HEAD BEARING REPLACEMENT ON 885!

[1999_Black_885i]

Anyone offer advice on replacing head bearings on my bike pleae ?



I.E whats involved..infact what to do period lol.





cheers

[tiger feet]

I assume that you mean steering head bearings?

Are they really knackered, or do they just need adjusting up a bit?

Without refering to a manual, so put simply, I guess it's as follows:-

Support the bike so the front wheel is off the ground and secure.

Remove front wheel.

Support brake calipers and speedo drive.

Remove front mudguard.

Loosen fork leg clamps.

Undo handle bar clamps protect fairing and bodywork and secure handle bars.

Remove fork legs.

Undo top stem nut.

Separate top and bottom fork yokes.

Remove and replace bearings.

Reverse the above proceedure.

Whilst its apart it would be a good time to change the fork oil?

I did mine by hanging the legs from the garage roof truss until all the old oil had drained out.

Personally, I would want a workshop manual to refer to, just to be safe etc?

I hope this helps a bit?



Best regards,



Tiger Feet.

[1999_Black_885i]

Dave thanks for the reply.

yes im pretty sure they are knackered as the steering is so bad. Its not just a very slight tight spot -  its so bad you have to exert force to get it past the "flat spot". Very Very alarming !!



As im a "big lad" the front end is softer on my bike than my neighbours 955 i .Would using heavier oil make much difference to this softness?



Cheers for the help !



:-)

[tiger feet]

Hi again,



I would certainly think it would be worth trying a grade heavier than standard oil, if you are going to change it.

A heavier oil increases the damping effect and slows the 'bobing' that long travel suspension can suffer from.

I would think that it may well also be worth you changing the springs too?

Progressive rate springs are my choice every time.

Spings do age, how old is the bike?

Is it an 885i or original 'steamer'?



Best regards,



Tiger Feet.

[1999_Black_885i]

yeh its an 885i the clue is in the name lol.



Im def going to go go for heavier oil and chance that it will  make things a bit firmer. Its not that its a problem but just a little firmer might suit. Im not bothered enough to go for diff springs. Thanks again !