A65 Handlebars

[Bishop Beezer]

My handlebars are loose on my A65.
The bolts are tight enough but there seems to be play within the junction with the frame.
Should they have play or should they be tight.
Any ideas what I should do if the play is not normal.
Steven

[DAVE BRADY]

Good morning,

What year A65?  Later ones had rubber bushed bar mounts that do feel loose.  If earlier model then what do you mean by "junction with the frame"?  The bars attach rigidly to the top yolk which in turn is firmly fitted on the stem and forks.
Are you detecting slack steering bearings?

Dave.

[Bishop Beezer]

Good Morning Dave,
Thank you for your reply.
It is a 1971 OIF and yes it does have rubber bushes.
Is that little amount of slack usual.
I notice it mostly when lifting the bike up onto the centre stand.
It is my first BSA so excuse me asking what may seem obvious to others.
All information is greatly appreciated.
Regards, Steven

[DAVE BRADY]

Hi,

Welcome to BSA ownership.  Yes, the bars will feel loose especially when taking the weight of the bike so it looks like you are OK with what you have.  When you get a chance compare with another OIF.

Dave.

[Bishop Beezer]

Thank you Dave,
Sound advice and appreciated.
It is a lovely bike.
I can relax now, ( until I find the next thing ).
Steven

[ChrisG]

I had a similar problem with mine for ages. They were so flexible it felt dangerous. I got around it via the help of others like you are here.

Firstly, make sure you have all the cups, rubbers and washers in the correct order (see picture - sorry for the sizing but I needed to reduce the MB to get it to upload). Secondly, only use the silentbloc bushes from LF Harris (make sure to specify this with your supplier). There were some soft ones on the market that also rip out of the outer case (probably still are on autojumble stalls).

Good luck
Chris

[Bishop Beezer]

Thank you Chris,
That's a great help.
I think I should get new ones and replace.
It's an odd feeling having wobbly bars !
Steven