Handlebar Holder and Clutch and Brake Control Attachment Question

 

2006 Honda Shadow 600.

I had my handlebars off once ... and when I put them back on I carefully
followed the instructions in the shop manual.

The handlebars are held in place by two handlebar holders on the bottom, and
two shallow "C"-shaped things on top that are secured by two bolts each.

It seems to be just a pure friction clamp kind of thing to trap the
handlebars with a lot of friction.

However, on the C-shaped part on top, there is a stamped dot that the shop
manual claims must go towards the top (towards the front of the motorcycle).

The clutch and brake are held on similarly, and the C-shaped part towards me
has a clear "top" marking.

Here is my question:  Why are there "top" markings on these C-shaped things?
The parts look absolutely symmetrical, and I could install them rotated 180
degrees with no issues (I think).

The handlebar holder top "C" parts look symmetrical to me ... why does it
matter which side goes towards the front of the bike?  Seems to be a pure
friction fit ...

Thanks for any insight, DF.

 

wrote:


I dunno why the clamps are identifed as to top and bottom, but Honda
engineers have some crazy idea that the top side of the clamp should
be tightened until the
gap between the upper triple clamp and the top half completely
disappears, while a gap remains at the other end.

They also recommend this odd practice on axle clamps.

I had a Suzuki shop mechanic do warranty work on my GS1100 three times
and everytime he installed the front wheel he tightened the clamp as
though it was a Honda.

Just as soon as I left the shop, I would stop and reinstall the axle
clamps according to the Suzuki manual, with equal gaps on both sides...

 


The handebar clamps were the scheme you mentioned (never looked at the
instructions for the clutch and brake, as never have removed them).  The
shop manual says essentially to torque down the front then the rear, so that
there is no gap in the front.

From an engineering point of view, that may make sense, as it gives less
opportunity for things to move when you have the clamp top and bottom in
tensioned contact with each other.

But I still can't figure out the rationale for the markings.  The tops of
the handlebar holders appear to be absolutely symmetric ... I can't figure
out why Honda has bothered to identify the front and back.

DF

 



Nor me, ever, in 35 years. They did it with the clamps on the bottom of
the fork legs, that old the wheel spindle in place. My 400F has them.
Completely symmetrical, but they have an arrow indicating that this side
must face forwards.

Ignore it and stop worrying.



--
BMW K1100LT  Ducati 750SS  Honda CB400Fx2  Triumph Street Triple
Kawasaki GT550x2  Suzuki TS250ERx2 GN250  Damn, up to ten bikes!
Try Googling before asking a damn silly question.
chateau dot murray at idnet dot com

 


Look, you quarrelsome pensioner, I'm not worrying.  I'm just curious.

I've reassembled things per the shop manual (maybe 2 years ago now), but the
other day I was riding down the road and noticed the marks again ... I just
have to know.

I just have to know.

I just have to know.

I just have to know.

One possibility that I haven't investigated is that the parts actually are
not symmetrical.  The upper face of the clamp top (the face that contacts
the lower holder if you follow Honda's instructions and torque down the
front first) could actually be at a different angle than the rear face.
This is something that may escape casual observation.  I have a spare at
home ... I'll check that possibility out this weekend.

I just have to know.

I just have to know.

DF.