Low speed steering/turning resistance

Old May 18, 2017 | 04:39 PM
  #1  
zl PINHEAD lz's Avatar
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From: Blackburn, England
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Default Low speed steering/turning resistance

Hi guys

I'm hoping you could help shed some light on an issue I'm having.

Lately when riding on the road it feels like I'm fighting to turn the handle bars, even just by a few degrees.

I've lifted the bike on a jack and checked that and there are no cables being too tight, the handle bars do in fact move freely. Even giving the front wheel a spin it appears to spin without any noticeable wobble, whether this is an accurate test I don't know.

The tires are Michelin ac 10's with plenty of tread and filled with air to the correct spec.

The back tyre is almost bold which is ready for replacing next week, however I don't think this would be contributing to the issue.

Any ideas what could be causing this?

As always Thanks!
 
Old May 18, 2017 | 05:56 PM
  #2  
durielk's Avatar
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Miles?
Your headset bearings are notched if it is just with the bars in the straight direction.

You can either remove them and races and reinstall rotated 90 degrees or get new bearings, they are cheap so I just got new ones.

I got another thread going for my other bike where the headset seems sticky at all positions.
 
Old May 19, 2017 | 01:51 AM
  #3  
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Yep sounds like steering head bearings need replacing, plenty of vids on youtube show you how to do it.

 
Old May 20, 2017 | 07:07 PM
  #4  
zl PINHEAD lz's Avatar
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Thanks for your response guys.

Any idea why type/size of bearing are needed, cant seem to find any for the klx?
 
Old May 20, 2017 | 07:15 PM
  #5  
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I don't think they will be too hard too find, I just went on MotoSport and found them

Save 20% on Select Kawasaki OEM Dirt Bike Parts | MotoSport

You might find a better deal, or a better brand somewhere else......
 
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