Left mirror & clutch assembly clamp not clamping

[Roland]

Hi all

I've been trying to set up my bars and controls so that nothing hits the fairing or the screen. Well, I've managed that which I'm really happy about but now having difficulty with the clamp on the left side that holds the whole mirror and clutch assembly. I just can't get it tight enough and now the screws are getting damaged. Bit annoyed that these are just screws rather than bolts like on the right side. I don't recall even having a bike with screws doing this job.

Anyway, I can't get the clamp tight enough. I tried tape underneath but it altered the bar diameter too much. It looks to me that the shape of the clamp and the bar are slightly different so there is a gap.

Any ideas appreciated!

Cheers

[Austin]

I have never had a problem with mine, but can't really recall exactly how they whole thing goes together so not much help. Is there a small tang on the clamp that should be locating in a hole in the 'bars? I am pretty sure there is on the RHS. If there is you will need to grind or file it off. other wise the clamp will only go in one place.

No reason why you can't replace the screws with bolts - probably allen head bolts best. I am pretty sure they will be M5 threads.

Good luck.

[chalky4]

Hi all

I've been trying to set up my bars and controls so that nothing hits the fairing or the screen. Well, I've managed that which I'm really happy about but now having difficulty with the clamp on the left side that holds the whole mirror and clutch assembly. I just can't get it tight enough and now the screws are getting damaged. Bit annoyed that these are just screws rather than bolts like on the right side. I don't recall even having a bike with screws doing this job.

Anyway, I can't get the clamp tight enough. I tried tape underneath but it altered the bar diameter too much. It looks to me that the shape of the clamp and the bar are slightly different so there is a gap.

Any ideas appreciated!

Cheers

As Austin said there is a small hole on the bars which has to locate a pin on the indicator/light cluster of this isn't located then it won't tighten fully which will produce the gap you talk about. Not sure whether vibration will cause it to move if you file the pin off?!
BTW my hand guards fowl the screen slightly when on full lock

[FatFergie]

I'm not sure what bike you have Roland but my 600 doesn't have the locator pin that Austin and Chalky mention.
It sounds odd that it doesn't fit. Do both sides meet up top and bottom before the screws are tight? If so you could use a strip of aluminium from a beer can (You might have to drink some of it) to shim out the clamp or file off some of the mating surfaces.
Your clamp or part of it could also have been replaced by one from another bike. Motocrossers and trailbikes sometimes use perches that have a teflon liner that stops them from gripping tight (to avoid breakages).

[Roland]

Thanks to all of you for the replies.

It't the TA 700.

It was fine before I messed with it

No locating pin at all. Nice and (too) smooth inside the clamp.

The screws tighten and the clamps meet at both sides but only where the scrww goes in - there is a gap at either side. Also around the circumference. I have tightened to screws as much as I can without ruining them, and the controls seem OK now, but I don't trust them under proper use. I'm thinking of using that light teflon plumbing tape plus changing the screw for bolts.

Very strange!

But hey, nothing fowls on anything now

[MandoBear]

The Philips head screws on the clutch lever are't great - you should be able to pick up some stainless allen-headed ones which would enable you to get them tight. A local metalwork suppliers should be able to see you right - for a few pence each probably. I think you're supposed to fully tighten the top screw (so no gap at the top) and then tighten the bottom one to get the clamp to grip the bar tightly.

[tramp]

hi Roland,
as stated above get some stainless allen bolts from local supllier and use some lock tight stuff.

best to take along said knackered screw so thy can match for thread amd lenght, if internal thread knackered use a rethread tool from someone or buy a cheap set off ebay always usefull to have.

tramp

[Austin]

I am also pretty sure on the 650 the top and bottom halves have to locate with each other properly at the front side (the side thats away from as you sit on the bike). One half has a small tang the other a rebate and the two have to match up else they won't close properly. Try offering up the 2 halves up off the bars to see how they should locate and close up, then make sure it is exactly the same when fitting around the 'bars.

Try stagonset for stainless screws on line.
Stagonset Stainless Nuts and Bolts, Screws and Fasteners

[Roland]

Thanks so much for all the advice guys.

I'm going to go to the Honda dealer tomorrow and get some bolts that would go in the right side assembly and see if they are the same fir for left. Then I will take the left assembly off and have a good look for lugs and holes.

In the meantime I think it's worth buying a selection of SS bolts of different sizes as suggested.

I'll report back when sorted out. Thanks again.

[MandoBear]

I think you're supposed to fully tighten the top screw (so no gap at the top) and then tighten the bottom one to get the clamp to grip the bar tightly.

Sorry - my mistake... you should fully tighten the FRONT screw (so no gap at the front), and then tighten the REAR one to get the clamp to grip.

Don't know as you'd need to use loctite - it's not as if the handlebar ends are subject to that kind of vibration, and it just makes the screws harder to get out next time.

Be prepared to pay through the nose for genuine Honda bolts.