newbie question on installing slip-ons

[schatz32]

I got some wild pigs ordered which should be here in a few days. The service manual says new torca clamps should be tightened to 45 to 60 ft pounds. Don't have a torque wrench yet. Is a torque wrench really necessary here or can you get away with "nice and tight"? As I'm a newbie who might enjoy tinkering with the bike a bit down the rode, is this the time to invest in the torque wrench? Is there a big difference in quality between the cheapy balance types and the more expensive models which click?

You may as well at least get a cheapie now. I use one, and you just have to be careful that it starts out on zero. If the little pointer gets bent, and you don't pay attention, of course it would be inaccurate. On the other hand, you could certainly SWAG 45 to 60 ft./lbs.

Harris

[BobbyB]

It's a good idea to get a torque wrench for other things, but I've never used one on muffler clamps. And I don't buy new clamps all the time either, like they say.
Bobby

[Cryptoboy]

I'd get one to be on the safe side. I managed to over-torque a bolt, sheared it right off of the tranny case (where the exhaust bracket attaches)! Still trying to figure out how to get that fixed (given my mechanical skills at this time, I think I'm going to have to get a price from the dealer or an indy).

You can get a torque wrench from Sears (or even J&P Cycles/Dennis Kirk) for $15 or so....well worth the money!

[V-Twin]

Just keep tightening until your elbow clicks.