Tonti steering head adjustment help

[guzzifan]

I’ve located the slight ‘knocking’ sound in my Convert front end down to a slight movement of the upper triple tree and the chrome top nut (with the Guzzi emblem). 

I tightened the triple tree hex bolt that clamps the chrome nut about as tightly as I dare.  It grips the chrome nut when bike is stopped, but when I ride and brake I can actually slightly turn the chrome nut with my hand.  If I bounce the bike on the front suspension (while stopped) I can get a bit more tightening of the clamp hex bolt but I am unsure how tight I can go.

Is there a recommended procedure I am not following?  My various manuals just say ‘reassemble in the reverse order of removal’.  The actual steering adjustment nut below the top triple tree seems tight and no steering bearing slop is present, it just seems that the top tree is not clamping the chrome nut as tight as it should.

Thanks for the help.

[guzzisteve]

Just so you know--- the nut gets 80ftlbs torque down to adjustment nut underneath tree, the pinch bolts on trees are 32ftlbs

[guzziart]

FWIW...

For checking head bearing preload I've used a method described in the Honda Goldwing maintenance manual.  Basically, to check preload after you have adjusted the head bearing or replaced them or have confirmed that they are in serviceable condition, using a fish scale, attach the scale to one of the fork legs underneath the lower clamp and pull it through lock to lock.  An acceptable amount of force to pull the fork lock to lock is 3-5Lbs.  I've used this method on my other bikes with good results.
To attach the fish scale, I utilize a reusable ty-rap and place it loosely around the fork then hook the fish scale through the ty-rap.
I don't know how much it matters what the head bearing stem nut is torqued to (my experience is usually 20-25lbs.ft) in preloading the head bearing as long as after the stem nut & lock nut are tightened down the result is 3-5lbs. of pull is required to go lock to lock.
And, the front wheel is off the bike when I do the head bearing preload fish scale check.


And this.....https://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=115893.0