I have an '86 250R and I just bought a Lonestar steering stem off of a guy who had it on an '89. When I go to install it the bracket below where the tie rods connects hits the steel flap on the frame directly behind where the stem mounts into the frame. Did they change the steering stem between these model years? I also installed a new stem bearing kit whereon the top side I put the bearing in first, then the circlip, and finally the oil seal. On the bottom side I have a dust seal with a spacer in it.......is this set up wrong? Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

 

You might have been sold a 400ex steering stem. All the sterring stems are interchangable with the 88/89 being a little longer to clear the lights. The 400ex steering stem is different, I don't remember exaclty how.

 

Its definetely from a 250R because I saw it on his bike (he's a friend of mine). I called him and he was stumped too so I'm just gonna trailer it to his house. Thanks for the help though!

 

This illustration
should help you out. Then click on steering shaft to see how the dust seal, bearing, etc., all go together.

 

Thanks BRIANSGI. I double checked and that is exactlty how I have it on my bike. Just to make sure- the bearing, circlip, and big oil seal go in from the top and the collar and smaller oil seal go in from the bottom, right?