Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech Steering "Flop"

Had someone pose an interesting question - is it normal for the steering to "flop" side to side real easy with no resistance ? They have an America as well. It doesn't bother me any, but I said I didn't think there was any way to preload the bearing so much that it would create resistance. And that didn't sound like it would be a good idea anyway. What do the Enlightened Masses think ?

sitting still or the load speed flop? could add a steering dampener?

I think it's pretty normal, that's the usual adjustment...tighten the free play out until it just flops over under its own weight, any tighter causes premature wear. Mines pretty floppy, scares me sometimes (like today)...That's why it's recommended to always park with the wheel to the left, keeps from banging the stops. Of course, center stand owners won't have that problem.

I have a dim memory using a line and fishing scale to get 7 pounds resistance before turning but I can't remember which bike or why. My America really just swings free.

I believe I read that the steering head bearings rate a zero preload, once any slop is dialed out, that's tight enough. web page for a possible fix?

I just checked the Triumph Manual and it says to tighten the adjuster nut until there is no freeplay in the bearings making sure that you don't preload the bearing.

Zero preload if the way to go!