F800GS steering has center "notch" problem
Hi all, my F800GS has developed a steering center "notch" problem. i.e. when there is weight on the front wheel the steering always wants to center itself, when I take the weight off (on center stand and lift front wheel from the ground) it steers super smoothly.
I have bottomed out the front end twice on off-road tours, both with very hard knocks (Lesotho, Postmans route...) but the center notch doesn't make sense considering the steering fork bridge bearings are roller bearings. If they did take a bad nock at center it would be notchy at various degrees of left and right turns, not just dead center!?
It's also not the old issue with the original anakee tyre (which tended to have a "center" pull), my bike has this center notch with a Karroo 3 and Mitas E07 (brand new one fitted last week).
Any bright ideas anyone? I would hate to change the bearings (R1k each) and find out its actually something else. (the F800GS does not have a steering damper as far as I know...?)
Any advice would be appreciated.
Neck bearings Alf.
Agree with Geoff. The neck bearings wear a notch in the centre from lots of riding (which is predominantly straight). It is not from a particular knock. The prevention is a generous helping of grease (apparently the manufacturers do not grease these bearings adequately).
Once the "notch" is there the grease won't help. Bearings are relatively cheap and you can change them yourself Alf.
Alfred, my 800 is on 40000km and I am on my third set of neck bearings.
As Charles said, it is not from one knock, just off road riding in general. And the harder you ride.............
I have done all my bearing changes myself, it is not a long process at all, the only real problem is the lower bearing. You can get it off with a hammer and punch and you can get the new one on with a hammer and suitable pipe, which I have, but it is much easier if you know someone who has a press.
If I can "schedule" it, I strip on a Sunday and then take the bottom tree with the bearing on to Cecil Penny and he removes the old one and fits the new one. The top one just falls into place.
The bearings themselves are about R300.00 and includes the new races and a rubber seal, which the bike doesn't have when it comes from the factory.
Thank you gents, much appreciated!
I will order a set from Donford CPT right away, King Tech around the corner from me could probably help fit them.
Cheers
Get Andrew to source them for you - he may well know a more cost-effective source that does not compromise quality. Often it is the dealer, sometimes not.
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