So i stripped a thread...

Dimerz · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 22 Jul 2016 Karma :

Tightening my exhaust head bolt (top bolt - aprillia rs125) and it just keeps going and going and i start wonder why its not tightening, before realising ive stripped the thread. Phoned the mechanics up and it'd be £50 for them to repair and thats with me taking off my fairings. Is there a cheaper alternative? The bike sounds so much louder now that its loose and ive got less power and 2 stroke oil leaks out from the head as a result sometimes.

skatefreak · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 Feb 2010 Karma :

Fleabay a helicoil set for £15 (or £25 for a full set) and fix it yourself? Then in future you'll be equipped and able to fix any other stripped threads as well Smile

bikenut · World Chat Champion Joined: 21 Nov 2011 Karma :

You can just see how horribly wrong this is gunna go cant you..........

Can you see any thread left in the head at all, and how deep does the hole go ??

Do you have a tap of the correct thread for the existing bolt??

By tap I don't mean the thing that water comes out of, sorry but.......

What size and pitch is the oe bolt ?

Post a picture or 2 of the hole etc....
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nuts about bikes

Islander · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Aug 2012 Karma :

DIY helicoil is your cheapest option. It's really not that difficult to do. Just follow the instructions carefully and take your time.

MCN · Super Spammer Joined: 22 Jul 2015 Karma :

Dimerz · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 22 Jul 2016 Karma :

Ill take a few pictures tomorrow but i think its best to leave the job to the guys at the mechanics cause they dont have the cheap chinese tools and they've got the experience. I have seen videos and it seems do-able, but its just waiting for the tools and new bolts.

Polarbear · Super Spammer Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Karma :

Personally I wouldn't want to cut my teeth on helicoiling by doing an exhaust port thread.

I don't know how accessible an Aprilia head is but most bikes I've replaced exhaust headers have been enough of a awkward pig without having to play with helicoils, especially if you haven't got decent tools, ie, drills, taps etc.

Get a garage to do it this time.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

P. · Red Rocket Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

I thought Aprilia was spring based exhaust... my early model was. Perhaps the later ones went to bolt on.

Accessibility isn't too bad tbh as its usually in pieces. Laughing