I'm thinking a couple of these would work nicely for me.  They're a tad expensive ($7.15 each for the M6-20) but they are solid stainless and UPS ground shipping is included for US orders.  Click on image for info.

I put the seat bolt into a 10mm socket and a 6 in. extension.  Then place the tip of the bolt into the threaded hole and rotate counterclockwise just a little.  You will feel the threads drop into place.  Then gently rotate the extension clockwise and the bolt will start.  Run it in by hand until it seats and then snug it up using the ratchet handle. Just a light tug once the bolt has seated will do the trick.  No stripping of threads or other problems.

So far, so good.

Jack H.

Yep, that's what I do now - socket and a ratchet handle with a short extension.

One reason I'm considering something else is that I don't really want to carry all those tools on the road. and I might need to access the are under the seat.  Like to change a fuse.

I hope a bolt with a knurled knob or allen head would offer easier access and still be a secure fastener.

Here's what I came up with for seat bolts. A couple of M6x30 allen head bolts with two nuts and a lock washer on each.  The nut closest to the end is set at the length of the stock seat bolt. The nut closest to the head was tightened down the first nut with the lock washer between.  Neither moves in use.

The bolts do not extend beyond the seat, but are easy to reach and start by hand.  I give it a final tightening with an allen wrench.  I do not have to remove my saddlebags to install these bolts.

Yea, I've been carrying a socket with an extension and a ratchet wrench to remove the seat if necessary (like to replace a blown fuse).  Now I can just tape a 6 mm allen wrench to the inside ot the toolbox cover.  

Those look great, Rob.  Is it easy to get them tight enough?

Brewbrother,

That seems like another reasonable solution.  Do you carry that T-handle wrench with you?

Steve

The reason I am changing to allen head screws is so I can pull the seat w/o a socket& ratchet. That way if ther's a problem while I am on the road I can at least get below the seat. All I will need is the allen wrench. I am thinking I will change the tankbolts too.