Steering Head Tightening

[mdisher]

Allrighty...

At my 600 mile service my head was good and snug. No I didn't check the torque but there wasn't any play.

Now after almost 3k miles, I have just a little play. So I want to snug it up, or rather I should probably re-pack them suckers.

How big a pain is this, and/or is there anyone that sells the tool other than Yamaha? I'm sure my dealer (any of them will have to order it) That will take a while I'm afraid.

 

[Ignacio]

I changed the title of the topic from "Head Tightening" to "Steering Head Tightening" lest people think you're taking off the valve cover and tightening down the engine head.

There is another tool by Bike Johnny and others. Search is your friend......

 

[mdisher]

I ordered the Bike Johnny tool today after doing some searching... I didn't see any references to anyone talking about doing the deed though.

This is one thing I haven't done yet... Front wheel off the ground to get it done right? So I need to build a stand?

Or just tourque it to spec? After making sure it's all packed good with grease?

 

[Ignacio]

You'll need to jack up the front end. Weight on the front end will mess up the torque readings.

Here and here for notes about jacking the front end and stand building.

Personally, I go a 2"x4" across the headers and a scissor jack leftover from a Volkwagen I used to have.

 

[ionbeam]

Here is a very good procedure from Mark Johnson.

 

[racer]

This what I did to raise the front off the ground. I hooked a tie down on bar in front of the steering head and the other end on a rafter, then racheted the front up. Note, you will have to have the windscreen retract unplugged or the wind screen will hit the tie down.