is there a preferred front axle tightening method?

[wessiedave]

I thought i read something about this on here a few years ago but can't find anything on the search! I've also read somewhere that maybe leave bottom yoke loose until axle is tight and forks pumped quite a few times, anyone know what I'm talking about? 

[Fazerider]

So far as I know it's the standard method of getting the forks aligned. You slacken the top nut slightly too so the upper and lower halves of the yoke are able to rotate relative to each other. Bouncing the front a few times forces them to line up, you can then tighten the top again, then the lower clamps. (Then check it's not affected the steering head bearing tightness.)
Unless there has been an impact with something or you've had the steering head off for maintenance it shouldn't be necessary.

[Falcon 269]

Check out this thread:  http://www.yamahafz1oa.com/forum/showthread.php?t=126071&highlight=front+axle

Apart from some excellent info on the Gen 1 fork internals, post #15 tells you how to set the forks to minimize 'stiction'.  It's not the yoke bolts left loose ...

[wessiedave]

Thankyou both, I'll do it again and see if it feels any different, cheers Dave