factory handlebar clamp torque spec?

20valves

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I'm adjusting my steering head bearings and I have all the info I need except the tightening torque for the handlebar clamp bolts. Also, is there any special procedure specified? Any of you boys with a manual care to share that info? Thanks. ::008::
 

stevepsd

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Make sure the handlebar caps are positioned with the punch marks on the caps facing forward. Then install the bolts finger tight. Then tighten the forward bolts to 20ft-lbs, then tighten the rear bolts also to 20ft-lbs. You will end up with a gap at the rear of the cap, while there is no gap at the front. This is correct.
 

20valves

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stevepsd said:
Make sure the handlebar caps are positioned with the punch marks on the caps facing forward. Then install the bolts finger tight. Then tighten the forward bolts to 20ft-lbs, then tighten the rear bolts also to 20ft-lbs. You will end up with a gap at the rear of the cap, while there is no gap at the front. This is correct.
Thank you. 8)
 

20valves

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Re: just a "heads" up

Adjusting the steering head bearings to spec is a good idea and especially if you intend to do additional suspension tuning. Sometimes, perceived harshness in the fork is the steering stem jiggling just a bit in the tube. And it doesn't have to be really loose to make a difference.

Anyway, adjusted mine a few days ago and it really restores steering and front end feel, highway stability and that solid feeling in the front. It's one of those maintenance items that deteriorates so gradually (kinda like tires) that you forget how good it feels when it's right. 8) ::001::
 

Koinz

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Re: just a "heads" up

20valves said:
Adjusting the steering head bearings to spec is a good idea and especially if you intend to do additional suspension tuning. Sometimes, perceived harshness in the fork is the steering stem jiggling just a bit in the tube. And it doesn't have to be really loose to make a difference.

Anyway, adjusted mine a few days ago and it really restores steering and front end feel, highway stability and that solid feeling in the front. It's one of those maintenance items that deteriorates so gradually (kinda like tires) that you forget how good it feels when it's right. 8) ::001::
, I noticed some noise in the front end a week or so ago. Turned out to be a loose center nut on the upper triple
Clamp. I figured as Things wear in I'll need to retighten stuff. I re torqued the nut and checked for any play in the tree.. but there was none. I will continue to monitor and if I find some down time, I'll rip things apart and check the steering head bearing adjustment. Thanks
 

whisperquiet

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My bike has 17,100 miles on it and I decided to clean, re-pack, and adjust the steering stem bearings. One thing for sure...........Yamaha does pack them adequately at assembly........UNLIKE any KLR650 I have checked! It was a straight forward job to dis-assemble because I did not have to remove the handlebars from the top triple clamp. The top nut that secures the top clamp to the stem is easily removed/accessable. I cleaned everything up while apart and went for a ride. It did not feel any better or worse, but at least I can say it has been done.
 
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