Steering lock not working after adjusting head race bearings

[Gerald T]

After tightening steering head bearings and re torquing stem nut, steering lock would not engage. Using 1.5mm plastic shim, made a washer and fitted under top yolk, re torqued stem nut and lock works perfectly.

[Art]

 

If I was a gambling man I'd wager the problem be a worn or missing dust seal.

[oldtimer03]

+1 with Art. The steering head should not need any home made remedies. There must be something not quite right. Might be wise to check what you found on your bike vs a parts diagram.

[gerontius]

Just changed my steering head bearings for tapered bearings (big improvement)  now my steering lock does not engage.
Looks like the tapered bearings are thicker than OE Honda ball-races, hence the top yoke sits slightly higher so the lock pin does not engage. 
Thinking I'll need to trim the top edge of the pin to enable it to slide into the frame recess.

[oldtimer03]

I had roller bearings (from m&p I think), put into my mk1 headstock at 15k miles with no problems. I would just caution that if you trim metal off, you can’t put it back! Good luck.

[KiwiBob]

Originally Posted by gerontius

Just changed my steering head bearings for tapered bearings (big improvement)  now my steering lock does not engage.
Looks like the tapered bearings are thicker than OE Honda ball-races, hence the top yoke sits slightly higher so the lock pin does not engage. 
Thinking I'll need to trim the top edge of the pin to enable it to slide into the frame recess.

Highly unlikely you would need to do this. Bearings come in standard sizes even when changing from ball type to roller type. Before anyone replies, yes some manufacturers specify a bearing to their own specification/size but its rare with tapered roller types.

I would suggest that you haven't seated the bearing cup at the bottom of the stem or the bearing cone at the top all the way to their seats on the stem. What you may find if you ride the bike the bearings will shift slightly on the stem and you will need to re tension them. Ideally you need to take the top yoke off and use the right tool to seat the bearings properly.

Good luck.

KiwiBob

[gerontius]

Bob,
I think you're right, the OE Honda ball-races are non-standard thickness.
I've fixed the problem with two M8 washers to space the ignition switch down slightly on the top yoke -  only 1mm - now the steering lock works.
No play in the headstock so I'm happy they're seated properly.
Thanks,
John

PS - can we have your excellent PM please - we've got a vacancy !