SAFETY FIRST: Protective gloves and eyewear are recommended at this point.
NOTE: You can adjust the steering head bearings without removing the upper triple tree.
Grease the upper and lower bearings with a good waterproof grease.
Press the new lower bearing onto the steering stem shaft using a steering bearing installer. If this tool is not available you can use a steel piece of pipe that fits over the shaft and onto the inner race of the bearing. Drive the bearing onto the steering shaft. Heating the lower bearing with a heat gun will make this job easier.
Install the new races in the frame by using a bearing installer.
If a bearing installer is not available, you can use sockets that fit the outer diameter of the race – gently tap them into place using a hammer. Be very precise when installing the races, they can crack if not installed correctly.
Install the steering shaft into the steering neck and install the upper bearing and the steering stem adjustment nut.
Turn the steering shaft lock to lock about six times to seat the new bearings. Make sure that there is no restriction when turning the steering stem back and forth.
Torque the steering adjustment nut to hand tight or 4.9 N-m or 43 in-lb.
NOTE: This adjustment is a starting point, you will need to test the bearings after the motorcycle is reassembled. It may need to be adjusted several times before you get it correct. The handlebars should move side to side smoothly but not too loosely.
NOTE: Temporarily install the front forks before tightening the steering stem adjustment nut to its torque specification.
Install the upper triple clamp nut and tighten it to its proper torque specification.
steering nut torque: 39 N-m or 29 ft-lb
Make sure that the fork legs are even with each other before tightening the pinch bolts.
Tighten the front fork pinch bolts to their proper torque specification.
fork pinch bolt torque: 25 N-m or 18.0 ft-lb
Handlebar
When tightening the handlebar clamp pinch bolts, make sure to tighten the front bolts first, then the rear bolts – the gap should be facing the rider.
handlebar clamp pinch bolt torque: 25 N-m or 18.0 ft-lb
Controls, Cables and Switches
Lube the cables before reinstalling and make sure their routings are correct so they don’t restrict the movement of the steering.
Install the front wheel. See the Front Wheel topic for more information.