Handlebar Top Clamp Variance

[Aka Tsubasa_imp]

My two handlebar top clamps do not have even gaps at the back. The left one has a .022" gap and the right one has a .046" gap. I have loosened and retorqued both clamps ensuring the fronts are touching and all the gap is at the back. Is it normal for the gaps to vary so much? I have asked my dealer and they have no clue. Honda was contacted and their local rep refuses to answer if it is good or not. I find the gap variance really distracting. I would just like to know what others have seen.

 

[Houtman_imp]

change them over and see if the gaps are still different , could be that the caps are slightly different in the machining ; check them carefully.

 

[Aka Tsubasa_imp]

change them over and see if the gaps are still different , could be that the caps are slightly different in the machining ; check them carefully.

Suspecting that the large gap clamp was incorrect, I bought a second cap for the right side. This resulted in a gap that was the same or a bit larger. Unfortunately, the problem most likely lies in the bottom saddle or the bar diameter. On a side note, the two bar dimples by the clamps are in different positions. The right dimple, when lined up with the right clamp gap, positions the left dimple higher than the left clamp gap. I wonder if the bar is bent improperly or the dimples were struck incorrectly.

 

[Lord Popgun]

Properly torqued with a torque wrench, mine is:

Left: .015
Right: .029

 

[Aka Tsubasa_imp]

Properly torqued with a torque wrench, mine is:

Left: .015
Right: .029

Although, I wish my values were closer to yours, that was extremely helpful. Thanks Popgun! So double is ot unusual. This web site is great!

 

[dave]

My two handlebar top clamps do not have even gaps at the back. The left one has a .022" gap and the right one has a .046" gap. I have loosened and retorqued both clamps ensuring the fronts are touching and all the gap is at the back. Is it normal for the gaps to vary so much? I have asked my dealer and they have no clue. Honda was contacted and their local rep refuses to answer if it is good or not. I find the gap variance really distracting. I would just like to know what others have seen.

Why are you concerned with a .024" difference? There are manufacturing tolerances for four separate items here - the lower bar mount, the handlebars, and the two clamps. Plus, the method that the bolts are tightened will affect the gap also. As long as the bars are tight and you have a gap then you have nothing to worry about.

 

[PowerDubs_imp]

Yea- are the bars moving? No? Chillax.

Go grab a beer.

 

[Aka Tsubasa_imp]

Yea- are the bars moving? No? Chillax.

Go grab a beer.

Lol. Nice.

 

[the Ferret]

I have never even looked at mine in 4 years. Non observant I must be lol

 

[Aka Tsubasa_imp]

I have never even looked at mine in 4 years. Non observant I must be lol

I am a details kind of guy.

 

[the Ferret]

Ok I went out and observed mine. Both touching at front. In the rear, they were very very close, gaps so narrow I could just barely get a business card to slide in there.

 

[Aka Tsubasa_imp]

Ok I went out and observed mine. Both touching at front. In the rear, they were very very close, gaps so narrow I could just barely get a business card to slide in there.

I wish mine were like that. My theory is that the right knurled area on some bars had more pressure applied during manufacture which resulted in a larger diameter than the left side. This is based on the overwhelming evidence of Popgun and myself. lol