86 VFR seat cowl Frankenstein bolts

Hi, I'm a new member here but a long-time owner of an 86 VFR 700FG. I'm hoping members can help me out. I lost one of the flat, chrome Frankenstein bolts that is attached to the side of the seat on my 86. I was able to purchase a new screw that screws into the bolt, holding the seat cowl in place. Unfortunately, the Frankenstein bolts appear to be unobtanium. Without the bolt, the screw can't be installed into the seat and the seat cowl is unsecured. I found a few used seats on eBay that still have the bolts attached but all the sellers I contacted were unwilling to sell me just the bolts. I didn't want to spend practically $100 on an entire seat when I only need the small bolt. If anyone here knows of where I might find these bolts for sale, please let me know.

Pics are my 86 FG, my brother's 87 FII with my 86 FG, and the Frankenstein bolt I'm referring to.

 

Do you need #11 in the attached diagram?

https://www.babbittsonline.com/oemparts/a/hon/506c8952f870023420a3d3a6/seat

 

This is the normal (no cowl) Frankenstein bolt.....no part # I know of. Does that bolt above (#11) take it's place when the cowl is attached?

 

NOT #11. What Baz shows is the correct part but comes with the seat assy and does not have a part number for this bike. Baz, that should be threaded inside beyond where the allen engages.

There are other bikes that use the same style and sometimes come with the accessory solo cowl and/or have a seat grab strap.

1986 VF1000R
SCREW, BAND SETTING
90146-KK4-000
(Not available)

The VTR250 has one in it's seat too without a part # and it had a Hondaline solo cowl kit offered.

The VF1000F has the correct bracket under the seat and the bolt comes with the solo cowl kit, you slice an "x" in the cover to install it.

 

Not quite as big of a head, but maybe works.

https://www.mcmaster.com/90318A950/

 

Nice! Could always add a washer......

 

Can't secure the solo cowl with that.

And a threaded hole.

 

How exactly does the cowl fasten onto the seat, other than the 3 tabs (one rear and two side)?

 

The cowl screw threads into the allen bolt that is installed on the seat.

 

OK thanks - that helps clear EVERYTHING up, for me!

I didn't realize (duh!) that allen head had threads further inside of it!

I just took these pics that show what's going on. Seems like there should be a rubber washer between the cowl and screw (?)

Also, note the strips of duct tape inside the cowl to protect the seat material from rubbing damage.

 

Disclaimer: I have never applied a HRC sticker to anything - including any of my bikes. The only ones on any of my stuff were on them when I got them. Not saying it's a bad thing to have an HRC sticker or anything......

Now a "Metzler" or "Michelin Man" sticker........whole different story!!!

 

No rubber washer originally. The shouldered cowl screw bottoms out about the same time it makes contact with the cowl, preventing over tightening and cracking. You would probably find a rubber washer would just deform and squish out. The cowl screw has to be bottomed out to keep from losing it and your cowl.

ALL Honda bodywork fasteners are like this. If you ever find yourself tightening something to where it "feels" about right but doesn't bottom out cuz you are afraid of over tightening and damaging something, you are doing it wrong, with the wrong hardware.

 

OK thanks....good to know, Capt. My screw bottomed out but it still left a slightly loose fit. Very slight. I didn't attach the other side but probably would matter.

 

Feel free to make up a difference, as long as the shouldered part bottoms out and the screw can be "torqued". You don't want to be compressing plastic too much.

 

100% - thanks!

 

Thanks for all the replies. I've researched this part for quite a while and was never able to come up with a part number for it. Apparently, it was sold only with the seat itself. All of the used part vendors I've contacted have been unwilling to sell these bolts without the seat. I hate to spend $100 on a $5 allen bolt. If anyone has 1 or 2 they'd be willing to part with, please let me know. Thanks fellas.

 

I have some:
joe.nelsom@ymail.c0m

 

To the rescue, $100 a piece right? hahahaha

 

I tried to e mail you at this e mail address, but it won't go through....

 

If you just clicked on the link, it's not complete. Type it in, it will work. I have just been emailing with him no problem.