Pull each bolt out and lube the threads up with something like grease, engine oil, chain lube or anti seize so you can get an accurate torque reading. And use a torque wrench that's max reading is 20-30 Nm. Use one that reads more and the 12 Nm will be a fair bit in error. I have a calibrated 20 Nm one and when it reads 12Nm, my 60 Nm range one reads 8 Nm.
I recall a story told to me about the then new Supersport R6 Yamahas in Jan 2007, or mavbe 06, being setup for racing the first time at Eastern Creek. The Ohlins fork kits fitted specified 10Nm for the lower clamp, and OTTMH standard was 17Nm. Standard clamps and fork tubes. The suspension tuner checked with Ohlins that it wasn't a misprint. He decided to start at 17Nm anyway and see how it went. Riders complained about lack of feel from the front. Torques in the lower clamp were progressively reduced with no other changes and lap times improved. The riders were not told what was done. The final change from 12-10 Nm resulted in 0.6 sec reduction in lap time. The riders were at the time top 5 in the national class in Oz. 2 Nm in the lower clamp and nothing else resulted in 0.6 secs!
Get a calibrated torque wrench and get them right.
Steve
