Handlebars move horizontally

Hello,

I went to see 2001 Silverwing ( 19k miles, UK bike ) last week with intention to buy. After a regular brake, electrics, steering head bearings check ( no forks play found and handlebars were moving smoothly!) I performed “front wheel bearings check” by putting scooter on the centre stand, holding front wheel between my feet, I drabbed handlebars with my hands to see if I can feel any notch … and handlebars moved about 3 mm to the side I was applying force !!!

It was not a vertical move to suspect loose handlebars clams, but horizontal – from right to left – about 3-4mm. I had to apply some strength thou to do so. Basically, I could move them to both sides like I was doing when I wanted to align handle bars with the front wheel on my bicycle 20 years ago :D

Owner showed me the invoice head bearings were changed 3,000 miles ago. As well as, some other invoices for OIL and FILTER change???!!! No sign of crash damage as well … however … handle bars plastic were not put together professionally or I would say the mechanic who did work on this bike was not a perfectionist :D .

I did not buy this bike but when home to have a look at the fiche. However, I could only find fiche for

HandleBars

http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmotorcycles/2002-honda-fsc600-silver-wing/o/m2321#sch104976

and Steering Stem

http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmotorcycles/2002-honda-fsc600-silver-wing-steering-stem/o/m2321sch101732

and no fiche on some kind of FORK TOP PLATE/BRIDGE handlebars will attach to.

I suspect the handlebars will clamp on the fork top bridge via that clamp Nr 7 on the handlebars fiche and clamp bolts might got loose or mechanic did not bother to put them at all :D and that results handlebar play.

Can somebody with HONDA SERVICE MANUAL take a picture of FORK TOP PLATE diagram and post it on this forum?

Any idea on what causes the handle bar move would be more then appreciated.

Many Thanks,

A.

Send me your email address through a PM and I'll email you the 2 pdf scans that you need. I can't seem to post them here, as they're probably too big, around 500k each.
Terry

OK.
Just read KurtPerthWA’s instruction on chanching forks and realised that there is no fork top bridge, just steering stem’s clamps which suggested handlebars are clumping on the steering stem tube. Questionable solution I think …

Anyway, I think I have got the answer. I will let everybody know did tightening those two bolts eluminated handlebar play.

Ride safely.

Ok. This Saturday I became ANOTHER happy Silverwing 600 owner.
Saturday morning I put some instruments and my large torque range to my girlfriend’s bag in order not to get silverwing owner wandering what I am going to do! :D Took bike for a test drive, popped into to McDonald’s parking, removed handlebar plastic, tightened one bolt ( on 2001 model it’s one bolt, not two ) and “voila” . All took about 10min with girlfriend’s assisting and helped me to knock £250 from the asking price !!!

Big thankyou to “bigbird” for emailing me instructions and torque specifications.

metallic_lt wrote:

Big thankyou to “bigbird” for emailing me instructions and torque specifications.

My pleasure. That's the spirit of this forum, helping other Swing owners. I have been helped here many times, and I believe in paying it forward.
Terry