[claymore]

Ok - I have run into a problem trying to tighten my steer stem head nut and was hoping someone could provide an answer to my problem. Currently my Burgman only requires a force of 50-100 grams of force to cause movement (with front wheel elevated off ground.). I purchased an inexpensive tubular spring gauge and wanted to tighten steering stem nut to require more resistance to within specs (200-500 grams) of force. I was following the adjustment procedure listed here.

http://burgmanusa.com/gallery/Jims-Gall ... 7.jpg.html

I removed the dash and handlebar covers today. Then I removed the 4 bolts that fasten the handlebar to the triple tree and have the handlebar secured temporarily with a nylon strap to keep stress off of the brake lines. Now if I could just loosen the ‘steering stem head nut’. I thought I read where this was a 20mm nut – only to discover it is much larger than that. Can someone tell me what size nut / socket this is?

[attachment=0:1cbjxmc5]IMG_1592.JPG[/attachment:1cbjxmc5]

I also read that I need that you need to loosen the two lower and upper bolts that lock the forks. Just curious as to what would happen if you did not loosen those bolts ?

Thanks in advance

 

[Jim]

1-
I used what I had in the garage. I have a set of large American sized wrenches. I believe either 1 1/4" or 1 3/8" , it's a bit sloppy, but it does work, as the nut is tight, but not that tight. (I know I know, proper size, proper torque), it's just what I do.

I believe the correct size is a 30 mm.

2-
There should be a spanner in the tool kit that looks like a question mark. This tool can be used for adjusting the rear shock if it's not on the center stand, or crudded up so you can't use your hand.

It is very useful for tightening the steering head nut, when it needs adjustment.

this link should help locating the stem nut.
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=21062&p=194518#p194518

3-
I would think the bolts on the top would be more critical to loosen that the bottom. Loosening them allows the top part of the triple tree to lower when adjusting tighter. The bottom, not so much.

 

[Buffalo]

I don't for sure remember the size of the stem head nut is and wouldn't want to lead you astray by guessing.

As for the fork clamps, I only loosen the ones on the top clamp. That is all my service manual calls for and I can't see any reason to loosen the lower ones.

 

[claymore]

Jim:
Thanks – I just called my nearby Lowes hardware and they have the 30mm socket in stock (12pt. ½” drive). Re: spanner – yes I had already removed mine from the tool kit and noted that it does fit the notches. If not for prior posts re: this subject - I would had no idea where to start! I plan on tightening only so slighty (1/8- 1/4 turn at most) and then re-checking resistance.

Jim & Buffalo:
OK - Only loosening the top clamps makes more sense. Thanks guys for the assistance