Brackets & Hardware
About Brackets & Hardware
Engine brackets and hardware are the fasteners and small parts that hold the engine's covers, cases and mounts together. Riders shop here when bolts are rusted, rounded or missing, when a cover will not seal, or when they want a dress-up bolt kit in chrome, black or titanium to tidy up the look of a Harley-Davidson engine.
Most listings are bolt kits for one set of parts, such as a motor case, primary cover, cam cover or motor mount. The kit is made for a specific engine family, such as Big Twin, Softail, Dyna or M8, so match it to your engine. Head styles vary, including socket-head, 12-point and smooth or acorn types, and that mostly affects the look and the tool you need. Replace fasteners with the same size and thread, and tighten them to the figures in your service manual. Other listings include copper washers for rocker covers, crank pins, lifter bases and magnetic drain plugs for several Japanese and KTM models.
Brands in this category include Bolt, Colony, Jims, Ciro and Drag Specialties. For related fasteners, see Cylinder Bolts, and for the parts they hold, see Engine Covers and Engine Mounts. The whole group is Engines & Engine Parts. Pick your machine in the Ride Finder at the top of the page.
FAQs on engine bolts and hardware
Can I use any bolt that fits the thread?
No. Engine bolts differ in length, thread pitch, strength grade and head style, and a bolt that threads in can still be too long, too short or too weak. Use a kit made for your engine, or match the original size, thread and grade exactly.
How tight should engine bolts be?
Tighten each fastener to the torque in your service manual, using a torque wrench and the tightening order the manual gives. Over-tightening can strip threads or crack parts, and under-tightening can let a cover leak or a bolt loosen.
What is the difference between socket-head and 12-point bolts?
A socket-head bolt has a round head with a hex socket that takes an Allen key. A 12-point bolt has a head with twelve points and takes a 12-point socket. The choice is mainly about appearance and tool access, so check the kit's description and fit.
Do I need thread locker on engine bolts?
Only where the manual calls for it. Some fasteners need thread locker, some need engine oil or a specific lubricant on the threads, and some should be installed dry. Using the wrong thing can affect the torque reading, so follow your manual.
Are titanium or chrome bolt kits worth buying?
They are mostly a styling upgrade. Chrome and black finishes change the look, and titanium is lighter and does not rust. For an original-style repair, a plain steel kit is fine. Whichever you choose, make sure it is listed for your engine.
