Lowering fork to put in top cushion

msanford · Jan 5, 2021

Hi all - there is a missing cushion at the top of this fork on my cl350. I ordered one but my question is how much de-rigging do I need to do to get this on? First, Do I have to completely drain out the oil? Second, After detaching fork from wheel can I leave the ears on and basically lower the innards of the fork through the top of the ears/triple bridge crown ~1/2 inch to put the cushion on and then raise back up? Plz let me know the minimalist approach to get this cushion back in. Thanks!

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ancientdad · Jan 5, 2021

The simplest way would be to remove the top bridge (upper triple). Since you only need to lift it off high enough to slip the rubber spacer on the fork tubes and since your 350 is the later version with the clamp-style top bridge, all you'd need to do would be loosen the clamps on the tubes and remove the nut on the top of the steering stem, wiggle the bars a little to lift off the entire top bridge with bars/gauges all in place

msanford · Jan 5, 2021

I think I see the path, thanks. When the part comes I will try that way!

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ancientdad · Jan 5, 2021

This is exaggerated since I was reassembling my bike at the time, but essentially the same - loosen the clamps and remove the large chrome nut from the steering stem on top of the top bridge, then wiggle the bars and lift the entire assembly off (top bridge, bars, gauges)

LongDistanceRider · Jan 5, 2021

I notice that you don't have the D washer installed on the top pinch bolt in the picture. This is a spacer to prevent over tightening the clamp causing it to break, critical item!

ancientdad · Jan 5, 2021

Jim brings up a great point - many have cracked their top bridges even with the D washers in place and they will certainly be easy to crack without it, and they are unobtanium now so welding or aftermarket is the only option.

This is the part, #8 in the fiche

honda-cl350-scrambler-1972-k4-usa-steering-handle-top-bridge_bigma000149f03_f4c9.jpg

https://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cl350-scrambler-1972-k4-usa_model549/washer-spacer_53235300000/

guitargeak99 · Jan 7, 2021

ancientdad said:
Jim brings up a great point - many have cracked their top bridges even with the D washers in place and they will certainly be easy to crack without it, and they are unobtanium now so welding or aftermarket is the only option.

This is the part, #8 in the fiche

View attachment 6412

https://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cl350-scrambler-1972-k4-usa_model549/washer-spacer_53235300000/

Dang, I just looked and mine doesn't have the d washers either.
Looking at the link, is the only place to obtain these is from Europe?

JAYinNY · Jan 7, 2021

Back in summer 2019 I bought a set of D washers from a guy who produced replacements. I measured them and they are almost perfect. Here is his Email [email protected].

**Please note that I am not sure that these are the same as the CB350 as they were purchased for a different Honda, the CB550 four. I'm sure someone out there knows.

guitargeak99 · Jan 7, 2021

guitargeak99 said:
Dang, I just looked and mine doesn't have the D washers either.
Looking at the link, is the only place to obtain these is from Europe?

Well my eyes must be failing me - I actually do have the D washers. But they are not sandwiched tight at all, and my pinch bolts are very tight.
All my parts are original to the bike.
I would post a pic, but for some reason it won't upload to the sight.

Anyway, I don't want to hi-jack the thread, so I'll follow it.

LongDistanceRider · Jan 7, 2021

guitargeak99 · Jan 7, 2021

I would think that as long as you knew the correct washer thickness, you could make one that is close to correct.

msanford · Jan 15, 2021

Good eyes on the D-Washer / Spacer and yes I am aware. I did not ask b/c that replacement looks straightforward (even I can do that. . . maybe). Similar as noted above, the gap seems wider than a washer thickness. Interested to see how that goes when it finally arrives. Please Universe - let this one be simple!

I ordered these washers from the same company ("NOS Parts Now") that I am receiving the bridge cushion https://www.nospartsnow.com/

thanks!

ancientdad · Jan 15, 2021

msanford said:
I ordered these washers from the same company ("NOS Parts Now") that I am receiving the bridge cushion https://www.nospartsnow.com/

I'm curious to see how NOS Parts Now works out. They've come up in a lot of search results I've done and though they seem to have quite a bit of stuff, I've never ordered from them.

msanford · Jan 17, 2021

ancientdad said:
I'm curious to see how NOS Parts Now works out. They've come up in a lot of search results I've done and though they seem to have quite a bit of stuff, I've never ordered from them.

I will just be happy when they come in. I will let you know. Nice enough team. They responded right away to email and took care of me.

ancientdad · Jan 17, 2021

msanford said:
I will just be happy when they come in. I will let you know. Nice enough team. They responded right away to email and took care of me.

Definitely looking forward to how the transaction finishes. Always good to be able to add another trusted resource to our list.

Alan F. · Jan 17, 2021

JAYinNY said:
Back in summer 2019 I bought a set of D washers from a guy who produced replacements. I measured them and they are almost perfect. Here is his Email [email protected].

**Please note that I am not sure that these are the same as the CB350 as they were purchased for a different Honda, the CB550 four. I'm sure someone out there knows.

View attachment 6441 View attachment 6442 View attachment 6443

This could be SOHC4 member Johnie who has them listed in the For Sale section there. I understand he ships a batch every month based on demand.

msanford · Feb 14, 2021

ancientdad said:
Definitely looking forward to how the transaction finishes. Always good to be able to add another trusted resource to our list.

“NOS Parts Now” (NPN) can be viewed a reliable source. Unfortunately, USPS had the order stuck in Michigan forever as I watched the tracking. NPN was responsive, got my original order out right away. They even helped me merge 2 orders into one when I screwed-up forgetting I needed something else to order. They merged the orders and refunded me some shipping. In the end original Honda packaging and parts look just like what I need.

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ancientdad · Feb 14, 2021

Well, that's good news, I'll check them for stuff I need in the future. Always wondered if they were really legit, good to hear your experience. If you wouldn't mind, I'd appreciate you replicating this post in the Vendor Experiences section for others to see.

msanford · Feb 14, 2021

Sure, NO(S) Problem

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msanford · May 22, 2021

ancientdad said:
This is exaggerated since I was reassembling my bike at the time, but essentially the same - loosen the clamps and remove the large chrome nut from the steering stem on top of the top bridge, then wiggle the bars and lift the entire assembly off (top bridge, bars, gauges)

Ancientdad - I am finally getting around to doing this top fork cushion. I removed big steering column nut and loosened the bolts on the top of both forks. I am wiggling with all my might and I don't even see the upper triple tree budging. Is there some other bolt, nut, or cable that could be still holding it tight or any other wiggling techniques? Thanks

msanford · May 22, 2021

Replying to my own post - nevermind,I got it. using 2x4 and rubber mallet able to place from underneath the handlebar bolt and knock upward til I got it. Thanks

ancientdad · May 23, 2021

Sorry, I was 50 miles away from my computer at the time you posted that yesterday, just now seeing it. Yes, the clamps fit snugly on the tubes and it sometimes takes a little persuasion to get things moving. Better that than a sloppy fit

Clutch Cargo · May 23, 2021

Speaking of that little "top cushion", I have been searching high and low for one to replace a missing unit on my 1970 SL100. Of all the things, who would have thought that would be an unobtainium! I have scoured all the online resources I can find, and there seems to be no NOS or reproductions. eBay likewise does not turn up anything, short of the odd set of rusty headlight ears that appear to have one, or more, still attached.

msanford · May 24, 2021

Clutch Cargo said:
Speaking of that little "top cushion", I have been searching high and low for one to replace a missing unit on my 1970 SL100. Of all the things, who would have thought that would be an unobtainium! I have scoured all the online resources I can find, and there seems to be no NOS or reproductions. eBay likewise does not turn up anything, short of the odd set of rusty headlight ears that appear to have one, or more, still attached.

Did you see my post above re: NOS Parts Now? I got the one in the picture. However,It does not seem the same as he one on the other fork but at least some type of rubber cover is in there. Check them out. Thanks

Clutch Cargo · May 24, 2021

msanford said:
Did you see my post above re: NOS Parts Now? I got the one in the picture.

I did, and had come across their website in my many searches. They don't reflect having any part numbers that fit the smaller SL100 forks. However, as I look closer at your photo, the diameter of the part appears to be pretty small. And, you say that it does not seem the same as the parts you already have, so maybe there is some hope here. Can you measure the diameter of the center opening, and let me know?

msanford · May 25, 2021

That's what was going through my mind putting it on - 'is it possibly to a smaller model?'

Clutch Cargo · May 25, 2021

msanford said:
That's what was going through my mind putting it on - 'is it possibly to a smaller model?'

Very well could be. Possibly the exact one that I need for my SL100! From your reply, it appears that you already installed it, and can't measure. Unfortunately, the little brown envelope dose not show a part number. Can you tell me a) What bike you ordered it for? b)What part number they stated that they shipped you?

Looking through their site, under CL350, I find two...

https://www.nospartsnow.com/nos-honda-cb350-cl350-k4-k5-fork-ear-upper-mount-rubber-51601-317-700/

https://www.nospartsnow.com/nos-hon...-front-fork-upper-cover-rubber-51601-292-010/

msanford · May 27, 2021

I ordered it for CL350 k5. Let’s see if I can add pic from my order with numbers.

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Clutch Cargo · May 27, 2021

msanford said:
I ordered it for CL350 k5. Let’s see if I can add pic from my order with numbers.

Excellent. Thanks!

John72 · Saturday at 1:23 AM

I may be late to this game but I am putting the triple tree and that together.

Can't I use an 8mm washer and grind my own D ring washer?

Thx in advance

boddy · Saturday at 1:52 AM

You probably could use an 8mm washer but the important dimension is the thickness. If undersized it could lead to cracking of the top bridge. Here are some dimensions I took of the D washers.

Lowering fork to put in top cushion

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