Front forks.

[sonny]

Kind of noticed something today. My fork tubes are nowhere even with the top of the upper yoke. I did a while back adjust the tension on the steering head and did not loosen the bottom yoke because the manual does not mention doing this. I thought at the time that that was really strange. Planning on doing some work on the Rocket next weekend and will loosen the bottom yoke in order to raise the forks so that it matches the diagram in the manual. Then we plan on rechecking the tension on the steering head. Should we leave the bottom yoke a little loose while doing the steering bearing adjustment. To me this just makes sense but the manual says nothing about the bottom yoke while adjusting. INPUT PLEASE

 

[Nat67]

Kind of noticed something today. My fork tubes are nowhere even with the top of the upper yoke. I did a while back adjust the tension on the steering head and did not loosen the bottom yoke because the manual does not mention doing this. I thought at the time that that was really strange. Planning on doing some work on the Rocket next weekend and will loosen the bottom yoke in order to raise the forks so that it matches the diagram in the manual. Then we plan on rechecking the tension on the steering head. Should we leave the bottom yoke a little loose while doing the steering bearing adjustment. To me this just makes sense but the manual says nothing about the bottom yoke while adjusting. INPUT PLEASE

You had to have removed the top yoke to adjust the head bearings , did you notice the position of the fork top caps before you removed the yoke ? Have you at all loosened the fork clamps on the bottom yoke ? If you have , then it's likely the Forks have moved in the bottom yoke . If not , have you refitted the top yoke squarely ? The bottom yoke is attached to the steering stem and is pulled up through the bearings into the headstock via the adjusting nut under the top yoke , the bottom yoke and stem is basically one piece so all adjustment is done at the top ! The roadster has quite an involved tightening and loosening sequence but head bearing adjustment should not significantly affect the position of the Forks if the lower clamps remained tight !

 

[Idaho Red Rocket 3]

Well Sonny it is one of those yes and no answers. No you don't have to loosen the bottom clamp bolts to do the job. They hold the bike up while the top is loose. I can see how loosening the bottom "could" give a better adjustment, but you would need to put a jack support under the engine so the weight is off the forks.

 

[sonny]

Bottom yoke has never been touched. I am going to fix this next weekend. I believe it came from the factory as is. Plan on adjusting everything once forks are in the right position. Bottom yoke will remain tight while adjusting head bearings.

 

[Nat67]

How m

Bottom yoke has never been touched. I am going to fix this next weekend. I believe it came from the factory as is. Plan on adjusting everything once forks are in the right position. Bottom yoke will remain tight while adjusting head bearings.

How much difference was there in fork height sonny ? It is possible that they have been like it since assembly , when I stripped my Forks recently there was 150ml difference in fork oil quantity between the left and the right so nothing surprises me ! If you have adjusted the headstock as per manuals instructions and all is smooth lock to lock with no free play in the bearings when the front is lifted off the ground , then just adjust the fork tube height and all will be wonderful !

 

[sonny]

How m

How much difference was there in fork height sonny ? It is possible that they have been like it since assembly , when I stripped my Forks recently there was 150ml difference in fork oil quantity between the left and the right so nothing surprises me ! If you have adjusted the headstock as per manuals instructions and all is smooth lock to lock with no free play in the bearings when the front is lifted off the ground , then just adjust the fork tube height and all will be wonderful !

Computer was down for two days thanks to ATT. Got it fixed. Tube were about 100 thousands to low on one side and the other side was around 125 thousands. Lubed bearings and made all adjustments including free play. Now at 125 mph plus the front end is stable. Wobble at low end around 25 mph to 35 mph is gone. MUCH MUCH BETTER.

 

[skydog1000]

Computer was down for two days thanks to ATT. Got it fixed. Tube were about 100 thousands to low on one side and the other side was around 125 thousands. Lubed bearings and made all adjustments including free play. Now at 125 mph plus the front end is stable. Wobble at low end around 25 mph to 35 mph is gone. MUCH MUCH BETTER.

Wonder if mine is off a little

 

[Idaho Red Rocket 3]

Paul you know it is....Oh... Oh you were talking about the forks !

 

[skydog1000]

Paul you know it is....Oh... Oh you were talking about the forks !

Qwit talking about ART like that

 

[skydog1000]

Oops I might get banned for that comment