Fork Question

So I got my bike up on some milk crates to take the front wheel off and what not. Decided to turn the forks just for the heck of it. When turning the handlebars left and right you can notice that the forks want to somewhat return to the center position. The triple tree turns freely and doesn't feel like there is stiction anywhere but it does seem to want to return the center position with a weird "spring back" feeling.

Does that mean my Steering head bearings are shot?:blink:

Funny thing is I did not notice this when the bike was on the ground.

Yep, sounds like your neck bearings are getting notchy. Probably a good time to convert to tapered roller style neck bearings. They are a good upgrade. You probably just have the very early stages or your neck bearings weren't very tight. That would be my guess as to why you didn't notice it on the ground.

testarossa +1. Steering should be dead smooth lock to lock. Tapered roller bearings are definitely the ticket. Ed

Yea the bearings take a beating, the balls dig into the races and since 95% of riding you are basically pointed forward, this beating makes for a detent at straight ahead position. Does it hurt anything is the question? Well I thought it might so replaced for tapered bearings in 2 KZ650s and my KZ1000MKII. Did I notice a huge improvement? Not really. Now I ride a well worn 77 KZ650 with detent dented races and don't see need to waste time and money to repair.

I don't plan on riding it a whole bunch this summer, just trying to get it all back together finally so I can ride it for the first time. I might just replace the bearings at a later date if it is safe to run it like this for a while.

Dumb question, these are tapered bearings, right? www.z1enterprises.com/detail.aspx?ID=2780

They are tapered, so I'm thinking so. :pinch:

mtbspeedfreak wrote: Dumb question, these are tapered bearings, right? www.z1enterprises.com/detail.aspx?ID=2780

They are tapered, so I'm thinking so. :pinch:

yep those are tapered

Are you sure a cable or brake line isnt binding up and pulling it back?

Kidkawie wrote: Are you sure a cable or brake line isnt binding up and pulling it back?

Might be, I'll check. I was wondering that myself.

when i wrecked my z1r and had it off the ground repairing it i had the same problem.

except it would damn near snap back to center.

the rollers never roll far enough to get into the next divot tho.

if you know your neck bearings are dented and you dont replace them that is your choice.

have you ever felt how a trailer with a rusty ball and hitch tries to push you around?

have any family that cares whether you go down or not?

just sayin,neck bearings are cheap.

leon

Yeah they pretty much snap back (ever so slightly)when it gets close to the center position.

How hard is it to change them, is it a simple undo and replace?

easily done in an evening no prob.

leon