Steering stem torque

[Guest]

I am in the process of replacing triple tree and forks on a 81 750L.
The steering stem nut on the original unit was loose.
Finger loose.

Never noticed it feeling strange when riding.

Finger tightened the new one and grabbed my spanner to fit.
Decided to check manual to make sure I had everything on correct order.
Noticed it has a torque value of 29.0-36.0 lb-ft

Trying to figure out how to get accurate with spanner?
Any ideas?



Part # 26 in this fiche

http://www.partsfish.com/oemparts/a/suz/50d40059f8700230d8b4e276/steering-stem

[Spiff]

I have just screwed it "tight", never used a torque wrench, never had any problems. Just make sure you check it after some miles to make sure it hasn't come loose.

[Charlie G]

I made a socket out of some pipe, wood and bolts and used a torque wrench to specification. Boy that is tight and I loosen it up to where the steering turned freely but not loose. I doubt I'd ever torque it again. If you want a picture of what I made PM me.

[Crankthat]

Thanks guys.
Will just tighten it up real good and check the steering.
I guess it cannot back off much as the upper triple sets on top.

Andy

[Dogma]

Check the torque while riding. If the bearings don't have enough pre-load, the front end will start to shake when you take your hands off the bars at around 40 mph. If it's too tight, the bike will wander a bit when going straight at that speed. Basically, you want things to be tight enough to provide some drag for damping the steering, but not so much drag that it can't easily balance itself.

[Crankthat]

Check the torque while riding. If the bearings don't have enough pre-load, the front end will start to shake when you take your hands off the bars at around 40 mph. If it's too tight, the bike will wander a bit when going straight at that speed. Basically, you want things to be tight enough to provide some drag for damping the steering, but not so much drag that it can't easily balance itself.

Copied on a note pad so I will not forget.

With another note to self.
Never mess with the rats nest in the headlight bucket after drinking a few cold ones.
Even more important when dealing with aftermarket signals and gauges from a different model.