Front Fork Top Bolt Torque setting?

[jmn]

Hi All -

Just replaced the two rubber "cushion covers" at the top of the front forks under the fork bridge - originals had completely deteriorated, and that bridge fork is quite snug! Took a lot of spray oil and taps from a rubber mallet to lift off the fork bridge - is that normal?

My question is - is there a torque setting for the front fork bolts? I realize as I tighten I'm squishing the rubber cushions down. Any thoughts?

Thanks!
Jon

[G-Man]

Hi Jon

Before I answer, what year is your bike? Only the very early bikes had rubber cusions between the fork bridge and the top of the headlamp 'ears'. Later bikes had the rubber in the chrome 'ribs' between the two fork covers.

G

Hi All -

Just replaced the two rubber "cushion covers" at the top of the front forks under the fork bridge - originals had completely deteriorated, and that bridge fork is quite snug! Took a lot of spray oil and taps from a rubber mallet to lift off the fork bridge - is that normal?

My question is - is there a torque setting for the front fork bolts? I realize as I tighten I'm squishing the rubber cushions down. Any thoughts?

Thanks!
Jon

[jmn]

Hi G- man,

It's a 1961 (harness says so), although licensed in '62.

Thanks.