Topic: Reassembly of the forks/headlamp ears/triple clamps... CB750

[sbparks]

Hi Folks,

 Hoping that someone can refresh my memory here.

 I am in the process of re-assembling the forks into the triple clamps.  Everything going together nicely.

 I can't quite remember how the headlamp ears fit around the forks and, especially, how the two rubber setting grommets (top and bottom) come into the picture.  And also, the chrome ring that, I think, holds the top of the fork gators to the bottom of the ear... How does that ring get installed?

 Any suggestions? 

 Pictures provided for reference.

 I do appreciate your help - Thank you!

Scott

[nancy]

Hi Scott,
The rubbers are inners to go inside the ears, to prevent vibration upsetting the headlamp and causing cracks in the shell as well. Just push them up into the base and the forks should squeeze up through them. Ears come down onto forks and tree lines up with cutouts in ears.The chrome ring thing is a pain. Not sure on best procedure but when I put mine togther with new gaitors I ended up fitting the ring onto the gaitor end first, held it on while I ran the gaitor down the fork, followed by the ear and somehow I managed to fiddle the clip/gaitor onto the base of the ear by screwing pushing and swearing. A bit of levering with a small flat blade screwdrive too.
They sort of screw and shove on and didn't seem to really engage but have stayed on for 6 months since I did the job.
All the best.
regards
Mark

[Johnie]

Yes, the ears, rubbers and ring have to be on the tree before you slide the fork tubes on. And you may want to use some silicone on the inside of the rubbers as it will make it easier to slide the fork tubes up into place. Last, be sure you have the gators on right as there is a top and bottom. Here are a couple pics to help you out...

[sbparks]

Thanks for far guys!

Johnnie... Alright, that makes sense... All of the parts need to be on or in the headlight ears before sliding the fork tube up into it.

 Now, the gator ring... It can be turned two ways... Do you remember the orientation?

 I do have the gator attached to the fork (bottom).  I'm not certain I have it oriented correctly.  Not sure which is up and down.

 Any additional details?

Scott

[Johnie]

The fat part of the ring goes to the bottom. If you have it upside down you will have trouble keeping the gator in the chrome ring. Take a look at the gator on the pic and you can see the large ring is on the bottom. Click to enlarge...

[sbparks]

All,

 I was able to install the fork ears this afternoon and also to get the fork gators up over the retainer slots that are found at the bottom of the fork ears

 My trim rings sits right above the fork gators.  I don't see that they actually hold the gator in place, but they do trim the top of the gators nicely.

 Thanks for your help!

 Now, I'm on to my fenders!

Scott

[Rddmm2]

I didn't want to start a new thread, and I apologize in advance for making you go over this again,
Must I raise the front end and remove the wheel,? and will it become obvious how to remove the fork ears for repainting at that point?
I removed the top triple tree but now realize i can only get access from the bottom. ( hey, it worked on a K8)
How does the fork ear slip over the bottom tree pinch bolts?
Can Johnnie kindly set out the first few basic steps for front end disassembly for an early cb750 in order to remove fork ears newbie style?
thanks

[Johnie]

Yes, you will have to block the front of the bike up and take the tire off. I use a stand and block it up on the frame. Then remove the speedo cable from the wheel (careful as that phillips head is easy to strip). Then remove the wheel. You already have the top triple tree off per your note. Take off the front fender and remove the front caliper bolts. I use a bungie cord to hold the front caliper so it does not dangle by the hose. So now remove the 2 front fork bolts (1 each fork) located under the headlight area. Now you are ready to slide the fork tubes down and out of the ears. You may have to lift up on the gator to twist the top fork tube to break it free, but it will slide out. Once the forks are out you can get the ears off. The bottom part of the ear will just pull out of the lower tree and you got it. You may want to take some pics. Pay attention to how the ear rubbers go back in there. You may find it easier to get the tire off after you take the front fender off. It depends on how high you are able to raise the front.

[Rddmm2]

Thanks for the 'how to' outline.  This site is such a great resource for us mechanically challenged
 - the boots are torn at the top so I'm looking to replace and I'll replace the steering bearings while I'm there. - I know, that's an entirely different thread so I'll cross that bridge a bit later

[Johnie]

Thanks for the 'how to' outline.  This site is such a great resource for us mechanically challenged
 - the boots are torn at the top so I'm looking to replace and I'll replace the steering bearings while I'm there. - I know, that's an entirely different thread so I'll cross that bridge a bit later

Yah, there is a great thread on the steerings with pics. Just do a search and you can find it. It is like 20 pages long.