[RVP3]

Correct was for photo/test fitting only.

Are you gentlemen certain of this? The manual note agrees with you but the associated picture does not:

Could not the note be wrong?
Same chapter:

 

[Randall-in-Mpls]

Are you gentlemen certain of this? The manual note agrees with you but the associated picture does not:
View attachment 207319
Could not the note be wrong?

I believe that note is incorrect. Which model's FSM is that from? It would be worth comparing it to the others.

 

[RVP3]

I believe that note is incorrect. Which model's FSM is that from? It would be worth comparing it to the others.

'81-'83 GL500 GL650

 

[RVP3]

Here's from the FSM for the CX650:

Note says flat side out and the the picture seems agree or at least doesn't contradict the note.

From the CX500 FSM:

Picture seems to show flat side out. Hard to read but the note says flat side out. A little more clarity on the picture would help but it's looking like flat side out.

 

[Randall-in-Mpls]

I was mistaken.

I do vaguely recall some discussion about this years ago. Since the washer is really a (slightly) conical spring, it makes sense that the narrow side of the nut would be against the high edge of the washer.
I'm sure I have the nut backward in the 650 I'm assembling. I don't think it will have any affect on performance, I just won't have as much bite next time I remove it.

 

[nolimitz]

Seems counter intuitive to me?

 

[Randall-in-Mpls]

Seems counter intuitive to me?

Visually, the correct orientation will appear backward, but functionally, it's optimal. The nut presses where it needs to press and the special socket engages as it needs to.

 

[nolimitz]

Visually, the correct orientation will appear backward, but functionally, it's optimal. The nut presses where it needs to press and the special socket engages as it needs to.

If the nut says this side out, That's my plan. Its been a while since I've been in a clutch but...All I have opened were with the large face out?

 

[Sidecar Bob]

It is normal for the "flat side" (= side with more flat area) of this kind of nut to face away from the wrench (the one on my GoldWing does and it has a tabbed lock washer).
When the nut is pressing against a belleville washer (AKA "coned-disc spring") it is important for the narrow face of the nut to be against the narrow edge of the washer's cone in order for the recommended torque setting to deflect the washer to the necessary degree for it to prevent the nut from coming loose.
If you suspect that you have put the washer on backwards I would recommend opening the clutch cover and doing it right. They wouldn't have stressed it so much if it wasn't important.

 

[Randall-in-Mpls]

Yeah, it's probably a good idea to change it before I fill the crankcase. I did grease the gaskets, so I'll have no difficulty removing the cover or reusing the gasket.

 

[Sidecar Bob]

BTW: The clutch cover is high enough that you can remove it with oil in the crankcase without spilling more than a few drops.