Steering Head Adjustment

[jacksf]

Just about ready to take the ol girl on the road, everything back together, only a few extra parts that I have no idea where they go and a couple of small pieces missing but not critical.

I put in new head bearings, tried to adjust as best I could while on the center stand but don't really know what I am looking for. Right now the left to right is very light, no drag or hitting the tank. There isn't any drag at all. Should there be a slight bit of friction?

Once I get her out on the road I will guess that its going to feel like a new ride. I am going to take it nice and slow to make sure that everything is working and then work my speed up, maybe go to a large parking lot and do some figure 8's, slalom between some lane markers to see if further adjustments are needed.

I this the more or less correct way to aproach the adjustment?

Thanks

Jack

[TopCatGr58]

Hey JackSF,

I had the front wheel up off the ground when I repacked and retightened mine. Just made sure that it turned without binding thru full range of motion. Also made sure that it wasn't so loose that I could pull up on wheel perpendicular to forks and feel any slack/click type of feel! With new bearings and properly greased, the steering should be easy. There should be a slight stiffness to it at first when you first tighten the nuts, but after a few turns, the grease should move around and then it should just roll easily left and right. If it doesn't keep moving with a nudge, then it's probably a bit too tight! Enjoy!
T.C.

[xssiveone]

I was told that to properly adjust steering head bearings, put the m/c on the center stand and either have someone sit on it, or whatever it takes to lift the front wheel off the ground. Center the wheel and see if it will stay there. If it goes to ethier side, then tighten the bearings and check again. The idea is to have it stay centered without assistance, and then with the slightest amount of assistance go to full stop, either right or left side. If it won't go to full stop, either the bearings are too tight, or they need replacement. Since you've just replaced yours I think you can forget about the replacement part.

[skids]

If shes a little too tight it will not hold a straight line easily...It will feel like you are walking a plank or something.

[jacksf]

right now if I center the bars it will stay there. If I tap either side it will roll to that side so I guess thats a good thing. I guess how she tracks will determine the best final adjustment.

See, all the great info here has been processed and ready to implement.

(you think forks and bearings were bad, wait till I start on the carbs)

Jack

[TopCatGr58]

Skids,

I remember having a Yamaha 305 2 cyl 2 stroke with a knob on the steering head that you could tighten to help increase highway stability by stiffening up the steering.....less swaying when cars and trucks blew by ya. Was nice but made for awkward moments if you forgot to loosen it when you came to a stop or slowed down and tried to turn!!

Jack, no problem, we'll be here when you need us!!
T.C.

[skids]

No wonder you don't see them on bikes anymore!

Originally posted by TopCatGr58
Skids,
Was nice but made for awkward moments if you forgot to loosen it when you came to a stop or slowed down and tried to turn!!
T.C.

[jacksf]

Finally got a chance to go out today and see how the steering worked. When I had readjusted it after the last try (when I thought it was too loose) I think I made it too tight. As I was driving down the street I noticed it pulling either to the right or the left without any input from me. Going down the street looking like a drunk walking

Looks like I went from bad to bad, loose to tight now I gotta find the middle.
Havent been able to ride for the last two weeks due to house repairs that are "honey do's" or else.

[turbopete]

Yep, wandering left-right at slowish speeds is a sign of too-tight headstock.

[skids]

Yeah, back it off a "smidgion."

Originally posted by jacksf
As I was driving down the street I noticed it pulling either to the right or the left without any input from me. Going down the street looking like a drunk walking

[JWSanders]

Originally posted by turbopete
Yep, wandering left-right at slowish speeds is a sign of too-tight headstock.

Well, that explains a lot for me, too...mightve tightened mine a tad too much. I had thought that was just a symptom of the heavy bike. Something to look at, for sure.

[jacksf]

Originally posted by skids
Yeah, back it off a "smidgion."

I did the "smidgion" bit. Worked fine

Thanks again to all.

Jack