Custom Steering Stem

Waldo1 · 06-23-2008, 04:35 AM

I have a 1990 ZX750H2. I want to put a 1994 ZX750M2 front end on my 1990. I can’t seem to find a set of bearings which will work so I need to have a custom steering stem made. Does anyone know who might make a custom steering stem?

Waldo1 · 06-24-2008, 11:02 AM

Anyone?

cali gixxer · 06-24-2008, 11:59 AM

if you can make the detailed drawing then any machine shop should be able to do it. Can you modify the existing stem to accomodate a different bearing (i.e. mill out some material)?

cali gixxer · 06-24-2008, 12:00 PM

keep in mind that a one-off stem is gonna be $$$ unless you know someone in the machining business

Black Snowman · 06-24-2008, 12:02 PM

It can obviously be done, and will require a lathe, outside that I think you're probably on your own to design it and then find a machine shop to make it. You should be able to compare the existing and new parts to find the dimensions you need.

Waldo1 · 06-25-2008, 03:05 AM

I was hoping to be able to send both the 94 and 90 stems and have the machinist figure it out. I don't know any machinists, let along one I trust with out heard from others how good they may be. I guess my questions should have been Does anyone know a good machinist who they would trust to machine a stem?

bbqb4racin · 06-25-2008, 08:29 AM

Since I don't have the parts in front of me, can you swap the stems? Are they pressed in? I was able to mount a later model GSXR front end on my 1980 CBX just by pressing the cbx stem out and pressing it into the GSXR clamp. Some shimming and other slight mods were necessary but the stem swap was a breeze.

Waldo1 · 06-25-2008, 08:50 AM

I don't know yet. I still need to get them to a press. I figured with my luck and the difference in frames they would be different. What would be the odds of the 90 stem fitting in the 94 bottom clamp? I will be buying a press next week. I will let you know.

bbqb4racin · 06-25-2008, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daring

I don't know yet. I still need to get them to a press. I figured with my luck and the difference in frames they would be different. What would be the odds of the 90 stem fitting in the 94 bottom clamp? I will be buying a press next week. I will let you know.

I hope you're buying a press cause you really need one, not just to perfrom this simple task. Most garages/repair shops have them. It wouldn't take but a minute to press the stems out.

What would be the odds of the 90 stem fitting in the 94 bottom clamp? Well, what would be the odds of a 1980 Honda stem fitting a late model GSXR bottom clamp? It did!

The other thing to check, (if the stems fit), is the total assembled height. I had to put one shim under the stem and one shim under the lower bearing for a perfect fit. I'm sure some sort of tweeking will be necessary. Also, don't forget about the steering stops. They'll probably need modded too.

Here: GSXR front end on a Honda. Makes for a better Honda!

Waldo1 · 06-25-2008, 10:46 AM

I was going to get one of the 12 ton presses. I am always saying "I wish I had a press" This just gives me a good reason not that I am more stable. I have press lots of dirt bike stems.

What are the odds, that is really funny. I guess things are not that different. I will have to cross my fingers. Good call on the stops. The good part is they are only one Gen apart so I hope they will not be that far off. My frame I believe is steel. So if I need to mod (add material) I can just weld it on.

I didn't think you could make a Honda better. I'm really a Honda guy at heart. Got a great deal on the ZX and couldn't pass it up.

The project will have to be on hold until after 14 July. Too much to do and/or will be in Maryland for a motocross race. I really have until Sept before I will be medically clear to ride. So I have plenty of time.

bbqb4racin · 06-25-2008, 12:28 PM

Here's an idea for ya. Kinda close to what I think you're trying to do:

Here's the entire thread from the website I'm on. You might join the site and contact the guy for more info:

The YAMASAKI - Custom Fighters - Streetfighter Motorcycle Forum

Waldo1 · 06-25-2008, 07:43 PM

Thanks for the info. Looks like it will be fun when it is done. Mine is a bit newer than that. I have a 1990 ZX7. I will join and follow this project. My first street bike was a RD400. I have a love for the 2-stroke.