tightening headstem bearing.

[R160]

i take it I need a stand to get the wheels off the ground and that doesnt lift it from the headstock either?

whats the normal tension on bearing, about 20nm or just nip up and a small turn backwards. Benelli manual says 60mn!! seriously WTF's up with that?

[buelllord]

Nathan,

60nm tells me they are not tapered needle bearings. It sounds like they might be just ball race the same as the Buell.

If they are needle, hand tight only, rock the head stem backward and forward while tightening using your hand only.

[likefry]

when i changed my headstem bearing i used a heavy duty ratchet strap from the pattio out the back and lifted from the headstock.

[PaulMac]

You're looking for no play in the bearings and just a slight preload that will see the handlebar move slowly over to each lock when pushed from the centre position. Too loose and the bars will fly around to the stop and most likely the bearing will have some play in it. Too tight and the bars won't move around to full lock under their own momentum. It will also be very hard to ride the bike in a straight line if they are adjusted too tight. You will need to have the front wheel off the ground to do the adjustment accurately.