How to check front wheel bearings?

Today I changed the front tire on my 2000 R1100RS. As I was prepping for the shake-down ride, I realized my bike has not had any maintenance on the front wheel bearings since 2011 when I purchased it with 66,000 miles on it (it now has 101,600 miles).

How do I check or maintain the bearings? I hear no noise or roughness, but I know that would only happen when the absolute worst was near, and it is certainly not something I want to hear on a trip. I'm certain this has been covered, but I could not find it in a search.

BTW the new tires are Bridgestone Battlax T30 EVO dual compound tires. I'll report back on them after getting the rear tire on next weekend. I could not pass up riding weather in February to do both of them today!

The front bearings last a very long time unless the bike does many deep water crossings.
I changed mine out on my GS at 175k miles as I was planning to do Alaska and did not want any problems in a remote area.
Nothing wrong with the old ones (still have them as "spares")

That being said I check each tire change by inserting my index finger in each inner race and turn back and forth to feel any roughness or play.

GSAddict said:

The front bearings last a very long time unless the bike does many deep water crossings.
I changed mine out on my GS at 175k miles as I was planning to do Alaska and did not want any problems in a remote area.
Nothing wrong with the old ones (still have them as "spares")

That being said I check each tire change by inserting my index finger in each inner race and turn back and forth to feel any roughness or play.

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Exactly. If the bearing is going bad you will feel roughness and if you feel roughness then you need to replace the bearing.

Thanks, guys. I feel better now!

When I have the tire and wheel off the bike i stick the index finger from both hands in either side wheel bearing and give the wheel a spin by rolling the tire along the floor and letting it spin on my fingers. If you feel any catching or notchy feeling, replace the bearings.

PoorUB said:

When I have the tire and wheel off the bike i stick the index finger from both hands in either side wheel bearing.......

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Sure but how do you reattach your fingers to your hands?

Sorry...

BC1100S said:

Sure but how do you reattach your fingers to your hands?

Sorry...

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You have to watch closely, his hands never leave his arms....
Stolen from MJM RIP.

GSAddict said:

Stolen from MJM RIP.

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Frequently thought of and always missed.

BC1100S said:

Frequently thought of and always missed.

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