Curious what others have done to upgrade that top subframe bolt?? Bottom ones will be easy, but that long single top one has that head that fits into the recesses of the subframe. Are you just getting a longer bolt and mounting the bolt head on the outside of that subframe recess/tabs? Thanks for any thoughts. Got the subframe out and taking it to a welder for strengthening and thought I may as well get better grade bolts in the process.
Hi The stock bolt should be ok but if you want to upgrade it just cut the sides off the head so that it fit's in the recess/tabs
No engineer but my guess would be that what ever forces would cause that bolt to shear would pretty much have the rider split in two from the arse on up. Really wish some one would come up with a trick chromoly subframe that would survive the rigors of fatigue the stock aluminum can not. Really, not sure what kind of forces you plan on puting that bike through but that upper link bolt would be fairly low on my priotity list of replacements. If I was inclined I would find a suitable grade 8 and take the head to my grinder. Lower the head height to flush with the stock and grind the sides to mate the stock bolt. My guess is it would take less then one beer to finish that job. If you plan on packing alot of weight from rear bags or such, I would keep a close eye on the surrounding aluminum for cracks and signs of fatigue; it will only be a matter of time before that subframe fails if you plan on packing any weight aft of the seat. KLB
Thanks. Already got the subframe off the bike - taking to a welder tonight for reinforcement. Yeah, I will just replace the bolts with better grade for piece of mind. Plan to carry a Rotopax of fuel on the back and some tools and such. More if I do some multi-day trips. My battery tray already has a minor crack in the weld - bike has 1300 miles - will get that reinforced as well.
