breather recall

[esanders@anlt.com]

Need advice: During my usual pre-flight checks, I found my bike's steering head lock nut (under the crossbar) could be loosened by hand. I haven't noticed any bearing clunk or looseness, so I don't think the adjustment has changed. Should I: a) just snug the bolt with an open-end wrench and ride? b) remove the handlebars and torque with a socket? c) loosen the lower triple clamp forks before tightening the nut (per manual). d) elevate bike, check steering, adjust clamps, torque nut, recheck? Thanks, Eric A13L "Beef"

[Chris Krok]

I recall my previous posts, and go with Mr. T's suggestion of a breather port in the valve cover. If the existing port is getting below the oil line with a high angle of attack (i.e., wheelie), the pumping action of the piston is going to shove some amount of oil through the hose, even if it is rerouted to the front. I'm my own worst enemy! C -- Dr. J. Christopher Krok Project Engineer, Adaptive Wall Wind Tunnel Graduate Aeronautical Laboratories, California Institute of Technology MS 205-45 Phone: 626.395.4794 Pasadena, CA 91125 Fax: 626.449.2677