THE CHOICE OF CHAMPIONS
Established for over 20 Years, Pro-Bolt is the premium brand of Fasteners tried and trusted throughout the Motorcycle Industry. We are the fastener of choice in MotoGP, Moto 2, Moto3, World Superbikes and British Superbikes in addition to Road Racing & Off-Road.
We couple innovative design and technical expertise with great looks to produce our unique range of DualDrive, Race Spec, Flanged Hex, Tapered Socket Cap, Dome Head & Countersunk Fasteners in Titanium, Aluminium & Stainless Steel.
TITANIUM
Material specification: Grade 5 (6AL-4V), it has a density of 0.160 pounds per cubic inch. It can be heat-treated to ultimate strengths in excess of 170,000psi and responds to heat treatment in sections up to 15mm. This alloy is stable at temperatures ranging from 423o F to over 1000o F.
Manufacturing process: Manufactured in a single process on multi axis CNC machining centres, which includes thread rolling. Thread standards are to BS3692:1967 which is the British Standard for ISO Precision Metric Threads. Route radii vary between 0.8mm and 0.4mm. This is the maximum that we can use and improves shear strength. Thread lead varies between K1 and K2. Titanium is generally 40% lighter than Steel. Our Race Spec range is designed for minimum weight with maximum strength and is approximately 45% lighter than steel equivalent parts.
For fasteners in general use, we recommend an anti-seize or a copper based lubricant be applied to the threads in order to prevent galling, the exception being bleed nipples and banjo bolts which should be fitted dry. For bolts in safety critical areas, we would recommend a medium strength threadlock. If you are in any doubt as to the suitability or torque settings of our products for your specific application, please do not hesitate to contact us prior to fitment.
ALUMINIUM
Material specification: Manufactured from 7075T6 Aluminium Alloy which is the strongest commercially available. Tensile strength 570 MPa (83,000 psi). Generally 60% lighter than steel, these bolts offer a highly cost effective performance advantage to OEM parts.
Manufacturing process: Head: cold formed; Shank: thread rolled. Anodising: Chemically brightened and colour anodised to between 8 and 12 microns thick. Weight: 60% lighter than steel – 40% lighter than Titanium. Corrosion: Saltwater, road film or mild acids do not affect anodised aluminium. All parts are fully machined with rolled threads.
Aluminium is suitable for non-stress applications such as bodywork, engine casings, fuel cap bolts, only where the joint is very lightly loaded and is essentially a static joint, i.e. one that is not dynamically loaded. For fasteners in general use, we recommend an anti-seize or a copper based lubricant be applied to the threads in order to prevent galling. We DO NOT recommend the use of threadlock with aluminium bolts. Aluminium is a softer material that steel and as such has a much lower torque setting than manufacturers original bolts, please ensure you follow the torque settings provided in the product packaging.
STAINLESS STEEL
Material specification: Manufactured from 316 stainless steel which gives superior strength and corrosion resistance, we are proud to offer an exceptional quality product. Stainless steels are iron alloys with a minimum of 10.5% chromium, with other elements added (nickel, molybdenum, titanium, copper, carbon, nitrogen) to enhance properties such as formability and strength. A chromium-rich, oxide film gives stainless steel its corrosion resistance - a thin, strong film which is chemically stable and which will usually self-repair in sufficient oxygen.
Manufacturing process: Manufactured in a single process on multi axis CNC machining centres, which includes thread rolling. Thread standards are to BS3692:1967 which is the British Standard for ISO Precision Metric Threads.
BLACK & GOLD D.L.C. COATING
After much research and testing, Pro-Bolt is launching its new black & gold finish applied to the surface of our black Titanium & black & gold Stainless Steel bolts. The technique not only offers a beautiful, long lasting black finish but also supreme hardness and corrosion resistance provided by nanocomposite coating. Tribobond™ DLC coatings increase component lifetime dramatically. The enhanced tribological properties of Tribobond™ coatings not only protect the components from wear but also polish and protect the counter parts during in-running. As a result, the tribo system will remain in a low friction and wear condition. Features of the Tribobond™ coating are listed in table on the right.
Reasons to choose Pro-Bolt
Why change OEM fasteners to Pro-Bolt?
Customers choose Pro-Bolt for a number of reasons
- We are a tried and tested in GP Paddocks worldwide, you can have the confidence to replace safety critical fasteners with a quality fastener you can trust
- To replace damaged, rusty, lost or simply heavy fasteners
- To reduce weight – titanium is 40%s lighter than standard steel fasteners. Where application allows aluminium offer a 60% weight saving over steel.
- For Safety reasons – opt for a fastener that’s drilled ready for lock wiring
- To customize – Make your bike stand out from the crowd and color co-ordinate. Aluminium (non-safety critical areas) Blue, Black, Gold, Orange, Purple, Red & Silver. Titanium: Blue, Black, Gold, Purple Haze or natural factory finish. Stainless steel: Highly Polished, Black & Gold D.L.C.
- Replacing O.E.M. fasteners with Pro-Bolt Aluminum & Stainless Steel is often more cost effective
What are the differences between a standard O.E.M. bolt and a high performance bolt?
We couple innovative design and technical expertise with great looks to produce our unique range of DualDrive, Race Spec, Flanged Hex, Tapered Socket Cap & Countersunk Fasteners. Our Flanged Hex Head and Race Spec Ranges we have reduced the head diameters & scooped out the heads for maximum weight saving. We have a wide range of tapered socket cap bolts which offer an enhanced weight saving over parallel headed bolts and look amazing.
What difference is there in the manufacturing process between standard O.E.M. and high performance bolts?
O.E.M. fasteners are usually mass produced from middle range grades of steel which is usually manufactured using hot forging, the grade of the material means oxidization occurs quickly and the surface finish is usually poor. Pro-Bolt manufacture using high grades of materials - Stainless steel (316) and Titanium (Ti-6Al-4V) & Aluminium (7075T6).
When changing from O.E.M. steel to high performance titanium and aluminum bolts, is there a set torque conversion standard used?
When individual bolts are purchased, torque guides vary depending on the material, manufacturing method, thread diameter, pitch and head style. This torque information can be found in the ‘Materials Information’ on our website www.pro-bolt.com/material-guide and also in the product information card supplied with every kit. Torque for flanged hex head and tapered socket cap bolts - use torque values specified by your equipment manufacturer. Where possible use the same torque as manufacturer’s originals. For fasteners in safety applications on a motorcycle, use your manufacturers torque guide when fitting flanged hex head or tapered socket cap fasteners. For fasteners in other applications you can refer to the table above for lubricated threads. For fasteners in general use, we recommend an anti-seize or a copper based lubricant be applied to the threads in order to prevent galling, the exception being bleed nipples and banjo bolts which should be fitted dry. For bolts in safety critical areas, we would recommend a medium strength threadlock. If you are in any doubt as to the suitability or torque settings of our products for your specific application, please do not hesitate to contact us prior to fitment.
The Definition of Torque
“Torque is the application of a force acting at a radial distance and tending to cause rotation.”
Are there any special precautions you give to customers when using titanium and aluminum bolts?
Aluminium fasteners should only be used in non-stress areas and because it is a relatively soft material it is essential that the torque guides are followed to prevent bolts snapping for the allen key drives rounding. Any brake system components which come into contact with brake fluid should be fitted dry – bleed nipples & banjo bolts. Other than this customers should follow the regular checks and procedures as recommended in the packaging guide – compare Pro-Bolt fasteners to the OEM originals and ensure they are of identical thread diameter, length and pitch. Take the motorcycle for a short test ride and check that components fitted are secure. Never force a fastener into a thread as it could be indicating different thread pitches.