In for 3-hole service.... (Yeah, there's a reason I epoxied the garage door). 27k miles. He says I need the neck bearing service, at that milage.. ($600). Figure he's up selling but..
I had the bike up on the jack prior, moving front wheel back and forth, no sounds or grinding ..
Hate to pay that much, but know I'll have to at some point.
Can you tell/hear "when" you really need to get this done?

 

Part of the 25k service. 600 just for the neck bearing service seems very expensive to me. Couple hours work at most.

 

I've got a buddy that's done his, said it wasn't that bad, but he's a good mechanic, and he moved to Oklahoma. Not sure I'd try it myself.

 

Apparently it calls for four hours labor.

 

What year and model of bike? I just did the bearings on my Sportster, wheel was already off for a new tire. Probably 2 hours max with drinking a beer and not breaking into a sweat, and reading the manual. Probably could do it in an hour now.

 

14 SGS. I'll look through Youtube and such.. See if its Beer worthy!

 

If you can let go of the bars at 40 with cruise control set and 35 to 25 during deceleration and there is no handlebar wobble you are probably good. When they loosen up one of those two things usually happens. Adjusting the neck bearings isn't that bad once you get over the fact you are going to have to completely remove the fairing. If you do, don't spend too much time on getting the plastic wire holders out of the little holes in the fairing, just cut them and use new zip ties to put them back. Too much hassle for no real gain.

 

I actually let go of the bars on the last trip. Cruise was set at 60, no wobble. I'll try the deceleration.
Thanks Scott.

 

That is a different party then a Sportster. I would put that on the list of Winter Work, not doing that in the summer unless it was a must do. A couple more thousand miles are not going to hurt anything.

 

Put it on the jack, tie it down. Lift till the front wheel is off the ground. Try and shuck the wheel vigorously front to back. (That's why you tie it down) If no movement it is fine.

Move side to side. If smooth no hang up or grinding, it's fine. If you think it needs service because the bike has some handling issues get it done. Is there issues with neck bearings or is this a dealer thing?