 Headstock Race Adjusters (wrenches)
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Joined: May 2011
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3/4 Throttle
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OP
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After a 225 mi. ride last weekend my 07BA rolled to 11.5K miles so I figured it was time to start the 12K service stuff I haven't already done. Today after the oil/filter & plugs change I went for a short 30mi handling/performance run. During todays performance run on some fairly rough asphalt (the road had three "ruts" in the asphalt about 1/4 in deep or less - 3 in. wide & 8-10 inches apart) @ 40-50 mph I noticed a distinct front end wobble/grab (scared the pi$$ outta me!)  as I tracked over/across the "ruts". I've ridden this same section of road before with no problems. I had the same effect on the 225 mile ride with any seam in the asphalt I ran over too...but not near as pronounced. So, I'm thinking I need to adjust the headstock bearings. Does anyone have a line of where I might find a set of aftermarket headstock race/bearing adjusters that are cheaper than the "triumph" tools (#T3880140)? BTW, front alignment seems okay as the bike tracks like a figgin arrow in the straights, rear alignment is okay, tires/pressures are okay. Any comments/ additional info would be appreciated too. 
Karl
Odessa, MO
'07 America, Cinnamon Girl (aka: Black Beauty or Ol' Penny) - Sit Down, Shut Up & Hang On
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Re: Headstock Race Adjusters (wrenches)
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
How many miles on the front tire?
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Headstock Race Adjusters (wrenches)
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Joined: May 2011
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3/4 Throttle
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OP
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Quote:
How many miles on the front tire?
Approximately 6k (+/- maybe 500-700 or so?) I had the front Metzler ME880 replaced (worn to cords) in March 2010. The dealer put the Metz Lasertech on as the replacement. The rear is the ME880 that came on the scoot when I bought it in Feb 2010.
I haven't noticed a handling difference up until now. Could the mismatch in the front vs. rear tread design make such a significant handling difference? Could the front be out of balance? 
What about tire pressures? I run the skins by what the manual recommends, 31 in the front (cold & climbs to around 33-34 when riding) & 30 in the rear (cold & climbs to 34-36 when riding) both unladen except for my body weight 190.
Karl
Odessa, MO
'07 America, Cinnamon Girl (aka: Black Beauty or Ol' Penny) - Sit Down, Shut Up & Hang On
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Re: Headstock Race Adjusters (wrenches)
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720 |
All the neg stuff you described, started happening to me when my Lasertech wore out to 30-40% life left. I'll never run another, unless it means pushing the bike home.
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Re: Headstock Race Adjusters (wrenches)
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Joined: May 2011
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Ryk, I don't like the Lazertech much either as it does whine/cry (road noise only for sure!!!!) when I'm bookin down the road. Up to now the handling has been okay so I figured for the $$$$ of a tire I could deal with the road noise. There's gotta be 50% (perhaps a bit more) of tread remaining on the front though.
With the Midwest BA really looming quickly on the time horizon I need to figure out if it's just the headstock bearing needs adjustment, perhaps get a new ME880 110/90 for the front, or both to be ready for the +500 mile ride to rally central in July.
Karl
Odessa, MO
'07 America, Cinnamon Girl (aka: Black Beauty or Ol' Penny) - Sit Down, Shut Up & Hang On
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Re: Headstock Race Adjusters (wrenches)
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,735 Likes: 7
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,735 Likes: 7 |
In case you decide to replace your bearings straight from the tech vault... Quote:
Headset Bearings
Dimensions (Measured as a set, i.e., pressed race, caged bearings, fork crown race.
Top Bearing Set ID=26 mm OD=47 mm Width=15 mm (verified with caliper)
Bottom Bearing Set ID=30 mm OD=55 mm Width=17 mm
Note: The lower bearing set I got from my mechanic didn't have the pressed race (cone), thus no caliper verification.
OEM numbers stamped on 'fork crown races'/'cups' bearing sets:
Top: Koyo SAC2647-1
Bottom: Koyo SAC3055-1
I am working on a cross reference for tapered bearings. All Balls is one.
BTW the Honda 1995 CBR600RR uses the exact same headset bearings.
Quote:
http://www.amazon.com/Balls-Steering-Stem-Bearing-22-1020/dp/B000UK26HU
All Balls part #22-1020
these are the upgraded bearings too
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: Headstock Race Adjusters (wrenches)
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Joined: May 2011
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3/4 Throttle
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OP
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Yep Dave, I was pondering on whether to replace the headset bearings altogether after the Midwest rally. With the aid of the proper tools tho (hence my initial query of this thread) as I would not be as confident with the install/adjustment using available tools. I probably have the right sized open end (38mm) in my tool collection, but no way to get the torque setting correct, so I'm looking for a suitable aftermarket copy of the triumph "specialty tool" since the branded ones are so spendy $$$$$.
I got the dims & a pic of the tool(s) from the RAT forum but don't have time to make em myself (my control bar mod is back burnered @ present too!). Thinkin I may stop by a bud's shop to see if he can bang out a couple for me on the cheap.
BTW, Thanks for link to the AllBalls HS bearings Dave, I will definately purchase them if for no other reason to have readily available to change out after the Midwest rally!
Karl
Odessa, MO
'07 America, Cinnamon Girl (aka: Black Beauty or Ol' Penny) - Sit Down, Shut Up & Hang On
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Re: Headstock Race Adjusters (wrenches)
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
At 12k your current headset is very young, if it isn't notchy when you actually steer the bike my money is on the tire. There was a lot of tread left on my original Bridgestone Wobblemaster when I replaced it with a new Avon and it was like riding a new bike.
I've put All Balls kits in two old bikes and the result is creamy smooth steering. One day I'll be doing the same to my America but that won't be any time soon.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Headstock Race Adjusters (wrenches)
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Joined: May 2011
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3/4 Throttle
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OP
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Steering is still very smooth, not notchy at all. As a matter of fact when I had the bike up on the lift (w/ the front off the ground by 1" or so) I could flick the steering in either direction with the slightest tap on the bars.
That's what made me think that the Headstock needs adjustment more than doing the fully monty bearing replacements. Replacing the tire would be the cheapest route if that is indeed the culpit to the reduction in handling performance otherwise for sure!
Will the ME880 110/90-18 fit w/o fender bracket mods on my BA?
Karl
Odessa, MO
'07 America, Cinnamon Girl (aka: Black Beauty or Ol' Penny) - Sit Down, Shut Up & Hang On
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Re: Headstock Race Adjusters (wrenches)
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616 |
Just to offer another POV... I had a period of time when I was having issues with front tires cupping.
I have a downhill stretch on the way home and usually coast down it with hands hovering over bars. If the bike stays straight I know Im good. If the front end gets a bit wobbly then I know I have an issue with my front tire.
My OE tire was solid the whole time. Then after my second tire change I noticed at about the half-life of the tire it wasn't as stable. By the time I got the third tire Id get the wobble within a couple thousand miles. Two more tires within the next 5k miles (one didn't even make it to 1k) and I knew I had an issue somewhere.
There was a thread about headset bearings and tire wear at the time so I swapped. Put on a new tire yet again and have not had tire wear issues since then.
I swapped the bearings to the All Balls kit.
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
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Re: Headstock Race Adjusters (wrenches)
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Joined: May 2011
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3/4 Throttle
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Thanks Z. Last night I read through the old threads on this too, including yours....so it got me to thinkin..... and hence the beginning of this quest for the proper tools & additional background info....
Here's the rub tho...I don't see or feel any cupping on the Lasertech at all. I've seen cupping (from poor alignment) on the semi truck tires replaced in the shop @ work & it's readily evident/plianly visible....maybe not so on MC tires?
Karl
Odessa, MO
'07 America, Cinnamon Girl (aka: Black Beauty or Ol' Penny) - Sit Down, Shut Up & Hang On
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Re: Headstock Race Adjusters (wrenches)
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 754
3/4 Throttle
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OP
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Quote:
Steering is still very smooth, not notchy at all. As a matter of fact when I had the bike up on the lift (w/ the front off the ground by 1" or so) I could flick the steering in either direction with the slightest tap on the bars.
That's what made me think that the Headstock needs adjustment more than doing the fully monty bearing replacements. Replacing the tire would be the cheapest route if that is indeed the culpit to the reduction in handling performance otherwise for sure!
Will the ME880 110/90-18 fit w/o fender bracket mods on my BA?
BTW, with the full weight of the bike & myself resting on the ground the "flick factor" in the steering does seem pretty loose as well...hence again...That's what made me think that the Headstock needs adjustment....otherwise steering is as smooth as silk.
Karl
Odessa, MO
'07 America, Cinnamon Girl (aka: Black Beauty or Ol' Penny) - Sit Down, Shut Up & Hang On
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Re: Headstock Race Adjusters (wrenches)
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,735 Likes: 7
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,735 Likes: 7 |
I've been noticing some twitchiness in my steering lately and I know it's not the. Yours could very well be though. I am planning on taking my forks off soon to change the oil and re-polish the lowers, so I may just go ahead and change the bearings out at the same time. Like you, I like to make sure everything is in top shape before a rally. I'll be getting a new rear tire before July too.
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: Headstock Race Adjusters (wrenches)
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616 |
You could start with the easy part... snug up the headset nuts and see how that feels. If you still have issues then move to the next step.
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
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Re: Headstock Race Adjusters (wrenches)
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 754
3/4 Throttle
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OP
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This morning I did check, loosen & re-torqued the fork clamp bolts, spindle & nut (hadn't checked em since the new rotor went on in Jan) & went round the block (2 mi). That seemed to help a bunch. (e.g. slight wobble @ 30mph, none @ 40+). Makes me think it's the front tire tho.
So, because of the time constraints, I'm gonna roll her into the dealer, havem them mount & balance an ME880 110/90-18 and lube/check the headset bearings along with the other 12K maintenence stuff I haven't already done or don't have tools for.
Karl
Odessa, MO
'07 America, Cinnamon Girl (aka: Black Beauty or Ol' Penny) - Sit Down, Shut Up & Hang On
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Re: Headstock Race Adjusters (wrenches)
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 754
3/4 Throttle
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OP
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Okey dokey, about a week and half ago I got new ME880's mounted/balanced and on the bike & asked the (non-Triumph)dealer check/adjust the headstock bearing. I don't think they "adjusted" the headstock bearing torque, but merely checked for front/back freeplay.
But, the new skins now have about 100+ miles on em & handling has improved dramatically. Although the steering "feel" stills seems a bit loose to me, there's no wobble @ any speed now, and the grabbing I felt (over seams in the pavement) is gone as well.
Karl
Odessa, MO
'07 America, Cinnamon Girl (aka: Black Beauty or Ol' Penny) - Sit Down, Shut Up & Hang On
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