Steering head locknut socket... what's special about it?

'86 vfr700

I'm looking in the service manual, and it's talking about the special tool (socket) for the steering head locknut, 30x33mm.

So what makes this thing special vs. a 30 (or 33) mm socket?

It says "equivalent is commercially available" in the US...

(short pause while I google some more....)

the pic in the Honda manual is less than useful. The clymer manual (found via google books) shows a fair bit more detail about this.

If I read this right, there's a nut on the top that's just a cover, and when it's removed, it gives you access to the actual adjusting and locknut, and these are what the special tool is needed for?

 

think I answered my questions:

http://vfrworld.com/forums/mechanics-garage/12990-do-i-need-special-tools.html

So the nut on the top of the triple just holds it to teh steering stem, and then the locknuts are under it, and they need the special socket, but there are options.

So now I'm wondering how soft a craftsman socket really is when approached with a dremel....

 

I just ordered one from service honda, expensive but I like tools. You can use a drift and a hammer to loosen or tighten the adjusting nut. Part number is 07916-3710100 for the tool $68.62 shipped.

 

I'm queasy about torquing to 18ftlbs with a hammer....

 

Yeah me too, thats why I ordered the socket. But I'm pretty sure with tapered bearings the torque figure will change, to what I dont know.

 

a really large slip-joint pliers works too.

 

The Honda Common Service Manual lists 8ftlbs for tapered, 18 for ball.

 

Tapered are pretty sensitive. Mine ended up abt. 3 ft./lbs after I went around the block and they were too tight, starting at maybe only 5 ft.lbs. The bike will weave and feel strange if too tight.