All 2st Bolts for handlebar clamps

So I put an underbar steering stabilizer on my 300. All is well but I tried with with the spacers now and just love the settings. Problem is the stock bolts are too short. About an inch short. I also notice the stock bolts are goldish in color. IS there a special reason for this? Can I just go down to the local hardware store and buy any bolt as long as it fits or does the coloring indicate a "special" strength or something?

The color is just a finish, and does not indicate strength.

I went to Ace and bought their highest grade bolt to use for the clamps on the old 610. First fall those things twisted like a twist tie. On the plus side, they were able to be bent back to ride home. :P You might try to search for some stronger stuff - maybe an autoparts store?

thanks...it was ace I bought my replacements from and my suspisions where telling me the bolt was cheap. You confirmed it.

I'm assuming your buying metric bolts. Metric bolt strength is marked on the head of the bolt with grade markings.

www.k-tbolt.com/bolt_chart.html

8.8 graded bolts are equivalent to an SAE Grade 5

10.9 graded bolts are equivalent to SAE Grade 8

12.9 graded bolts are alloy steel and surpass SAE Grade 8

For handlebars I would want 10.9 as a minimum.

Anything without recognizable grade markings is to be considered Grade 2 maximum and IMO should not be used.

...what gem said.

If the markings aren't there, don't buy it. I'd also go with a Grade 10.9 since it's the handlebars. (Although the grade 8.8 is probably plenty strong).

oh oh, i recently replaced my bolts to fit a HDB setup and motosportz damper with stainless steel cap bolts from mcmaster car.

Part # 91292A223
Metric 18-8 SS Socket Head Cap Screw M10 Thread, 100mm Length, 1.5mm Pitch

No grading on the bolts but the a salesman there told me they are listed as being 100,000 psi tensile strength (vs 140 for 10.9 and 180 for 12.9 as i recall).

They offered grade 12.9 but only in "black oxide" or "blue coated" - neither of which seemed appropriate for exterior use.

So should I pull it apart and replace with one of those? The 10mm is pretty hefty and i can't imagine force being applied that wouldnt first bend the bars (hollow aluminum).

Another problem with the local hardware store's metric fastners is they seem to be threaded all the length instead of five times the diameter.

IMO you should get rid of the stainless bolts. Stainless is in the vicinity of SAE Grade 2 for tensile strength, but its yield strength and proof load is not even equivalent to Grade 2.