Steering head adjustment
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Steering head adjustment
Just thought I would share my findings regarding this. I thought it would be time to take the trees out and clean and lube the bearings and set up the front end. Very standard procedure, nut and bolt type of service. My bike handled well prior and had only 2 swings regarding the fall away from new. I decided to set it to the spec of 3 swings as per the manual during reassembly.
At this spec the front end was way to sensitive. It would want to fall into the turns at low speed and relayed everything back to the bars going down the road. Tar strips etc.
Resetting it back to 2 swings, 1 full and a small 2nd, changed the handling and feel dramatically. it sticks to the road and is very solid, although maybe too solid and not wanting to absorb the slightest weave or wobble. Time will tell.
However you decide to set up the steering head bearings, whether it be by the book or feel, small adjustments make a very big difference in the handling of the bike. I hear constantly on here about "my bike wobbles at xxmph" or "feels unstable". Granted this can be caused by swingarm bushing issues, motor mounts etc. but add that to a loose or improperly adjusted steering head and yup, you're gonna have the wobbles
Also, I left everything intact (clutch cable etc) when doing the adjustment, just as it rolls down the road. As well, be sure to torque the stem nut and re install the radio, outer fairing etc before checking the swing. Of note, my bike has a progressive stabilizer on and runs E3's for rubber.
Ride safe!
At this spec the front end was way to sensitive. It would want to fall into the turns at low speed and relayed everything back to the bars going down the road. Tar strips etc.
Resetting it back to 2 swings, 1 full and a small 2nd, changed the handling and feel dramatically. it sticks to the road and is very solid, although maybe too solid and not wanting to absorb the slightest weave or wobble. Time will tell.
However you decide to set up the steering head bearings, whether it be by the book or feel, small adjustments make a very big difference in the handling of the bike. I hear constantly on here about "my bike wobbles at xxmph" or "feels unstable". Granted this can be caused by swingarm bushing issues, motor mounts etc. but add that to a loose or improperly adjusted steering head and yup, you're gonna have the wobbles
Also, I left everything intact (clutch cable etc) when doing the adjustment, just as it rolls down the road. As well, be sure to torque the stem nut and re install the radio, outer fairing etc before checking the swing. Of note, my bike has a progressive stabilizer on and runs E3's for rubber.
Ride safe!
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fullautomike
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Apr 27, 2016 10:28 PM
