Topic: K7/K8 750 steering head question

[cookindaddy]

On page IIIA-8 of Hondaman's book (I have the paperback), he shows that the triple tree contains D-washers in the slots for the fork clamps. Marks tends not to talk much about the later models. I don't have these washers in either my K7 or K8 triple tress and wondered if others knew if they were included in these models? I see the rationale to prevent over-tightening of the clamps. I had torqued them to the recommended so wonder if I should be worried about having those little washers or not? I just looked at the parts breakdown and they don't seem to be included on the 78 model?

I got a pleasant surprise when I pulled apart my 78 steering head as I found that some PO had already substituted roller bearings for the balls. It was nice and smooth acting before, but I will repack it with new grease.

[Nikkisixx]

I don't have them either, and recall a post about these NOT being part of the later models (although I can't seem to find it).  My Jedi post searching skills are weak today, sorry 

[knowsnothing]

If it makes you feel any better, neither of my 78's had those plastic washers either.  I was actually going to ask Mark about it (saw it in the book too  ). 

[Inigo Montoya]

Pretty sure they are not there. Page 12-19 of my 78K shop manual does not show anything like that.
But if I remember correctly, mark did not really have much experience with the older bikes as far as working on them.

[GammaFlat]

K7s and K8s do NOT have the "D" washers in the top triple tree where they hold the top of the shock.  They have a different design.  My K6 doesn't have the "D" washers either but that's not good.  I need to fabricate a set because as mentioned in HMan's book, you'll break the upper triple tree.  Not good. 

[MCRider]

If it makes you feel any better, neither of my 78's had those plastic washers either.  I was actually going to ask Mark about it (saw it in the book too  ). 

For those bikes that do have them, they are not plastic but steel, and a tad thicker than a standard washer. So you can't make them from a standard washer, at least not perfectly. Top tree may still crack. The head nut washers work IIRC, but not everyone has extras laying around.