Something loose in the front end

The_big_dill · October 13th, 2013, 12:15 PM

Hey all,

So i have noticed that when i ride the bike, something doesn't feel good when I lean to turn. This problem has existed for a while, but i had bigger issues to deal with at the time.

Originally i thought it may be the tires or something I couldn't describe, but then when i let a Kawasaki mechanic ride it, he told me that something is "loose."

I have already re-adjusted the handlebars by loosening the triple clamp and tightening in the correct position, this helped with going straight when my handlebars were straight.

I am running the Dunlop K330 which i have heard give "unpredictable control" if that makes a difference.

In more detail: Whenever i lean to turn, it feels like the wheel naturally wants to resist the turn and go straight, its not a continuous pull, but more like pulsing.

Sorry for the bad explanation... :\

Any help would be appreciated.

P.S. i need to replace my steering bearing, if that may cause this issue.

Felipe the Ant · October 13th, 2013, 12:19 PM

Replace the bearing and go from there, you already know it needs to be replaced

Dragone · October 13th, 2013, 12:24 PM

Quote:

P.S. i need to replace my steering bearing, if that may cause this issue.

or adjust it. Good luck

The_big_dill · October 13th, 2013, 12:34 PM

Could that really cause something to feel loose in the front end?

What are the simptoms of having a worn steering bearing? (i already know the notching that you get when you turn the handlebars).

Dragone · October 13th, 2013, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_big_dill

Could that really cause something to feel loose in the front end?

What are the simptoms of having a worn steering bearing? (i already know the notching that you get when you turn the handlebars).

Your steering geometry will be out of whack so to speak. Poor feedback from the frontend plus the notchy explaination from your previous post.

csmith12 · October 13th, 2013, 01:55 PM

You sure it needs replaced? Is there a popping sound when push down on the forks? Try to tighten it up a bit before replacing. You could also take it out repack with grease and tighten as needed. Otherwise, you have it in front of you and know what you need.

The_big_dill · October 13th, 2013, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csmith12

You sure it needs replaced? Is there a popping sound when push down on the forks? Try to tighten it up a bit before replacing. You could also take it out repack with grease and tighten as needed. Otherwise, you have it in front of you and know what you need.

Well, when i was getting it safetied, they told me that it needs that bearing replaced, they opened it up and re-adjusted it, but that was only temporary. If i am going to dig that deep to repack them, i would much rather replace them, after all, i do not know the history of the previous 13 owners with this bike in the past 26 years...

Lychee · October 15th, 2013, 03:11 PM

Have you checked your front tire pressure?

Replace with tapered roller bearings if possible. The bearings are literally a few balls of steel. If one gets dented or dimpled enough, the whole thing acts funny.

CZroe · May 27th, 2014, 02:56 PM

Check your engine mount bolts and look for a bend in the frame under the tank.

October 13th, 2013, 12:15 PM	#1
The_big_dill ninjette.org member Name: Phil Location: Aurora, ON, Canada Join Date: Jan 2013 Motorcycle(s): 1987 Ninja 250 custom gold Posts: 218	Something loose in the front end Hey all, So i have noticed that when i ride the bike, something doesn't feel good when I lean to turn. This problem has existed for a while, but i had bigger issues to deal with at the time. Originally i thought it may be the tires or something I couldn't describe, but then when i let a Kawasaki mechanic ride it, he told me that something is "loose." I have already re-adjusted the handlebars by loosening the triple clamp and tightening in the correct position, this helped with going straight when my handlebars were straight. I am running the Dunlop K330 which i have heard give "unpredictable control" if that makes a difference. In more detail: Whenever i lean to turn, it feels like the wheel naturally wants to resist the turn and go straight, its not a continuous pull, but more like pulsing. Sorry for the bad explanation... :\ Any help would be appreciated. P.S. i need to replace my steering bearing, if that may cause this issue.

October 13th, 2013, 12:19 PM	#2
Felipe the Ant ninjette.org sage Name: . Location: . Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250R SE GREEN! Posts: 562	Replace the bearing and go from there, you already know it needs to be replaced __________________________________________________ Trust me, I'm a banana!

October 13th, 2013, 01:55 PM	#6
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	You sure it needs replaced? Is there a popping sound when push down on the forks? Try to tighten it up a bit before replacing. You could also take it out repack with grease and tighten as needed. Otherwise, you have it in front of you and know what you need. __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

October 15th, 2013, 03:11 PM	#8
Lychee sail away Name: Jon Location: San Jose Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): gixxer (sold), ninjette (upgrade!) Posts: 964 Blog Entries: 8	Have you checked your front tire pressure? Replace with tapered roller bearings if possible. The bearings are literally a few balls of steel. If one gets dented or dimpled enough, the whole thing acts funny. __________________________________________________ Unregistered found this post helpful. Track Day Preparation Checklist 1. Financial 2. Mental 3. Physical 4. Gear / Bike

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October 13th, 2013, 12:34 PM	#4
The_big_dill ninjette.org member Name: Phil Location: Aurora, ON, Canada Join Date: Jan 2013 Motorcycle(s): 1987 Ninja 250 custom gold Posts: 218	Could that really cause something to feel loose in the front end? What are the simptoms of having a worn steering bearing? (i already know the notching that you get when you turn the handlebars).

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CZroe CPT Falcon Name: J.Emmett Turner Location: Newnan, GA Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): '08 CP Blue EX250J, '97 unpainted EX250F, 2nd '97 unpainted EX250F (no engine), '07 black EX250F Posts: A lot.	Check your engine mount bolts and look for a bend in the frame under the tank.