OK... before i start, i just adjusted my fall away about 5 days ago, so i was cool on that... if you have not done this be sure you do...
replaced the stem nut washer and here is how i did it
Tools: flat head screw driver, big @$$ socket, breaker bar, torque wrench, and hammer



1. COVER THE TANK
2. unscrew show cap
3. use screw driver to bend down original washer (may take a few light taps with a hammer)



4. Use breaker bar to break stem nut loose... and unscrew



5. remove old washer and throw away
6. add small amount of oil to theads
7. put new washer on stem



8. use torque wrench to tighten the stem nut to 70 - 80lbs (I did 80)



9. screw back on show cap
10. wipe off finger prints and remove towel from tank
11. marvel at your job well done...



*it was great to ride last night and not hear CLUNK on every bump... was very solid and handled great!

 

I now this has been on other posts, but what is the part number for the washer?

 

ahh ya know what... i did not write that down... someone put a post out about both part numbers one for just the washer for 2 bucks and the other for the washer and directions 7 bucks

 

Joe, how difficult is it to perform the fall away test and the following adjustment if needed? I did my 1000 mile first service myself (did everything except the fall away test, no jack) and I'm coming up on the 5000 one real soon. Having second thoughts on maybe having the dealer do it since the bike has not seen the dealer since the day I took her home.

Good job on the how to by the way.

 

was pretty easy... just spoke to my dad and he thinks i should do the fall away now that i removed the stem nut... anyone put anything to this? If i have to do it again i will do another write up... but it was pretty easy

 

I used the manual and google searches for how to do it... it was easy

 

Thanks for the input, I have the manual, it just seems a little imprecise with having the clutch, brake and throttle cables pulling on the bars to a certain degree which would affect the fall away. I guess my next purchase is a jack and give it a shot.

If you do the test again a how to would be great.

 

JRK, good write up.

#6 oil??

I use Blue ThreadLocker on my big nuts.

mud

 

good write up ... is the big assed socket 1 1/2" like on my 05 wide glide front end?
does the 49mm have an adjustor nut under the top tree for the fall away?
If not, I would check fall away again even though you did not loosen the pinch bolts.
you never know and it is really easy to do.

 

not to mention it is hard to get your bike exactly level on a jack!!!
good news is you have a variable measurement of from 2-4 inches I believe...