Hi folks. I feel my 2017 1200DVT steering head bearings 'pause' at straight ahead position. I'm thinking I could do it when the bike is in my garage for the winter. However as I watch youtube etc, it looks like I'd need a few tools to do this properly. Is it actually worth my while if i need to buy a race press, slide hammer, stem bearing installer etc?
Thanks Bob. Yeah, centre stand and back pulled down so I could inspect the movement. Had the rear tyre done recently and the mechanic said be gave it a once over and it is pausing at straight ahead. When I tried it myself I noticed the same. 13500 miles.
Ok, so only a little pause in the straight ahead position? Lock to lock travel have any tight spots? As it gets to the pause point/centre position any notchyness? At only 13.5K it would surprise me if the head bearing are shot, unless she's had a particularly hard life, could just be a dry spot. Strip and re-grease over winter could be in order and no special tools to buy!
Ah ok will try that then. Guessing i still need the steering stem nut tool? I just watched a youtube video and saw all the fairings off, TANK off, forks out :0 If I go to all the hassle of removing all that, am I not as well replacing them anyway? Other than the tools
Mike that was only if there were any tight spots or notchyness felt, if it is only a light pause, she may well be fine! I have a 17 with 15K I'll have a feel of mine tomorrow!
Thanks, I'll need to look out the service schedule anyway as it may well be a biggie at 36 months anyway. MOT and service will be due. If its all stuff I can do then I'll have a go, however if it is not then it may well be going to ducati anyway
yep 15k is a biggie :0 Timing belts, fork oils, air filter the lot so it might be all winter in the garage if i did it.
If the bearings are "notchy" then thatll be an MOT failure. Ive done 2 lots of head bearings - not difficult but a little time consuming and if im honest, quite satisfying once youre all done....especially when it then goes through the MOT! Id say just taking the yokes off and turning them and re-greasing is just moving the problem (literallly)...
