Triple tree question

[3Phase]

I am going to be checking on the steering head bearings on the other bike, since it seems to have a "detent" forming in the center of travel.

Ivan, in addition to what Steve wrote you have to double-check the steering stem bearing preload after you tighten the top bolt with the flange, the one you had come loose. If the top bolt is too loose it'll come off again; too tight can increase the bearing preload on the steering stem bearings.

With the front wheel off the ground to check the bearing preload you may have to go back and forth a few times between adjusting the two lock rings and tightening the top bolt or the steering will be a little too stiff and slowly destroy the bearings.

If the races already have already formed detent, well, that's a different set of Matruska dolls!

[crazy steve]

Ivan, in addition to what Steve wrote you have to double-check the steering stem bearing preload after you tighten the top bolt with the flange, the one you had come loose. If the top bolt is too loose it'll come off again; too tight can increase the bearing preload on the steering stem bearings.

I don't think that would be an issue with these bikes with the separate jam nuts. It definitely would be on some, as that's the pre-load adjustment on a lot of 'em.

But getting the stem bearing preload right can have a huge effect on handling..

'78E original owner

[3Phase]

I don't think that would be an issue with these bikes with the separate jam nuts. It definitely would be on some, as that's the pre-load adjustment on a lot of 'em.

Steve, you're absolutely right, it shouldn't make a difference but it does (did?). I was kind of surprised, actually. I set the bearing preload with the lock rings and the steering felt JEP (Just Exactly Perfect). I tightened the top bolt but I didn't have the manual or the torque setting at that time and the steering got stiffer.

If it's too tight the top bolt presses the upper triple tree down onto the lock rings and flexes the lock rings into the bearings.