Steering Stem Install on '74 850 MK2

Some help and advice is needed please?

I have a completely bare and freshly painted frame for my MK2 Commando. I am soon to fit the engine, cradle, gearbox, swing arm, etc to the frame.

Once the engine is in the frame I would like to have both wheels fitted so I can move the bike around as further reassembly takes place.

With the rear wheel that is no problem as it will simply bolt into the swing arm.

My problem is with the front. I have fitted new steering head bearings and spacer. My plan was to now fit the steering stem from the top and then fit the lower yoke so the front forks can be fitted then front wheel attached.

My query is if I fit the two yokes and tighten them to the 15ft/lb by the large bottom nut will I at a later stage be able to remove the staunchions to fit the headlight mounts with the three associated "O" rings or will that be too tight a fit to get them in place and would I then need to loosen the yokes again and tap the lower yoke down a bit to be able to insert the headlamp supports and "O" rings before refitting the staunchions and tightening everything up again.

I really only want the front wheel in to be able to move the bike around.

Does anyone have any suggestions please? and keep the sarcasm to a minimum if you could please?

Thanks
Don

thunderbolt said:

would I then need to loosen the yokes again and tap the lower yoke down a bit to be able to insert the headlamp supports and "O" rings before refitting the staunchions and tightening everything up again.

Click to expand...

Yes, you would.

Thanks Les, appreciated.