8.8 means high tensile

so its one tough bolt you got there, i dont think it will be for you fairing. ill look in my bag of bolts i took of my bike when i put the ventura rack on but being 8.8 i dont think it come from fairings 

Well it warmed up, the snow melted, and I got a decent look at the back end and seat.  I can't find where this thing belongs, but it doesn't look like it's from the seat or any rear part of the bike I looked at.  I'll keep it on hand just in case.

Again, thanks to all who posted!

Quote from: Big Rich on January 08, 2011, 02:25:04 PM
Allen head bolts normally aren't used on anything "needed" since they can't be torqued down as easily. So it's not from your brakes or anything like that. It may be from a plastic cover or something though.

The handlebars and rear-sets are held on with Allen bolts...

Use this as a reminder to check and tighten every bolt regularly. If your bike is anything like mine it WILL attempt to vibrate itself into a pile of bolts if left unchecked too long.

I started tightening every bolt twice a year soon after I bought the bike and noticed the headlight was about to fall off.

Of course, even if you keep everything tight stuff might still fall off...like my red oil pressure warning light lens...  

looks too small and rust free to be from the exhaust manifold but worth a check anyway 

Mystery solved!

Here's a link to the Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/58041113@N05/sets/72157625653958679/

Apparently it was one of the bolts that hold the fuel valve in place.  Probably a pretty good idea to keep it secure, and I took this as an opportunity to tighten everything a bit.

Thanks for playing!