yoke nuts

[HappyDays]

Hi all,

What's the best way to check if the top yoke/stem is tight enough?
Just doing some checks and had very slight movement when you put the front brake on.
Cheers
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Liquorice Torpedoe

[kgm]

Tighten them till they feel right enough, or use a torque wrench to get them to the correct setting as per the service manual.

If you lift the front wheel clear of the ground whilst on the centre stand and push back and forward there should be no play (don't confuse movement in the stand for play). If there is the most likely thing is worn or loose steering bearings. If that's the case tighten the adjuster nut until it's only just right enough to remove any play but be careful not to over tighten.

[HappyDays]

[kgm]

It should be tight enough to remove any front to rear play but not so tight as to restrict bar movement - if the bars are centred with the wheel in the air it should only take a very light touch on the end of the bars to start it turning. Essentially you want it as loose as possible without introducing play.

[HappyDays]

[stinkwheel]

Put your thumb on the bit where the frame headstock meets the steering and check for play, you should be able to feel even a very slight lateral movement. Careful not to trap your fingers in anything.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[HappyDays]

[kgm]

Probably but every bike is different. At a push you can use a hammer and screwdriver but that wouldn't be my recommendation.

[stinkwheel]

Those tools will probably work ok. Have you checked in the bike toolkit though?

I have an adjustable c-spanner that covers quite a few sizes of nut.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[HappyDays]