My way (factory) the forks remain staionary in their clamps. The only thing moving is the lower clamp with the stem and bearing. Doing it the other way moves the forks higher in the clamps and changes steering geometry.
Cholla's and the books method does change the geometry of the forks. We have had this discussion before and I thought I was very clear explaining why this is.I guess I failed to convince some people. That facts are still the same. The lower tripple tree with the stem and lower bearing is already pressed together up into the goose neck from the weight of the bike, it cannot move up or down. Loosen the top clamps /tripple tree only and remove it from the bike. Did the bike drop? No. did the bike rise up? No. The relationship to the ground is exactly the same.
Install the top plate, tighten the stem nut, the plate will move down lower on the fork tubes and this is how the stem bearings will get tight (more fork tube will now be above the tripple tree. Now tighten the upper clamps Did the bike rise up or drop down? No. It is exactly the same relationship from the goose neck to the ground as when you started . Also the distance of the fork measured from the wheel Axel up to the bottom of the tipple tree is exactly the same.
The only thing that has changed is you now have a tight stem bearing and a little bit of the top of the forks is more exposed. Doing it the other way when you tighten the large stem nut bearing force or pressure that will will push that small ' top of the forks exposed' part downward raising the bike up. The forks are a tiny bit longer now (as measured from the bottom of the lower triple tree to the bottom of the fork) and the bike is now taller.
One thing to note, this is such a miniscule of a change it really doesnt matter which way you do it. I just choose the easy way, to take the top off.
If you understand the above, then ponder this: What happens if you only loosen the bottom clamps and remove the top nut? Hint: Don't do it unless you have a jack under the front of the bike.
Now, what happens if you only loosen the top clamps and remove the nut? Hint: you wont need the jack.
Please tell me you understand this concept.