mtraphagen
Member
Hello -- I have a new-to-me 93 K75RT. The previous owner was pretty conscientious in servicing the bike and overall I've enjoyed it for the several hundred miles I've put on in the past week or so.
But I noticed "loose" feeling in the steering, particularly while counter-steering to the right at moderate speeds. It seems to be unnerving at most -- despite how it feels, I don't think the bike is going to slip out from under me. Everything else seems good -- the bike doesn't wander at all. In fact, all but right sweepers feel great. At various points, I thought it was just all in my head.
In checking various things out, from the Progressive rear shock (fairly new) to the tires (also fairly new, have tried various pressures), I managed to finally discover a "notch" dead center in the steering with the front tire off the ground. According to what I've read, that means the steering head bearings need to be replaced. It wasn't my first thought as the previous owner had them replaced in somewhat recent history.
I was planning on taking the bike for a few thousand miles -- nothing too strenuous but a bit of riding before it turns cold -- maybe a total of 70 to 80 pounds besides me (175 pounds). Looking at the shop manual, replacing those bearings could well make my head explode.
My question -- with a definite "notch" with the front wheel off the ground, can anyone provide guidance as to the risk level? Looking at the schematics of the assembly, I can't imagine how a catastrophic failure could occur but perhaps my imagination is too limited.
I would seriously appreciate any ballpark input.
Thanks!
Mitch
But I noticed "loose" feeling in the steering, particularly while counter-steering to the right at moderate speeds. It seems to be unnerving at most -- despite how it feels, I don't think the bike is going to slip out from under me. Everything else seems good -- the bike doesn't wander at all. In fact, all but right sweepers feel great. At various points, I thought it was just all in my head.
In checking various things out, from the Progressive rear shock (fairly new) to the tires (also fairly new, have tried various pressures), I managed to finally discover a "notch" dead center in the steering with the front tire off the ground. According to what I've read, that means the steering head bearings need to be replaced. It wasn't my first thought as the previous owner had them replaced in somewhat recent history.
I was planning on taking the bike for a few thousand miles -- nothing too strenuous but a bit of riding before it turns cold -- maybe a total of 70 to 80 pounds besides me (175 pounds). Looking at the shop manual, replacing those bearings could well make my head explode.
My question -- with a definite "notch" with the front wheel off the ground, can anyone provide guidance as to the risk level? Looking at the schematics of the assembly, I can't imagine how a catastrophic failure could occur but perhaps my imagination is too limited.
I would seriously appreciate any ballpark input.
Thanks!
Mitch
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