I fitted a new exhaust to my 2010 XL883C and torqued down the exhaust flange nuts to the correct setting. However, within 1,500km the front cylinder flange was loose and the rear flange nuts were both missing 

I've put them back together this time using regular nuts (i.e. not the OEM flanged ones) with star washers - have to see how they stay on this time!

I use flat washers and nuts like nylocks (but its a small metal clamp thing rather than plastic like a nylock) they do not come loose!

threadlock?

No....its too hot for Locktite.

It's all in the wrist how you do them up

locktite has heat specific applications

http://www.asaptec.com/loctite-pg-22.htm

i dont have an issue with mine or other bikes, when you've been turned nuts and bolts most of your life you come to realise a torque wrench is really only need for heads, mains and bigends. All the rest will come from experience. Torquing up an exhaust nut wont equal the same tension to each application as each stud and nut will be worn/rusted differently. Use a wratchet and do it by hand. Whatever you do dont strip the the thread on the stud, as these studs are among some of the hardest to remove.

T1

T1 is on the money.
My tip is to use a 1/4 ratchet and no torque wrench.
The small ratchet makes it a lot harder to over torque, and gives you good feel.
After the first ride, snug each nut up if needed.

I also use a small touch of copper anti seize.

When i fit a new exhast to a Harley, i tention all the mounting nuts, then ride it, put it away & next day after its all cooled down, i re tention everything cold. then ride it, then the next day when cold again check it. & check it before every ride. harleys are like a giant impact wrench, just the new ones have rubber mounts or counter balancing. but at the exhast  mount points its hard bolted to that giant impact wrench. ride em hard enough & far enough, they loosen anything so always double check.

 

When i fit a new exhast to a Harley, i tention all the mounting nuts, then ride it, put it away & next day after its all cooled down, i re tention everything cold. then ride it, then the next day when cold again check it. & check it before every ride. harleys are like a giant impact wrench, just the new ones have rubber mounts or counter balancing. but at the exhast  mount points its hard bolted to that giant impact wrench. ride em hard enough & far enough, they loosen anything so always double check.

 

Sorry 4 double post, & sorry to Speedy &  Dyno Harley, as i did not check all posts . .

cheers

I just edit it to say something else when it double posts for me...ur not talking about those stupid clamps are you cause they change shape and need replacing sometimes
http://thumbs1.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mmb6uyMchUabrr52tal_aEg.jpg

LOL double post ... (edited) 

These nuts come off my 2012 XL1200 constantly...