be some delays between each group.
I am happy with the outcome.
PM me if your interested. (pics show the original ACD bolts to the left of the new studs)
UPDATE March 3/2016:
First set of studs sold...I will get some more made up and sent to those of you waiting by early next week.
Installed using the inner nut for spacing between altrider bars and ACD plate then I added a stainless lock washer on the outer nut. About 1/4" of threads showing this way. Skid plate install/removal simplified, which is nice.
UPDATE: March 21/2016
The second batch has sold out. I am still taking orders, and when I get a few I will get another batch on the go. There has been some longer shipping times with USPS to those in the states, but so far-so good. If I shipped a quicker method, I would have to increase shipping costs.
UPDATE: March 30, 2016
I have more material on order (I hope it doesn't take too long to show up), and am taking orders!
UPDATE April 19, 2016
My material on order has been delayed for some reason...I will update again when I get it in.
U{DATE April 25, 2016
Material finally showed up and I am hoping to get the studs made up and sent out this week if all goes well.
UPDATE April 27, 2016
I got the studs made up (finally) and will be shipping this week to those who've ordered some.
Of this batch, I only have 3 pairs left that are unsold.
Not sure if I will do another batch, but if there's interest I might do one more run after this one.
UPDATE May 1, 2016
All orders have been put into the hands of the postal service (yikes!) and are on the way.
I have 2 pairs of studs remaining.
UPDATE: May 6, 2016
Only 1 set of studs left!
UPDATE: June 7, 2016
Last set of Studs have sold!
I won't have any more made on hand, but if I get enough interest I can get more material on order and another batch in the works.
UPDATE Sept. 15th, 2016
I will not be making more studs in the foreseeable future due to other demands at this time. Sorry to those wanting some. If you are looking to make your own and have questions, please ask away!
