how do I tighten the allen bolts on wind screen brackets?

[BMWEW1]

OK, am I missing something here? The left side upper bracket for my touring wind screen has come loose cause the allen bolt has loosened but no standard shaped/size allen wrench will fit onto the bolt head because the black brackets are in the way. I've thought of taking a dremel or hack saw to an allen wrench and cutting its lenght down so its only about 1/4in long after the 90deg bend and maybe that will clear the bracket?

Anyone else have tips to get a wrench on this bolt?

[Boxer]

You have hit upon one of the most discussed...and disgusting attributes of the R1150R motorcycle! YES...you have to do some awkward maneuvering to get the job done. Cutting an Allen key down is one option. The other is to secure a "ball-end" Allen key and that will give you a slight angle to your dangle...as it were.

I also found that while using the ball end key, if I attach a multi-use screwdriver open end onto the Allen wrench I have greater leverage for the job. Leverage is a good thing.

Some have opted to replace those Allen head bolts with bolts of a different head type to make the job easier with traditional sockets or wrenches.


OH! And use blue Loctite when you do get them going in there.

[BMWEW1]

thanks Boxer I'll give it a go, you are always a wealth of helpful knowledge. and +1 on the loctite

oh and what size allen key?

[Xdot]

Cutting an Allen key down is one option. The other is to secure a "ball-end" Allen key and that will give you a slight angle to your dangle...as it were.

This is exactly what I did. Worked like a charm. Started the bolt with my fingers, used the ball-end to get it most of the way in, then the shortened allen-head for final tightening. Takes about three minutes per side, working around the forks and what-not. Yes, not the best design out there. I'm just glad they were allen-head and not Torx. Not sure they make a ball-end Torx!

[AirForceDirt]

oh and what size allen key?

6mm

[keithbw]

I bought a set of these, just for that bolt.

http://www.harborfreight.com/7-piece-3- ... 94534.html

Of course they are not SnapOn quality, make sure the angle is as narrow as possible, especially if you are loosening them for
the first time to put on windscreen mounts.
Don't know the torque value, but never had on come loose yet.
Removed the sport screen for good this time.

Brian

[Dr. Strangelove]

another permutation is to engage the allen wrench and use a 6mm box wrench to turn the allen. I did dremel my 6mm though and I have the ball head wrenches (Lowes)

I hated that bracket. I hated those well nuts.

Using the tall screen 380 and like it and it does not work loose.

[Xdot]

I did come up with a solution that prevents you from ever having to mess with those bolts again: Get a Parabellum SuperTour windscreen. Excellent mounting hardware. That is one thing about the Germans - fantastic engineering, but occasionally they do things the hard way.

[rdsmith3]

Ball end hex wrench held by something like vise grip pliers. Works great for me.

[wncbmw]

I replaced mine with a standard nut, which makes the job a little easier.

And definitely use the locktite or you might have to finish a trip with your bracket attached to the bike with a zip tie! Don't ask how I know!