Remove the steering stem nut and washer

Lift the top yoke off the fork tubes

Inspect the lockwasher tabs for cracks and fatigue

Adjustment

5 Depending on the tools available, access to the steering stem nut may be restricted by the handlebars. If this is the case, remove the handlebar clamps (see Chapter 6) and lay the complete handlebar assembly over the headlight, making sure no strain is placed on the wiring or front brake hydraulic hose. If necessary, secure the handlebar assembly with cable ties and keep the master cylinder reservoir upright to prevent possible fluid leakage.

6 Slacken the fork clamp bolts in the top yoke (see illustration 19.13)and unscrew and remove the steering stem nut and washer (see illustration).

7Gently ease the top yoke upwards off the fork tubes and position it clear of the steering head (see illustration).If necessary, use a rag to protect other components. Note: On R, T, V. W. Xand Y models the instrument assembly is attached to the top yoke- Ensure no strain is placed on the instrument wiring.

8Prise the lockwasher tabs out of the notches in the locknut, unscrew the locknut using either a C-spanner or a suitable drift located in one of the notches and remove the lockwasher. Inspect the lockwasher tabs for cracks or signs of fatigue (see illustration).If there are any, discard the lockwasher and use a new one; it is advisable to renew it as amatter of course.

9 Using either the C-spanner or drift, slacken the adjuster nut slightly until pressure on the

bearing is just released, then tighten the nut a little at a time until all freeplay is removed (see illustration).Ensure that the steering is able to move smoothly as describedin Steps 3 and 4. If the Honda adapter tool (Pt. No. 07946-4300101) is available you can apply the torque setting specified at the beginning of this Chapter.

10 Turn the steering from lock to lock five
times to settle the bearings, then recheck the
adjustment or the torque setting. The object is
to set the adjuster nut so that the bearings are
under a very light loading, just enough to
remove any freeplay.

Caution: Take great care not to apply excessive pressure because this will cause premature failure of the bearings. If the torque setting is applied and the bearings are still too loose or too tight, set them up according to feel.

11When the bearings are correctly adjusted, install the lockwasher onto the adjuster nut and bend two of the washer tabs down into the slots in the adjuster nut.

12Install the locknut and tighten it finger-tight, then tighten it further (to a maximum of 90") to align the slots in the locknut with the remaining tabs on the lockwasher (see illustration).Hold the adjuster nut to prevent it from moving if necessary. Bend the remaining lockwasher tabs up to secure the locknut (see illustration).

13Fit the top yoke onto the steering stem and the fork legs. Install the washer and steering stem nut and tighten it and both the

fork clamp bolts to the torque settings

specified at the beginning of this Chapter (see

illustration).If displaced, refit the handlebars

(see Chapter 6).

14 Check the bearing adjustment as

described in Steps 3 and 4 and re-adjust If

necessary.

1 Wheel bearings will wear over a period of time and result in handling problems.

2 Support the motorcycle on its centre stand. Check for any play in the bearings by pushing and pulling the wheel against the hub (see

Date: 2016-01-14; view: 926