Hitchcocks Forum

I'm trying to lose some weight on the Bullet. Removed the front forks to check the steering head bearings and find that the steering stem is a solid 1inch bar, pressed into the lower yoke. I think I could change this for a tube 1inch OD, 3/4 inch ID , and thread one end 28 tpi for the steering head nut.
The existing stem tube seems to be pressed into the lower yoke and then welded.i would trim off the weld, push the stem out, press the lighter tubular stem in and weld up.
Anyone done anything like this?

I have pressed one out but it is splined

Thanks, that's useful information. I will mount the stem /yoke assembly in a lathe and drill through at 3/4 inch.only problem might be drill wander.
Alternative to might be to reduce the diameter of the stem in the lathe to say 1/2inch

Problem is at the end of the day, how many grams are you going to remove from it, a handful of swarfe

Moreover it would be rather inconvenient to have that particular part fail to say the least!

I have said this before but you are creating problems for yourself where none existed before. You would probably regain the removed weight after a couple of trips to McDonalds or wearing different boots. Besides, the manufacturer builds to a safety/ reliability standard tested over decades.

Were you a racing cyclist in a past life by any chance? I used to be a kean cyclist and used to weigh every single component on my bikes. I don't think shaving a few ounces off an Enfield will give you any measurable gain in speed/economy/acceleration, however.

I'm not trying to lose weight, but do have a good reason for wanting to lose a tiny smidge off the O/D of the standard steering stem so it will fit the taper bearings in my (custom) headstock.

Can anyone recommend someone who can do this. Preferably London/South East, but can travel.