99 Bassa Shock Bolt Strange Size

[toukow]

Just adding to the database. Saw this link when taking off the rear shocks on 99 Bassa and measuring the bolts. I wonder what goes through a designer's mind (good wine?) when they use reasonably sized bolts with entirely too small allen dimensions? And M8, well, that was just overkill with unneeded weight? Stripped the head of course, and had to use vice-grips on the large washer to loosen.

http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=64861.0

Anyway, mine were indeed M7 x 1.0 x 15mm. I called the local large supplier of fasteners Tacoma Screw and the counter guy just groaned when I said M7 and they stocked nothing. I understand Fastenal has some in a longer size, but not sure material or head style. Funny, a local Do-It Hardware did have an M7 hex head steel bolt, try that at Home Depot or Lowes. Finding them was a bit of a challenge. 


From searching the web, this size is apparently used in assembling custom wheel rims, but I ended up buying Chinese titanium (no, really, it said titanium right in the ad!  ) ones off of Ebay at around $3.50 each. Just thought I'd mention it, Dean 

[sib]

Just adding to the database. Saw this link when taking off the rear shocks on 99 Bassa and measuring the bolts. I wonder what goes through a designer's mind (good wine?) when they use reasonably sized bolts with entirely too small allen dimensions? And M8, well, that was just overkill with unneeded weight? Stripped the head of course, and had to use vice-grips on the large washer to loosen.

http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=64861.0

Anyway, mine were indeed M7 x 1.0 x 15mm. I called the local large supplier of fasteners Tacoma Screw and the counter guy just groaned when I said M7 and they stocked nothing. I understand Fastenal has some in a longer size, but not sure material or head style. Funny, a local Do-It Hardware did have an M7 hex head steel bolt, try that at Home Depot or Lowes. Finding them was a bit of a challenge. 


From searching the web, this size is apparently used in assembling custom wheel rims, but I ended up buying Chinese titanium (no, really, it said titanium right in the ad!  ) ones off of Ebay at around $3.50 each. Just thought I'd mention it, Dean

Be careful about titanium bolts, Chinese or otherwise.  Titanium doesn't have nearly the tensile strength of steel.  A few years ago, some bicycle racing components came with titanium bolts, to save weight.  Many cyclists switched to steel, accepting the higher weight, because the titanium bolts often snapped under stress.

[ridingron]

Just adding to the database. Saw this link when taking off the rear shocks on 99 Bassa and measuring the bolts. I wonder what goes through a designer's mind (good wine?) when they use reasonably sized bolts with entirely too small allen dimensions? And M8, well, that was just overkill with unneeded weight? Stripped the head of course, and had to use vice-grips on the large washer to loosen. 

The M7 was the size needed to support the shock. Very little side load so the little head will do the job (less weight don't you know). Personally I would have used a more available sized bolt but it probably had to do with the shocks setting on the shelf in the warehouse. Like mentioned, I would replace it with an M7 bolt with it's standard sized head and a fender washer.

Be careful about titanium bolts, Chinese or otherwise.  Titanium doesn't have nearly the tensile strength of steel.  A few years ago, some bicycle racing components came with titanium bolts, to save weight.  Many cyclists switched to steel, accepting the higher weight, because the titanium bolts often snapped under stress. 

How much weight do they save? About like not taking a wiz before you go ride? Not eating that last mouth full of food at breakfast? Not drinking that last swallow of water?

[sib]

How much weight do they save? About like not taking a wiz before you go ride? Not eating that last mouth full of food at breakfast? Not drinking that last swallow of water?

Exactly.  But in the highly competitive world of bicycle road racing, the riders are already down to their minimum weight, as are their bicycles.  Also, knowing that your bike is a few grams lighter than your competitors' bikes gives a psychological lift.

[Markcarovilli]

Dean

I had exactly same problem last year and found same bolts on Ebay.  Great minds and all.....

Mark

[Orange Guzzi]

I bought them in my local hardware store.  The screw and washer is there to keep the shock from sliding sideways.  There is very little pressure on the head. 

[toukow]

As noted by another, this bolt takes little load and simply keeps the shock eye over the supporting boss. I didn't use a standard bolt as I figure it would rust with just a zinc coating. I found stainless in the States at a custom wheel joint, but it used a Torx head and I prefer the allen. I'm new to cruisers-didn't think weight mattered whatsoever on these bikes UNLESS you're saving 7 lbs by choice of battery technology. I really posted because I was surprised at how limited the supply was for this size and figured others might have encountered that as well, which appears to be the case.