Early commando forks such as Atlas

I have a 1969 commando which has the early cup and ball type steering clamps. My question is...does the bottom race have a washer/spacer under it? I can't seem to get the slop out of it. I have studied the AN drawing and there doesn't appear to be one. I can tighten the big nut under the top clamp but things drag and the slop remains. Ideas?

Yes. I believe G41 ball race washer goes between the dust cap and the top bearing race.

I suspect the bottom bearing race. I have two other bikes present with cup and ball bearings to compare to. Both are adjusted correctly and there is a tiny space between the triple tree and the steering head. If the space was not there the triple tree would drag on the steering head (I believe). The bike in question (bike #3) has a micro amount of space. If I tighten the nut on the top I believe the space would disappear. The triple tree would rub on the steering head but the bearing races would still be a bit loose. This is my theory. I would like confirmation before I remove everything or other ideas offered.

If you want it completely tight then you have to install timken tapered roller bearings. Adjust them to zero play but not too tight or you can damage the bearings over time.

Get Timken bearings #07097 and #07204 as described in my race manual.