Head Bearings

[g00ner]

Just replaced them on my XChallenge, set ordered from All Balls Racing via Wemoto. Having reassembled, the given torque setting of 5nm (44lb/ft) for the headstock bolt seems too tight? I tightened to approx 30lbs pressure and already the steering feels too stiff even with the front wheel not yet fitted - will this settle once I've ridden a few miles? Maybe ride for a bit at what feels right (about 25lb currently) and then re-torque after a few miles?

Steering does feel much improved already

 

[Micky]

Just replaced them on my XChallenge, set ordered from All Balls Racing via Wemoto. Having reassembled, the given torque setting of 5nm (44lb/ft) for the headstock bolt seems too tight? I tightened to approx 30lbs pressure and already the steering feels too stiff even with the front wheel not yet fitted - will this settle once I've ridden a few miles? Maybe ride for a bit at what feels right (about 25lb currently) and then re-torque after a few miles?

Steering does feel much improved already

From memory you need to pre-load the centre bolt to 20Nm, back off then re tighten to about 8Nm then tighten the clamp bolt 25Nm

It's really more about feel. After a thousand miles or so your steering will feel a little light, no discernible play at all, just feel a little lighter than it did. So then back off the clamp bolt and take the centre bolt about 5 degrees tighter and re tighten the clamp bolt. Whenever the bars feel to go a little lighter tighten two or three degrees (not using torque figures)

Now been doing mine like this on the F800GS and Xcountry (same bearings, same set up) for some miles now and no probs

 

[g00ner]

Thanks Micky

Will put her back together once the replacement fan from top banana bloke GFJ arrives, i'll report back with the results