2008 XL883L front wheel play ?

[itspilsbury]

We have just finished cleaning my wifes sporty with it on the jack and I noticed a slight bit of play in the front wheel, as I say only slight but if I put my hands on opposite sides of the wheel i can feel and see the slight movement. it has 24k miles on it. is this normal or does it need new wheel bearings?
thanks. Ian

 

[twizzle]

Assuming everything is tight... It should not move at all...if they are the Timkin bearings you could repack them? If sealed and I guess they may be..it being 2008 and all .. Then it's time to replace... Not certain if you need to check the end float on sealed bearings but if so its a job for a good indie...as it it involves all kinds of shims and fannying about....

 

[Steptoe]

We have just finished cleaning my wifes sporty with it on the jack and I noticed a slight bit of play in the front wheel, as I say only slight but if I put my hands on opposite sides of the wheel i can feel and see the slight movement. it has 24k miles on it. is this normal or does it need new wheel bearings?
thanks. Ian

Dear Ian.

It's not that unusual to find a bit of play in a wifes sporty, especially if using your large jack.
I'm sure your wifes sporty is a lovely little example, and responds well to a little feel of the front bearings.
You mention mileage, but no age. I understand they can be sensitive concerning age, things start to fall off and they lose that exciting urge they had when younger and you first got your hands on her.
You can fit new bearings but it'll still have some play and never be as tight a fit as when new.
I suggest trading her in for a younger model, you know you can't beat the ride on a big twin, and it'll make you feel like a new man. Although you may need a bigger jack.

 

[Mutley]

 

[itspilsbury]

Thanks guys, purchased 2 new bearings from HD today, £48 the pair with some disocunt.
Typical, HD special tool needed to remove the bearings, so improvised and eventually devised something to get em out. One of the bearings is rough when turned and has play in her.
So new bearings fitted and now no play at all.
The bike had only done 24K, but some of that was on a trip around Romaina and the other in dusty Morocco.
Thanks for the advice, wifey is well happy again.
Ian