Steering stem removal?

Mr Gazza · 21-09-2021, 07:51 PM

Does anyone know if the stem can be removed from the bottom yoke on Monster/SS Circa 2000?
Is refitting the reversal of removal or does it come out and stay out?

Thanks in advance.

Bitza · 22-09-2021, 06:52 AM

Now this is interesting someones got to have done it before? have considered trying it myself on the basis that it's one big heavy lump of steel which could be replaced with a Ti version? I can see your concerns because when you put it all back together it really does HAVE to stand up to the rigors of it's job.

Mr Gazza · 22-09-2021, 08:05 AM

I hadn't thought of replacing it with a Ti one, but that's a good call Bitza..

I don't even know if it's threaded, pressed or cast in? Could be that it has to be machined out?

Nasher · 22-09-2021, 08:38 AM

I'm 95% sure they are pressed in Mr G

slob · 22-09-2021, 08:43 AM

and if it’s pressed does it have a taper that dictates removal direction.
Titanium has lower thermal expansion than steel, so you’d have some careful calculations to make before turning the replacement stem

Mr Gazza · 22-09-2021, 09:35 AM

I found a post on another forum by a certain Dukedesmo, he managed to unscrew the stem out of a 916, I think it was.
It would be good if it was threaded, but if not I think I would be tempted to try making the replacement threaded.
Perhaps starting by using the existing to centre the stem up in the lathe and then machine it out. Then cut the new thread while still centred.
Er? First step, get a lathe!

Anybody got a crashed/unserviceable bottom yoke?

Nasher · 22-09-2021, 10:09 AM

Strangely I was looking at this just a couple of days ago because the Steering lock lugs are broken off the bottom Yoke on my 999 project.

On that the stem is threaded and can be replaced, all-be-it with a bit of heat and a big Vice.
But it has the more bulky style yoke, not the more skinny style used on M and SS bikes.
From what I discovered the fixing method is one of the differences between the two bottom yokes.

Dukedesmo · 22-09-2021, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Gazza

I found a post on another forum by a certain Dukedesmo, he managed to unscrew the stem out of a 916, I think it was.

916 is indeed a threaded stem but a Monster (at least the old type) is pressed in - not sure how likely it would come apart without damage or if you'd then be able to re-press it back in again?

AFAIK the SS uses the same press-in setup but is a different (offset?) yoke to a Monster?

Dukedesmo · 22-09-2021, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nasher

On that the stem is threaded and can be replaced, all-be-it with a bit of heat and a big Vice.

I fitted Ohlins forks to my 916 which required a larger (56mm) bottom yoke.

I bought a billet Ohlins yoke and it was supplied with the 2 blocks to hold the stem in the vice (without crushing it!), I think you'd struggle without such blocks as it is well stuck in there with age, loctite, corrosion etc.

You're welcome to borrow the blocks (assuming same size on 999?) if you need them.

Nasher · 22-09-2021, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dukedesmo

I bought a billet Ohlins yoke and it was supplied with the 2 blocks to hold the stem in the vice (without crushing it!), I think you'd struggle without such blocks as it is well stuck in there with age, loctite, corrosion etc.

You're welcome to borrow the blocks (assuming same size on 999?) if you need them.

Thanks DD.
My 999 has the adjustable headstock, and until I take it to bits I'm not sure what diameter the stem is.
I've got a replacement yoke on the way, but haven't yet found a set of 848/1098 etc Radial forks to drop in, so I won't be doing it for a while.
Oh, and the further I dig the more other work the bike needs!

I've been offered a pair of Ohlins forks and bottom Yoke, but they are completely out of my reach budget wise.

Nasher.

Nasher · 22-09-2021, 12:43 PM

My 'New To Me' 999 threaded stem and yoke just rocked up.

It has a distinctive collar machined into the stem which from memory the pressed in M/SS ones don't.

Just need to figure out why the guy took it apart now

Mr Gazza · 22-09-2021, 01:03 PM

Thanks for all the info. Looking at my M and SS yokes from below, does seem to confirm that they're pressed in. Whether or not the stem or yoke is tapered remains to be seen.

The way forward might be to have a threaded portion on the new stem, protruding below the yoke and put a big nut on it FT. Then the interference fit could be a bit more home user friendly.

Since no-one wants to buy my SS, I have re-visited the thinking of the big conversion.. It is only thinking at the moment, but It's still for sale until the hacksaw comes out..

Kato · 22-09-2021, 04:23 PM

The early Monster and SS yokes do indeed come apart and as already stated are press fit but also locktited (is that even a word) you will need a very sturdy hydraulic press with a minimum 10 ton ram and they will make one hell of a bang when finally it lets go......

Never checked the fit for a taper so can't advise

Kato · 22-09-2021, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nasher

Just need to figure out why the guy took it apart now

Probably because you could buy lower yokes for the 749/999 that required you to fit the original steering stem

Dukedesmo · 22-09-2021, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nasher

My 999 has the adjustable headstock, and until I take it to bits I'm not sure what diameter the stem is.

I think it should be the same as 916 etc. (33mm).

Another advantage of the Ohlins yoke is that it has a hole in the bottom so you can use a conventional headstock stand.

Here's a pic because, well why not!

Sheer porn, compared to this cast piece;

21-09-2021, 07:51 PM	#1
Mr Gazza Lord of the Rings Join Date: May 2013 Location: Norwich Bike: M900sie Posts: 5,840	Steering stem removal? Does anyone know if the stem can be removed from the bottom yoke on Monster/SS Circa 2000? Is refitting the reversal of removal or does it come out and stay out? Thanks in advance. __________________

22-09-2021, 06:52 AM	#2
Bitza Bronze Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Poole Bike: M900ie Posts: 470	Now this is interesting someones got to have done it before? have considered trying it myself on the basis that it's one big heavy lump of steel which could be replaced with a Ti version? I can see your concerns because when you put it all back together it really does HAVE to stand up to the rigors of it's job. __________________ Bitza

22-09-2021, 08:05 AM	#3
Mr Gazza Lord of the Rings Join Date: May 2013 Location: Norwich Bike: M900sie Posts: 5,840	I hadn't thought of replacing it with a Ti one, but that's a good call Bitza.. I don't even know if it's threaded, pressed or cast in? Could be that it has to be machined out? __________________

22-09-2021, 08:38 AM	#4
Nasher Registered User Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Portsmouth Bike: M900 Posts: 1,510	I'm 95% sure they are pressed in Mr G __________________ Heaven doesn't want me, and Hell is afraid I'll take over.

22-09-2021, 09:35 AM	#6
Mr Gazza Lord of the Rings Join Date: May 2013 Location: Norwich Bike: M900sie Posts: 5,840	I found a post on another forum by a certain Dukedesmo, he managed to unscrew the stem out of a 916, I think it was. It would be good if it was threaded, but if not I think I would be tempted to try making the replacement threaded. Perhaps starting by using the existing to centre the stem up in the lathe and then machine it out. Then cut the new thread while still centred. Er? First step, get a lathe! Anybody got a crashed/unserviceable bottom yoke? __________________ Last edited by Mr Gazza; 22-09-2021 at 09:40 AM..

22-09-2021, 08:43 AM	#5
slob . Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: East London Bike: Multiple Monsters Posts: 9,714	and if it’s pressed does it have a taper that dictates removal direction. Titanium has lower thermal expansion than steel, so you’d have some careful calculations to make before turning the replacement stem

22-09-2021, 10:09 AM	#7
Nasher Registered User Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Portsmouth Bike: M900 Posts: 1,510	Strangely I was looking at this just a couple of days ago because the Steering lock lugs are broken off the bottom Yoke on my 999 project. On that the stem is threaded and can be replaced, all-be-it with a bit of heat and a big Vice. But it has the more bulky style yoke, not the more skinny style used on M and SS bikes. From what I discovered the fixing method is one of the differences between the two bottom yokes. __________________ Heaven doesn't want me, and Hell is afraid I'll take over.

22-09-2021, 12:43 PM	#11
Nasher Registered User Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Portsmouth Bike: M900 Posts: 1,510	My 'New To Me' 999 threaded stem and yoke just rocked up. It has a distinctive collar machined into the stem which from memory the pressed in M/SS ones don't. Just need to figure out why the guy took it apart now __________________ Heaven doesn't want me, and Hell is afraid I'll take over.

22-09-2021, 01:03 PM	#12
Mr Gazza Lord of the Rings Join Date: May 2013 Location: Norwich Bike: M900sie Posts: 5,840	Thanks for all the info. Looking at my M and SS yokes from below, does seem to confirm that they're pressed in. Whether or not the stem or yoke is tapered remains to be seen. The way forward might be to have a threaded portion on the new stem, protruding below the yoke and put a big nut on it FT. Then the interference fit could be a bit more home user friendly. Since no-one wants to buy my SS, I have re-visited the thinking of the big conversion.. It is only thinking at the moment, but It's still for sale until the hacksaw comes out.. __________________

22-09-2021, 04:23 PM	#13
Kato Dismantled Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: East Molesey Bike: Multiple Monsters Posts: 2,228	The early Monster and SS yokes do indeed come apart and as already stated are press fit but also locktited (is that even a word) you will need a very sturdy hydraulic press with a minimum 10 ton ram and they will make one hell of a bang when finally it lets go...... Never checked the fit for a taper so can't advise __________________ "Political correctness is just intellectual colonialism and psychological fascism for the creation of thought crime" Last edited by Kato; 22-09-2021 at 04:30 PM..