I suppose it depends on how you define "pointer". It's two reference points. One stationary, one mobile.

 

You're good -bike tracks better



If you're **** - um like me - also remove the caliper

Want both sides as equal in weight as is reasonably feasible (removing the rotor - though correct - is too much a PITA imo)


OP

Do this by the book (Gorman's write up here) a couple of times - you develop a feel..., then can go that route going forward


Ghost

 

His bike has dual front brakes.

 

Thanks JOD


One add'l note on this

Setting up a bike to "spec" - gives one a decent performing off the self scoot

Setting a bike to one's feel - gives one a custom performing scoot


So long as the head bearings properly seated - adjust further to your liking (feel)


Same can be said about many aspects of setting up a bike - suspension / controls / brakes - for example


Ghost

 

I'm definitely in the do it by feel camp. I did it by the book once and it was too loose. Keep in mind that you also have to under shoot the final tightness since when you torque the nut on the top triple tree it'll move the start nut a little bit more in the tightness direction.

 

I might be wrong here but have you checked that the Stem nut is torqued to spec, the Moco released a modified stem nut washer that was torqued more than the older ones, and to torque stem nut do not forget to loosen clamp bolts, there was a service bulletin for this, you had to throw away the old washer, and put on a new thicker washer, then torque to 70 or 80 ft lbs, could be why your ride feels a little sloppy.

Service bulletin is here thanks to another forum member SuperFastGlide

http://www.box.net/shared/nadiwe08ok

M-1215 January 3, 2008
STEERING STEM NUT/WASHER
Purpose
This service bulletin is to inform dealers of updated parts and
service procedures to eliminate loss of clamp load on upper
steering stem nut. Normal warranty applies for service performed.
Motorcycles Affected
• 2006-2007 Dyna models
• 2008 and earlier FXDWG
• 2008 and earlier FX Softail models
• 2008 and earlier VRSC models
Required Dealer Action
If customer is experiencing any of the following conditions,
perform the service procedure for the appropriate model as
explained below.
• Looseness in front end
• Loss of clamp load on upper steering stem nut
• Front end clunk
Dyna and FX Softail Models
See list of affected motorcycles above. If any of the affected
Dyna or FX Softail motorcycles are experiencing front end
looseness, order kit number 45727-07. See STEERING wrong part number, I will post new one when I get it (and it is not 45727-08) there is a bulliten for the bulletin I am told. the part # could be 45740-07 ck with your dealer
HEAD WASHER KIT INSTRUCTION SHEET (-J04469) to
install the kit.
VRSC Models with Aluminum Stem
2007 and earlier VRSC models were shipped from the factory
with aluminum stems. If the lower triple tree was subsequently
replaced on these vehicles, check the service
records to determine if the new lower triple tree included any
of the following steel stems.
• 46771-02A
• 46860-06A
• 46752-01A
• 46788-06A
• 46781-06A
NOTE
All 2008 VRSC models have a lower triple tree assembly with
a steel stem.
For VRSC model motorcycles with an aluminum stem experiencing
looseness in the front end, order kit number 45736-
07. See STEERING STEM NUT KIT INSTRUCTION SHEET
(-J04468) to install the kit.
VRSC Models with Steel Stem
For 2008 VRSC models (and any earlier VRSC models with
a steel stem) with front end looseness, refer to the 2008
VRSC MODELS PARTS CATALOG for service parts, and see
2.34 STEERING HEAD in the 2008 VRSC MODELS SERVICE
MANUAL for service instructions.
VRSC models under normal warranty should utilize labor
code 2290 for 0.4 hour.
Here is the tech bulletin M 1215:s