Advice please on adjusting head bearing on a 1979 Ducati 900 Replica
Posted: Mon Jan 11, 2016 8:26 am
Afternoon All,
Well, here I am now 4000 miles later on with the 1979 Ducati 900 Replica number 146 that a number of you helped with advice whilst I was rebuilding.
I've run her in meticulosly, 500 mile oil changes (oil cheaper than bearings) and 2500 miles before I opened her up and poured petrol on the bonfire, OMG that's such fun. She's been to the Isle of Man twice, first time taught me I should have fitted a Sureflex Kit when I built her.
Second time, Closed Roads Parade Lap, pulled like a train and huge smiles. To top it off she won the Concours D'Elegance at the Vintage Club Rally (over 200 bikes). I love her to bits.
This question is seeking advice on head bearings and adjustment.
In the last 100 miles or so I have noticed on occasion when taking my hands off the bars that she wags her head.
A fellow owner friend mentioned that its not unknown for head bearings on a rebuild to tighten up.
So shes on the ramp today and tomorrows job is once again one piece fairing off and oil change (plus the third failed front inlet rubber).
When the fairings off I will lift the front end up on a scissor lift and let the bars flop side to side.
Assuming the head bearings are out of adjustment - whats the best routine to follow for the novice (I'm not done this before).
I'm guessing slacken the centre cap head on the top yoke to allow top yoke to move up and down freely on the steering head?
Then adjust the slotted ring adjuster on the top of the steering head?
Apologies for such basic questions, but although I built it and adjusted them correctly on build, its not something I've yet done in service so thought I would ask advice first.
Thanks in advance for all replies. (Unless it's one like I got on the Fireblade Forum...."if you have to ask a question like that do you think you should really be owning a bike like this.....!")
Stuart
Well, here I am now 4000 miles later on with the 1979 Ducati 900 Replica number 146 that a number of you helped with advice whilst I was rebuilding.
I've run her in meticulosly, 500 mile oil changes (oil cheaper than bearings) and 2500 miles before I opened her up and poured petrol on the bonfire, OMG that's such fun. She's been to the Isle of Man twice, first time taught me I should have fitted a Sureflex Kit when I built her.
Second time, Closed Roads Parade Lap, pulled like a train and huge smiles. To top it off she won the Concours D'Elegance at the Vintage Club Rally (over 200 bikes). I love her to bits.
This question is seeking advice on head bearings and adjustment.
In the last 100 miles or so I have noticed on occasion when taking my hands off the bars that she wags her head.
A fellow owner friend mentioned that its not unknown for head bearings on a rebuild to tighten up.
So shes on the ramp today and tomorrows job is once again one piece fairing off and oil change (plus the third failed front inlet rubber).
When the fairings off I will lift the front end up on a scissor lift and let the bars flop side to side.
Assuming the head bearings are out of adjustment - whats the best routine to follow for the novice (I'm not done this before).
I'm guessing slacken the centre cap head on the top yoke to allow top yoke to move up and down freely on the steering head?
Then adjust the slotted ring adjuster on the top of the steering head?
Apologies for such basic questions, but although I built it and adjusted them correctly on build, its not something I've yet done in service so thought I would ask advice first.
Thanks in advance for all replies. (Unless it's one like I got on the Fireblade Forum...."if you have to ask a question like that do you think you should really be owning a bike like this.....!")
Stuart