Trying to fit a 90's shifter. Am I being retarded?

[apple tango]

Afternoon,

I bought a 1990's shifter off Ebay as modern ones are bloody expensive..and I'm a tight arse.

I'm not sure if I'm being stupid or what, but the bolt which came with it seems way too long. Here are some pictures to explain.

Here is the shifter:

https://i63.tinypic.com/fc412q.jpg

This is the clamp thing the bolt screws into:

https://i66.tinypic.com/2qmkhw0.jpg

Holding the shifter against the clamp:

https://i68.tinypic.com/30nb420.jpg

That's where the bolt goes in:

https://i64.tinypic.com/34e5jtl.jpg

Here is the bolt screwed in. As you can see it's way too long:

https://i64.tinypic.com/2myupg1.jpg

https://i65.tinypic.com/20kanbl.jpg

Pretty sure this isn't right.

So, am I being stupid somehow, or do I need to cut the bolt down? Which I can't be bothered to do tbh. I've tried adding loads of washers, but that hasn't worked either.
____________________
CBR125 -> Bandit GSF600 '99 -> SV650 02

[UnknownStuntm...]

Not the original bolt. Cut it down to size. EDIT: actually, you probably won't get enough torque on that one, get a hex head with the same thread. About 6-8Nm is right for handlebarish stuff, and you'd have to be lucky and quite meathanded to get that into a standard machine screw, like what you got there.

[apple tango]

Thanks.

I bought some hex head bolts today which fit perfectly, however there isn't enough room to fit a spanner or socket wrench into where the head of the bolt sits:

https://i65.tinypic.com/1izgag.jpg
____________________
CBR125 -> Bandit GSF600 '99 -> SV650 02

[stinkwheel]

Agreed. Change it out for a button head or socket head cap screw of an appropriate length. Looks like an M6.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[apple tango]

Thanks. Bought a pack of button head ones but it's slightly too long so I've ended up cutting it down. Hopefully will do the trick!
____________________
CBR125 -> Bandit GSF600 '99 -> SV650 02

[UnknownStuntm...]

[155mph]

Without stating the obvious, have you checked that the ratchet system is operating OK? Usually that is what goes bust. Also that shifter only appears to be rated for 8-speed cassette.