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Has anyone done the Hot Topper thing. Seems expensive but if it covers every little ugly bolt, it might be worth it.
http://www.j-pcycles.com/shop/group.asp?GPID=15374
http://www.j-pcycles.com/shop/group.asp?GPID=15374
Hot Toppers
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I prefer the allen hole plugs used in conjunction with the chrome hardware (chrome allen bolts) HD sells for the V-Rod. This is what I went with. Reason being is that these toppers are a bit(h to get off, whereas the allen hole plugs are easily installed and easily taken off.
:2cents:
:2cents:
I looked at the Hot Toppers kits last year. Unfortunately, it looks as if the kit they are selling is made up of covers from their Harley-Davidson "SAE" collection - which means that they are not an exact fit to the many metric fasteners on the V-Rod. This means (and the guy at their booth told me this) that you need to fix them in place with a dab of silicone. The next time you, or your friendly dealership technician, needs to unfasten them, you've got to peel the Hot Topper, and the silicone, off - and then replace it when you are finished.vrodjohn said:
Maybe they have updated the covers since then with exact fitments for the metric fasteners - but I doubt it.
Personally, I think you'd do better by selectively replacing the stock fasteners with the H-D chrome ones and from a reputable aftermarket supplier, such as Gardner-Westcott .
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I have also looked at the chrome replacement bolts and they seem to be a good alternative. My only concern on those was that you are removing bolts that were installed at the factory and that you still have the issue of debris getting in all the crevisis where the allen tool goes in. Also, I don't want to start any oil leaks. Someone I work with told me that the hot toppers are friction fit and do not require any glue or silicone to adhere. I like the look of the chrome bolts but cleaning them has been a job.
fehrc, I have not seen the allen plugs are they on the HD website ?
fehrc, I have not seen the allen plugs are they on the HD website ?
Hot-Toppers ARE a friction fit on most regular Harley-Davidson bikes. The problem for the V-Rod owner is that they sell you covers designed to go on SAE sized fasteners, when you have many metric fasteners on your bike. Hence, they are NOT friction fit, and thus require the silicone to hold them in place.vrodjohn said:
I've replaced many of the stock fasteners on my bike with chrome ones, and I haven't had a problem with debris getting in, nor with oil leaks. You do need to exercise a reasonable amount of caution when installing the replacement fasteners - i.e. you should replace the fastners one by one, and follow a star pattern when doing so, especially on things like the clutch cover. You also will need the service manual, a tube of Loctite, a good torque wrench, and a set of ball-end long-shaft metric sockets to do the job properly.
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vrodjohn,
I bought mine from my local dealer. However, they do have them on the HD website, just not under the V-Rod section.
Here's the link for the plain ones
http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/...4302287273&bmUID=1075569028311&bmLocale=en_US
And here's the link for the bar& shield ones
http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/...4302287365&bmUID=1075569028311&bmLocale=en_US
They only come in standard sizes, however if you buy the closest size and then bend the pins a little they fit just fine.
I bought mine from my local dealer. However, they do have them on the HD website, just not under the V-Rod section.
Here's the link for the plain ones
http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/...4302287273&bmUID=1075569028311&bmLocale=en_US
And here's the link for the bar& shield ones
http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/...4302287365&bmUID=1075569028311&bmLocale=en_US
They only come in standard sizes, however if you buy the closest size and then bend the pins a little they fit just fine.
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17,603 Posts
I have alot of hot toppers on my rod.Yes almost every one of them have to be glued with silicone.Some are press fit.I've also had to replace many of the factory bolts to SS because the silicone reacts with the galvanized factory junk,it makes a white powder.The bolts are on the average of 12 cents each in SS and about $1.50 in chrome at the local blade and bolt shop.There is also a small chain store called THE CHROME SHOP,located at large truck stops.They have a nice selection of chrome plastic covers similar to HT's for about 40 cents each.Remember when replacing, V-Rods have metric fasteners.
Elrod on the V-Rod
Elrod on the V-Rod
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423 Posts
Max, I was thinking about what you said. A automotive mechanic usually does not have to worry about damage when working on an engine under the hood of a modern auto. A motorcycle mechanic has to worry about everything he touches on a bike. One slip and oops, $100 worth of chrome ruined. On a car, the typical owner never even looks at his engine and ours is on display everywhere we go. I wonder what the HD dealer techs say when we bring one our chromed monsters in for service.
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17,603 Posts
Thats a fact Max!
Elrod on the V-Rod
Elrod on the V-Rod
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Kennedy,
See my earlier post for the links for the allen hole plugs (plain & bar & shield).
The chrome hardware kits are under the Decorative section - page 2
http://www.harley-davidson.com/brow...457&bmUID=1075611696199&bmLocale=en_US&page=2
See my earlier post for the links for the allen hole plugs (plain & bar & shield).
The chrome hardware kits are under the Decorative section - page 2
http://www.harley-davidson.com/brow...457&bmUID=1075611696199&bmLocale=en_US&page=2
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I got a package of each of the plain chrome inserts.10 to a pack and cost $4.99 a pack less 20%.They look good and don't clash with the toppers.
Elrod on the V-Rod
Elrod on the V-Rod
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