Motorcycle Repair: shift pedal, suzuki intruder 1500, pivot bolt

Question
Hi, I have a Suzuki Intruder 1500.  I was riding down the highway a few days ago, and the bolt that holds the shift pedal to the frame somehow worked itself loose.  Luckily I had a few wrenches in my bag, and was able to tighten the bolt enough to make it home.  When I got home however, and inspected the bolt, it had already worked itself about halfway back out.  How can I refasten it so it doesnt come loose?  I am thinking I need some locktight or threadlock of some type, or maybe a locking washer.  Please help!

Answer
Hi Alan...

Yeah.. that don't sound right. It shouldn't be backing itself out like that. Unfortunately, I don't know if your bike has stock controls or aftermarket forward controls... but in either case, the pivot bolt should not be working itself free like that. I am VERY knowledgeable of all Intruders that are 700, 750, 800 & 1400 cc up to about the 2001 models. I've never worked on a 1500cc Intruder. The first thing I would check is if the shifter pedal moves freely on the pivot bolt. In other words, if the shifter is binding on the pivot bolt, then it could be rotating the bolt out everytime you downshift. If the pivot bolt protrudes out the backside of the frame, is there enough room to put a lock nut on it? If not, I would then try locktite first and if that doesn't do it, then perhaps a lock washer. I suggest the locktite first cuz there may not be enough room for a lock washer. If none of the above does the trick, then I would think that either the pivot bolt is defective or the threads in the receiving hole are stripped. Try my suggestions in the proper order and PLEASE let me know which one works... it's times like these that us "experts" may learn something from our "students"... LOL  Good luck Alan!!

Jack