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Author Topic: Steering stem lower bearing surface.  (Read 1892 times)

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Offline Pbeattie89

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Steering stem lower bearing surface.
« on: September 30, 2025, 05:08:28 PM »
The machined surface for the lower steering stem bearing looks terrible on my bike. It al.ost looks like they started machining the bearing surface off center and then corrected it halfway through the process. What are your thoughts? Should I run it, or look for a better one?

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Offline seanbarney41

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Re: Steering stem lower bearing surface.
« Reply #1 on: September 30, 2025, 06:10:22 PM »
I have seen them look just like that and assumed it was crash damage...but perhaps you know the full history of this bike?
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Offline scottly

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Re: Steering stem lower bearing surface.
« Reply #2 on: September 30, 2025, 06:36:03 PM »
It looks bent? Put a straight edge against the bearing surface in several places around the stem.
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Offline Pbeattie89

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Re: Steering stem lower bearing surface.
« Reply #3 on: September 30, 2025, 06:59:46 PM »
Quote from: seanbarney41 on September 30, 2025, 06:10:22 PM
I have seen them look just like that and assumed it was crash damage...but perhaps you know the full history of this bike?
I don't have a full history. I know that when I took it apart, the forks came out easy. No binding. One of the forks was ever so slightly bent, though. So, it may have been crashed in the past.

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Offline Kelly E

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Re: Steering stem lower bearing surface.
« Reply #4 on: September 30, 2025, 07:13:39 PM »
That looks like it bent right at the top of the bearing race. I would shop for a straight one.
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1977 Kawasaki KZ 1000 LTD                                   1985 GMC S15
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Offline Pbeattie89

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Re: Steering stem lower bearing surface.
« Reply #5 on: September 30, 2025, 07:47:23 PM »
Quote from: Kelly E on September 30, 2025, 07:13:39 PM
That looks like it bent right at the top of the bearing race. I would shop for a straight one.
Agreed. The direction of the bend lines up with a front end impact. I will be looking for a replacement.

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Offline Pbeattie89

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Re: Steering stem lower bearing surface.
« Reply #6 on: September 30, 2025, 07:50:53 PM »
I've come to the conclusion that it is bent from an accident in the past. I will be needing a new steering  stem. My top triple tree seems to be fine, so I just need the bottom. Does anybody know what years are interchangeable with a 1973?

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Offline bryanj

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Re: Steering stem lower bearing surface.
« Reply #7 on: October 01, 2025, 12:45:33 AM »
1973 what?
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Offline Pbeattie89

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Re: Steering stem lower bearing surface.
« Reply #8 on: October 01, 2025, 03:31:01 AM »
Quote from: bryanj on October 01, 2025, 12:45:33 AM
1973 what?
Cb750k

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Offline bryanj

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Re: Steering stem lower bearing surface.
« Reply #9 on: October 01, 2025, 05:08:25 AM »
To the best of my knowledge 1970 to 75 should be same but open to to being wrong
According to cmsnl see list
« Last Edit: October 01, 2025, 05:14:20 AM by bryanj »
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Semi Geriatric ex-Honda mechanic and MOT tester (UK version of annual inspection). Garage full of "projects" mostly 500/4 from pre 73 (no road tax in UK).

Remember "Its always in the last place you look" COURSE IT IS YOU STOP LOOKIN THEN!

Offline newday777

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Re: Steering stem lower bearing surface.
« Reply #10 on: October 01, 2025, 05:18:53 AM »
Quote from: bryanj on October 01, 2025, 05:08:25 AM
To the best of my knowledge 1970 to 75 should be same but open to to being wrong
According to cmsnl see list
1971-76 K1- K6

I most likely have a good lower tree in NH
« Last Edit: October 01, 2025, 05:24:43 AM by newday777 »
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Stu
Honda Parts manager in the mid 1970s Nashua Honda
My current rides
1975 K5 Planet Blue my summer ride, it was a friend's bike I worked with at the Honda shop in 76, lots of fun to be on it again
1976 K6 Anteres Red rebuilding project, was originally my brother's that I set up from the crate, it'll breath again soon!
Project 750s, 1 K2, 4 K6, 1 K8, 1 F1, 1 F3
2008 GL1800 my daily ride and cross country runner

Prior bikes....
1972 Suzuki GT380 I had charge of it for a year in 1973 while my friend was deployed and learned to love street riding....
New CB450 K7 after my friend returned...
New CB750 K5 Planet Blue, demise by ex cousin in law at 9,000 miles...
New CB750 K6 Anteres Red, to replace the totaled K5, I sold this K6 at 45k in 1983, I had heavily modified it, many great memories on it and have missed it greatly.....
1983 GL1100A, 1999 GL1500 SE, 1999 GL1500A

Offline Pbeattie89

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Re: Steering stem lower bearing surface.
« Reply #11 on: October 01, 2025, 06:23:58 AM »
Quote from: newday777 on October 01, 2025, 05:18:53 AM
Quote from: bryanj on October 01, 2025, 05:08:25 AM
To the best of my knowledge 1970 to 75 should be same but open to to being wrong
According to cmsnl see list
1971-76 K1- K6

I most likely have a good lower tree in NH
I sent you a PM.

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