Removal
1. Remove the fuel tank (see Chapter 4). On XL600V and XRV750 models remove the fairing side panels, and on XL650V models remove the fairing (see Chapter 8). This will prevent the possibility of damage should a tool slip. Also remove the front forks (see Section 6) and displace the handlebars (see Section 5). Note how the brake pipe arrangement routes round the back of the right-hand fork. If required as a precaution, you can unscrew the brake master cylinder assembly clamp bolts and detach it from the handlebars, then remove the entire front brake system from the bike. Unscrew the bolts securing the shield to the bottom yoke and remove it, noting how it fits.
2. If the top yoke is being removed from the bike rather than just being displaced, trace the wiring from the ignition switch, and where fitted the HISS immobiliser receiver, and disconnect it/them at the connector(s).
3. Unscrew the steering stem nut and remove the washer (see illustration). Lift the top yoke up off the steering stem and position it clear, using a rag to protect the tank or other components if it is only being displaced (see illustration).
![](https://motoinstruction.ru/img/honda/19/125722.jpg)
9.3a. Unscrew the nut and remove the washer...
![](https://motoinstruction.ru/img/honda/19/125723.jpg)
9.3b ...and lift off the top yoke
4. Supporting the bottom yoke, unscrew the adjuster nut using either a C-spanner, a peg-spanner or socket, or a drift located in one of the notches (see illustration). Remove the adjuster nut and the grease seal from the steering stem (see illustration). Check the condition of the grease seal and discard it if it is damaged.
![](https://motoinstruction.ru/img/honda/19/125724.jpg)
9.4a. Unscrew and remove the adjuster nut...
![](https://motoinstruction.ru/img/honda/19/125725.jpg)
9.4b ...and the grease seal
5. Gently lower the bottom yoke and steering stem out of the frame (see illustration). Take care not to strain or knock the brake hoses.
![](https://motoinstruction.ru/img/honda/19/125726.jpg)
9.5. Draw the bottom yoke/steering stem out of the steering head
6. Remove the inner race and bearing from the top of the steering head (see illustrations). Remove the bearing from the base of the steering stem (see illustration). Remove all traces of old grease from the bearings and races and check them for wear or damage as described in Section 10.
Note: Do not attempt to remove the races from the steering head or the steering stem unless they are to be replaced with new ones.
![](https://motoinstruction.ru/img/honda/19/125727.jpg)
9.6a. Remove the inner race...
![](https://motoinstruction.ru/img/honda/19/125728.jpg)
9.6b ...and the upper bearing
![](https://motoinstruction.ru/img/honda/19/125729.jpg)
9.6c. Remove the lower bearing from the steering stem
Installation
7. Smear a liberal quantity of multi-purpose grease onto the bearing races, and work some grease well into both the upper and lower bearings. Also smear the grease seal lip, using a new seal if necessary. Fit the lower bearing onto the steering stem (see illustration 9.6c).
8. Carefully lift the steering stem/bottom yoke up through the steering head (see illustration 9.5). Fit the upper bearing and its inner race into the top of the steering head (see illustrations 9.6b and a). Fit install the grease seal (see illustration 9.4b). Apply some clean engine oil to the adjuster nut and thread the nut on the steering stem (see illustration 9.4a).
9. If the correct tools are available, tighten the adjuster nut to the torque setting specified at the beginning of the Chapter, then turn the steering stem through its full lock at least five times and re-tighten the adjuster nut to the specified setting. Ensure that the steering stem is able to move fieely from lock to lock following adjustment - If necessary reset the bearing adjustment as described in Chapter 1.
10. If the correct tools are not available, tighten the nut using a C-spanner or drift so that bearing play is eliminated, but the steering stem is able to move freely from lock to lock - refer to the procedure in Chapter 1 for details, but note that setting the bearings is a lot easier and more accurate after the forks and wheel are installed as their leverage and inertia need to be taken into account (see illustration). To do it that way, make sure the nut is tight enough to hold the steering stem in the head without any play, then install the forks and wheel, then refer to the procedure In Chapter 1.
![](https://motoinstruction.ru/img/honda/19/125730.jpg)
9.10. Tighten the adjuster nut as described
Caution: Take great care not to apply excessive pressure because this will cause premature failure of the bearings.
11. When the bearings are correctly adjusted, fit the top yoke onto the steering stem (see illustration 9.3b), then install the washer and the steering stem nut and tighten it finger-tight (see illustration 9.3a). Temporarily install the left-hand fork to align the top and bottom yokes, and secure it by tightening the bottom yoke clamp bolt only (see illustration). Now tighten the steering stem nut to the torque setting specified at the beginning of the Chapter (see illustration).
![](https://motoinstruction.ru/img/honda/19/125731.jpg)
9.11a. Slide the left-hand fork up through the yokes...
![](https://motoinstruction.ru/img/honda/19/125732.jpg)
9.11b ...and tighten the steering stem nut to the specified torque
12. Install the remaining components in a reverse of the removal procedure, referring to the relevant Sections or Chapters, and to the torque settings specified at the beginning of the Chapter. Note that you must install the handlebars and secure the brake hose and pipe clamp bolts on the yokes before installing the forks - if the forks are installed first it is impossible to route the brake pipes around them.
13. Carry out a check of the steering headbearing treeplay as described in Chapter 1, and if necessary re-adjust.