{
  "dataset": "torque-reference",
  "name": "Motorcycle fastener torque reference",
  "methodology": "Thread-size rows are standard dry torque values for property-class 8.8 steel fasteners, reduced where the bolt threads into an aluminium casting. Job rows are the ranges published across mainstream motorcycle service data for that fastener class. These are general engineering ranges, not factory figures for a specific model: always confirm against the service manual for the exact bike and year. Supports ?job=<slug>.",
  "updated": "2026-08-01",
  "license": "CC BY 4.0",
  "attribution": "MotoGeneration — https://motogeneration.com",
  "reference_page": "https://motogeneration.com/tools/torque-reference",
  "count": 38,
  "data": [
    {
      "scope": "thread-size",
      "key": "M5",
      "fastener": "M5",
      "tool_size": "4 mm hex / 8 mm",
      "torque_steel_nm": "5–7",
      "torque_alloy_nm": "4–5",
      "note": "Fairing bosses, instrument brackets, small covers"
    },
    {
      "scope": "thread-size",
      "key": "M6",
      "fastener": "M6",
      "tool_size": "5 mm hex / 10 mm",
      "torque_steel_nm": "9–12",
      "torque_alloy_nm": "7–10",
      "note": "Engine covers, sprocket cover, heat shields, light brackets"
    },
    {
      "scope": "thread-size",
      "key": "M8",
      "fastener": "M8",
      "tool_size": "6 mm hex / 12–13 mm",
      "torque_steel_nm": "22–26",
      "torque_alloy_nm": "18–22",
      "note": "Caliper mounts, disc bolts, footpeg hangers, exhaust hangers"
    },
    {
      "scope": "thread-size",
      "key": "M10",
      "fastener": "M10",
      "tool_size": "8 mm hex / 14–17 mm",
      "torque_steel_nm": "40–50",
      "torque_alloy_nm": "32–40",
      "note": "Fork clamp bolts, rear sprocket nuts, shock mounts, engine mounts"
    },
    {
      "scope": "thread-size",
      "key": "M12",
      "fastener": "M12",
      "tool_size": "10 mm hex / 19 mm",
      "torque_steel_nm": "75–90",
      "torque_alloy_nm": "60–72",
      "note": "Front axle, front sprocket nut, swingarm pivot bolts"
    },
    {
      "scope": "thread-size",
      "key": "M14",
      "fastener": "M14",
      "tool_size": "22 mm",
      "torque_steel_nm": "115–135",
      "torque_alloy_nm": "95–110",
      "note": "Rear axle nut on mid-size bikes, some swingarm pivots"
    },
    {
      "scope": "thread-size",
      "key": "M16",
      "fastener": "M16",
      "tool_size": "24 mm",
      "torque_steel_nm": "170–200",
      "torque_alloy_nm": "140–165",
      "note": "Rear axle nut on large bikes, steering-stem nut on some models"
    },
    {
      "scope": "job",
      "key": "brake-pads",
      "fastener": "Caliper mounting bolts",
      "tool_size": "",
      "torque_steel_nm": "22–30",
      "torque_alloy_nm": "",
      "note": "Brake pad replacement: Clean thread-lock residue off and re-apply; these bolts see vibration and heat."
    },
    {
      "scope": "job",
      "key": "brake-pads",
      "fastener": "Pad retaining pin",
      "tool_size": "",
      "torque_steel_nm": "15–18",
      "torque_alloy_nm": "",
      "note": "Brake pad replacement: Snug only — the pin is a locating part, not a clamping one."
    },
    {
      "scope": "job",
      "key": "brake-pads",
      "fastener": "Brake disc bolts",
      "tool_size": "",
      "torque_steel_nm": "20–25",
      "torque_alloy_nm": "",
      "note": "Brake pad replacement: Tighten in a star pattern with fresh thread-lock if the disc came off."
    },
    {
      "scope": "job",
      "key": "brake-pads",
      "fastener": "Caliper bleed nipple",
      "tool_size": "",
      "torque_steel_nm": "6–8",
      "torque_alloy_nm": "",
      "note": "Brake pad replacement: Alloy thread; overtightening rounds the nipple or cracks the boss."
    },
    {
      "scope": "job",
      "key": "chain-and-sprockets",
      "fastener": "Front sprocket nut or bolts",
      "tool_size": "",
      "torque_steel_nm": "80–115",
      "torque_alloy_nm": "",
      "note": "Chain and sprocket kit replacement: Highest torque in the job. Hold the rear brake on with the bike in gear, and stake or thread-lock as the manual specifies."
    },
    {
      "scope": "job",
      "key": "chain-and-sprockets",
      "fastener": "Rear sprocket nuts",
      "tool_size": "",
      "torque_steel_nm": "35–50",
      "torque_alloy_nm": "",
      "note": "Chain and sprocket kit replacement: Tighten in a criss-cross pattern with fresh thread-lock."
    },
    {
      "scope": "job",
      "key": "chain-and-sprockets",
      "fastener": "Rear axle nut",
      "tool_size": "",
      "torque_steel_nm": "85–110",
      "torque_alloy_nm": "",
      "note": "Chain and sprocket kit replacement: Mid-size bikes sit near the bottom of this range, litre and touring bikes near the top."
    },
    {
      "scope": "job",
      "key": "chain-and-sprockets",
      "fastener": "Chain adjuster lock nuts",
      "tool_size": "",
      "torque_steel_nm": "20–27",
      "torque_alloy_nm": "",
      "note": "Chain and sprocket kit replacement: Set slack first, then lock both sides at equal marks and re-check alignment."
    },
    {
      "scope": "job",
      "key": "tires",
      "fastener": "Front axle bolt or nut",
      "tool_size": "",
      "torque_steel_nm": "55–90",
      "torque_alloy_nm": "",
      "note": "Front and rear tire replacement: Torque the axle before the fork-leg pinch bolts so the fork can align itself."
    },
    {
      "scope": "job",
      "key": "tires",
      "fastener": "Front axle pinch bolts",
      "tool_size": "",
      "torque_steel_nm": "20–25",
      "torque_alloy_nm": "",
      "note": "Front and rear tire replacement: Bounce the front suspension a few times before final tightening."
    },
    {
      "scope": "job",
      "key": "tires",
      "fastener": "Rear axle nut",
      "tool_size": "",
      "torque_steel_nm": "85–110",
      "torque_alloy_nm": "",
      "note": "Front and rear tire replacement: Check chain slack again after the axle is torqued."
    },
    {
      "scope": "job",
      "key": "tires",
      "fastener": "Valve stem cap and core",
      "tool_size": "",
      "torque_steel_nm": "Hand tight",
      "torque_alloy_nm": "",
      "note": "Front and rear tire replacement: Never use a tool on the core beyond the valve tool's own stop."
    },
    {
      "scope": "job",
      "key": "oil-and-filter-change",
      "fastener": "Sump drain plug",
      "tool_size": "",
      "torque_steel_nm": "20–30",
      "torque_alloy_nm": "",
      "note": "Oil and filter service: Always with a new crush washer. Alloy sumps strip easily above this figure."
    },
    {
      "scope": "job",
      "key": "oil-and-filter-change",
      "fastener": "Spin-on oil filter",
      "tool_size": "",
      "torque_steel_nm": "12–20",
      "torque_alloy_nm": "",
      "note": "Oil and filter service: Oil the gasket first, then roughly three quarters of a turn past contact."
    },
    {
      "scope": "job",
      "key": "oil-and-filter-change",
      "fastener": "Cartridge filter cover bolts",
      "tool_size": "",
      "torque_steel_nm": "9–12",
      "torque_alloy_nm": "",
      "note": "Oil and filter service: Tighten evenly across all bolts; a cocked cover weeps oil."
    },
    {
      "scope": "job",
      "key": "oil-and-filter-change",
      "fastener": "Oil level inspection bolt",
      "tool_size": "",
      "torque_steel_nm": "8–12",
      "torque_alloy_nm": "",
      "note": "Oil and filter service: Small M6 into alloy — snug, not tight."
    },
    {
      "scope": "job",
      "key": "fork-seals",
      "fastener": "Top yoke clamp bolts",
      "tool_size": "",
      "torque_steel_nm": "20–25",
      "torque_alloy_nm": "",
      "note": "Fork seal and oil replacement: Set fork height first, then torque the top yoke last."
    },
    {
      "scope": "job",
      "key": "fork-seals",
      "fastener": "Bottom yoke clamp bolts",
      "tool_size": "",
      "torque_steel_nm": "20–27",
      "torque_alloy_nm": "",
      "note": "Fork seal and oil replacement: Alternate between bolts in two passes so the leg is not pinched off-square."
    },
    {
      "scope": "job",
      "key": "fork-seals",
      "fastener": "Fork top cap",
      "tool_size": "",
      "torque_steel_nm": "20–30",
      "torque_alloy_nm": "",
      "note": "Fork seal and oil replacement: Cracking it loose while the leg is still clamped in the yoke saves a fight."
    },
    {
      "scope": "job",
      "key": "fork-seals",
      "fastener": "Damper rod bolt in the fork bottom",
      "tool_size": "",
      "torque_steel_nm": "18–25",
      "torque_alloy_nm": "",
      "note": "Fork seal and oil replacement: Needs thread-lock; it backs out under damping loads if left dry."
    },
    {
      "scope": "job",
      "key": "slip-on-exhaust",
      "fastener": "Mid-pipe clamp bolt",
      "tool_size": "",
      "torque_steel_nm": "12–20",
      "torque_alloy_nm": "",
      "note": "Slip-on exhaust fitting: Fit a fresh gasket first, then tighten only once the can is aligned."
    },
    {
      "scope": "job",
      "key": "slip-on-exhaust",
      "fastener": "Silencer hanger bolt",
      "tool_size": "",
      "torque_steel_nm": "22–30",
      "torque_alloy_nm": "",
      "note": "Slip-on exhaust fitting: M8 into a steel bracket; leave it loose until the alignment is set."
    },
    {
      "scope": "job",
      "key": "slip-on-exhaust",
      "fastener": "Header-to-head nuts",
      "tool_size": "",
      "torque_steel_nm": "9–12",
      "torque_alloy_nm": "",
      "note": "Slip-on exhaust fitting: Only if the header comes off. Tighten evenly in two passes on a cold engine."
    },
    {
      "scope": "job",
      "key": "slip-on-exhaust",
      "fastener": "Heat shield screws",
      "tool_size": "",
      "torque_steel_nm": "5–7",
      "torque_alloy_nm": "",
      "note": "Slip-on exhaust fitting: M5 fasteners into thin brackets — very easy to snap."
    },
    {
      "scope": "job",
      "key": "battery",
      "fastener": "Battery terminal screws",
      "tool_size": "",
      "torque_steel_nm": "4–6",
      "torque_alloy_nm": "",
      "note": "Battery replacement: Lead terminals deform above this. Positive on first, negative off first."
    },
    {
      "scope": "job",
      "key": "battery",
      "fastener": "Battery hold-down strap",
      "tool_size": "",
      "torque_steel_nm": "5–8",
      "torque_alloy_nm": "",
      "note": "Battery replacement: Firm enough that the battery cannot move; not enough to bow the case."
    },
    {
      "scope": "job",
      "key": "battery",
      "fastener": "Earth strap to frame or engine",
      "tool_size": "",
      "torque_steel_nm": "9–12",
      "torque_alloy_nm": "",
      "note": "Battery replacement: Clean bare metal at the contact face or you will chase a phantom electrical fault."
    },
    {
      "scope": "job",
      "key": "fairing-panel",
      "fastener": "Fairing bolts into well-nuts",
      "tool_size": "",
      "torque_steel_nm": "3–5",
      "torque_alloy_nm": "",
      "note": "Fairing panel replacement: The lowest torque on the bike. Hand tools only, no impact driver."
    },
    {
      "scope": "job",
      "key": "fairing-panel",
      "fastener": "Fairing bracket to frame",
      "tool_size": "",
      "torque_steel_nm": "9–12",
      "torque_alloy_nm": "",
      "note": "Fairing panel replacement: M6 into steel; this is what actually carries the panel loads."
    },
    {
      "scope": "job",
      "key": "fairing-panel",
      "fastener": "Screen bolts",
      "tool_size": "",
      "torque_steel_nm": "3–4",
      "torque_alloy_nm": "",
      "note": "Fairing panel replacement: Always with the rubber washer fitted, or the screen cracks around the hole."
    },
    {
      "scope": "job",
      "key": "fairing-panel",
      "fastener": "Mirror stems",
      "tool_size": "",
      "torque_steel_nm": "20–25",
      "torque_alloy_nm": "",
      "note": "Fairing panel replacement: Set the mirror angle first, then lock the base nut."
    }
  ]
}