Questions About My Restore Project

[79XS11F]

Hi Guys .. I'm so sure that I will have questions as my restore project progresses that I have started this thread to ask my question in. this will be better then starting several threads for ever question. Today question is.....
Check the PIC and tell me if this looks right? I was very sure that the top triple tree when installed ended with the top of the stem just barely below the top of the top tree.
The bearing are fully seated on the bottom tree and the races are fully seated in the head tubes. The new OEM lock rings are the same thickness as the old ones were. Perhaps my memory is wrong about how this should line up at the top?
Here's a pic of how it currently looks.



Rob

[John]

I just did the same job on the 81 Special, and the upper tree fit flush with the top of the stem. You may have to draw the tree down with the bolt.

[79XS11F]

OK fair enough but when I look up under the bottom of the top tree is already in full contact with the top of the lock rings. Is it safe to say that perhaps the top bearing has not slid down over the top of the stem far enough?
Rob

[John]

The bike is a Standard, right? Maybe somebody with a Standard should chime in here. On the Special that I did, the tree mounted flush with the top of the stem.

[79XS11F]

I'm very sure that that is the way it is supposed to be. I just took it apart and the top bearing slides nicely over the top of the stem and I confirmed that the bearing at the bottom of the stem is in deed fully seated. The bottom seal is well pined in place. I used a block of wood to place the races in the tubes and once they were flush to the tube openings i used the old races to fully seat them. I guess I better check these bearing as a match to the old ones.
Race position is ...
Bottom race - about 1/8 of an inch up from flush at the bottom of he tube
top race - flush with the top of the tube

[randy]

When i did my steering bearings over this winter, i didn't check that distance at the top tree, but if your bearing races are fully seated, and your locknuts are properly torqued, and you don't have play in the head, then i'd say don't worry about it.

BTW, snug the top fork pinch bolts, loosen the center pinch bolt and the bottom tree pinch bolts before torquing down that center bolt, then tourque the pinch bolts. i know, sounds silly to mention, but hey?

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Rob,

IIRC, mine also didn't fully seat flush with the top tree. But think about it, IF the lower tree center tube came UP flush with the top tree, then the top bolt wouldn't have anything to push the top tree down against, cause it would already be hitting the tube under it! That's how I remember it anyway!
T.C.

[79XS11F]

I agree T.C. ... flush would negate what that top bolt is supposed to do. I was just very sure that the stem topped out about 1/16 below being flush. Anyway .. being that I have it apart I will double check that the races are fully seated and I will go from there. While apart I also noticed that with the tree removed and just the top bearing sitting in the race the top of the bearing is about 1/8 of an inch above being flush to the top of the tube.
Rob

[John]

Originally posted by John
I just did the same job on the 81 Special, and the upper tree fit flush with the top of the stem. You may have to draw the tree down with the bolt.

I just checked the relationship between the tree and the stem, and there is only about 1/8 inch spacing, it isn't flush like I had originally said it was.

[79XS11F]

Well I checked EVERYTHING twice. All races and bearings are fully seated. Bearings are a match to what came off so I guess I will just have to go with what I have.The only difference between the stock setup and this set up is that I have opted to use the seal that came with the bearings. The added height it added is however negligible. It sits on top of the bearing and under the stock cover and isn't even as thick as the stock cover.
Rob

[79XS11F]

I need a few parts

Hey guys I need a few parts to complete this project as a "stock" bike. Maybe someone can help out.
I need a pair of STOCK fork caps. The non air version that came on the bikes. i will also need a pair of reasonable condition rear shocks. The ones with black bodies and chrome tops. I have new springs so spring condition is not an issue.
Let me know if you can help out.
Rob

[79XS11F]

The link to fork brace install is not working so the question is ... Once installed do the dust covers get trimmed shorter or left off. I am guessing that the brace is installed right where the dust boots interlock with the lower part of the forks.
Thanks

[randy]

The dust boots install on the brace. No trimming required.

Slide boots up

Install brace.

Slide boots down and snap onto brace..

[79XS11F]

Thanks Randy ... I would like to get the front end on her today
Rob

[79XS11F]

For anyone who is intrested in following this bikes restore my MSN home page about my bikes is located at

http://xs11f.spaces.live.com/[/url]

Rob