Steering Stem

[RLD]

Just wondering, on my last I/S, it seems to me there was some tension in the steering stem. In other words, when you let go of the steering, in any position, it would stay there or slowly fall to the side (on a stand, off the ground). My new "to me" I/S dropss hard and fast but I can't detect any play or notching in the bearing. Should I re-torque and see if this changes or is this one "normal"? It's a 99 with 23K miles. Thanks guys for your opinions!!

[Ricky-D]

Trying to relate your feelings about operation of one bike to another and then on top of that start to make adjustments based on your feelings is not recommended.

If you feel no obvious problems with the front end, why would you want to make changes.

There's a whole lot more to the dynamic than just the stem bearings.

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[RLD]

I agree with "if it isn't broke, don't fix it", but this one is a bit more of a handful in parking lot maneuvers. Seems to "drop off" left or right really easily and quickly. I've really got to watch it when executing a 180. Just thought this could be the culprit. Everything else works fine.

[roadmap]

i don't own a torque wrench. i do all my adjustments by feel. i always done it that way.
lets see, with your tire off the ground your wheel sould have a slight drag on it. wehat i mean is if it falls to one side like bamm! it is to loose. it a job to adjust but it needs to be tighten. mine has a steady flow or side to side movement with a slight drag. it easy to feel yourself overtighten the stearing then just loosen till it flows side to side not drop freely or stick midway. the weight of the tire and rim will make it fall quicker so adjust it a little to the weight.
 with the age of the bike not just the miles loosen the stearing head nut enough to drop a little to check the lower bearing if bad they will fall all out. probably not bad but so you can relube the bearing.
1997 145,000 replaced bearing once when mine went bad stearing got a little rough and when i loosened the stearing all the balls went everywhere. it some thing you can do by feel just repeat the tightening till it ........