K11 Owners Group

Blu by u · Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2008 8:57 pm Post subject: Notchy steering

Hello K-bike gurus!

I've got a 94 K1100LT with notchy front forks. By that I mean at slow speed (10mph and under) it feels like I'm riding on a rail or a flat tire. The steering wants to go straight only and it feels weird to try to balance at that speed.

At any speed over 10mph the steering is good but perhaps not as good as it could be. It's hard to tell as this problem built up slowly and gradually.

I figure it's the steering head bearings and I had it tightened 2000 miles ago but it's getting worse.

Do I need to pull off the steering post and replace the bearings or what....?

Any suggestions?

Cheers
_________________
Four wheels move the body - two wheels moves the soul

Flying Duck · Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2008 9:06 pm Post subject:

Front tire may also be a culprit.
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93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
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DaveVoorhis · Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2008 10:34 pm Post subject:

Put the bike up on the center stand and turn the bars from side to side. If you feel a perceptible notch in the middle, the steering head bearings are worn and need to be replaced. No amount of tightening will fix this, and may well make it worse.
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'93 K1100RS
Dave #3

Rider · Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2008 10:01 am Post subject: Worn Headset Bearings

Sounds like worn bearings. The bearings will actually develop little dimples in the race of the bottom bearing in the straight ahead position caused by not being properly adjusted. Tightening the bearings after the damage is done makes the problem worse. The condition makes it impossible to ride hands off the bars.

Ed
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2007 650 Burgman, 2003 400 Burgman

Some days you get the bear, some days the bear gets you.

Sonu · Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2008 12:43 pm Post subject:

Does sound like a steering head bearing to me too.

Given the age of the bike this would be a wonderful time to replace the handlebar bushings.

I had dealer do this years ago for 4.5 hrs of labor (never again!). I'm happy to see that you are thinking about taking this on yourself

Here are some part #'s for you
31421234509 dust seal 2 pieces
32712309419 suspension 2 pieces
31421468749 steering head bearings 2 pieces
46631452400 grommet

Sanjiv
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1997 K1100LT "Ziggy" _GarminGPS_Corbin saddle_K Guards _Hyperlights_Fog lights_Eastern Beaver Relays_Cee Bailey_4"speakers_Michelin PR4's_MoS2_Spiegler lines_TPMS_VDO

Tim (Midland Section) · Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2008 4:13 pm Post subject:

Here's my take on what you are undertaking.

To diagnose, put a jack under the engine, lift front wheel off the deck, then move the steering slowly about the centre point, you should feel notchiness, if faulty.

There's no rocket science, but before starting, you should be aware of the following.
a) You will have to drill the security lock bolt heads off.
b) You will need a Dremel or similar & a FO chisel to cut the bottom race off.
c) A special tool is required to remove the bearing outers without distorting the headstock.
d) The best way to fit the new bearing to the "triple tree" is to freeze same overnight & warm the bearing to 200C, you only get one chance to get it seated, be quick & accurate.
e) All the help you need is on this forum.

HTH,
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Regards Tim,

Grey haired riders don't get that way by pure luck
1996 Guzzi Cali3 LAPD
1972 750 Commando
G6HRN
#485

Shoganai · Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2008 2:49 am Post subject:

bmwmick · Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2008 2:51 pm Post subject:

Blu by u · Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2008 5:59 pm Post subject: Thanks

Thanks everyone for your input. I'm going to do some work on the bike this sunny weekend and see how it goes.
_________________
Four wheels move the body - two wheels moves the soul

mike toon · Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2008 1:06 am Post subject:

FWI
The steering bearings on a friends bike were rusted and worn. I couldn't figure out why.

He had been using Liquid Wrench, thinking he was lubing them. He was actually diluting the factory grease. When he rinsed his bike with the hose after washing, water entered and rusted the bearings.
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Current Bikes
1993 K1100LT
1976 GL1000 Naked
1981 GL1100 Naked
2000 DR650 Dual Sport

Tim (Midland Section) · Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2008 5:49 pm Post subject:

bmwmick · Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2008 4:41 pm Post subject: