I have had the notorious "head shake" since I bought my '93 2 years ago. It started showing up mainly on decel at about 35-40, just like others have said. Over the last few months I have noticed that I was beginning to feel it on Acceleration as well, at about 30. I felt it even worse, when 2 up or pulling the trailer. During a ride last weekend, I felt it while entering a couple of curves and decided something had to be looked at quick.
After researching here, the ABBike board and Wyzards forum I found all the info I needed EXCEPT the size of the nut under the handlebars.
Today I torn the front end down and fixed the loose stem bearing. I turned it almost 1/2 turn and that has totally elimated the shimmy on both accel and decel. I can actually set the cruise at 40 and take my hands off the bars. Never been able to do that before..
Anyway the reason for the post was to list the tools and sizes that are needed to do the job. Maybe by having them in one place, it will help someone else.
1 - phillips screwdriver to remove the cover from the switch
2 - 10mm socket to remove the riser covers from the handlebars.
3 - 12mm box end wrench to loosen the triple-tree fork clamps
4 - 27mm socket to loosen the large nut on top to the triple-tree, below the handlebars (this is the one I couldn't find a size for anywhere else.)
5 - long flatblade screwdriver or other flat piece of steel to hook into the notch on the steering stem nut (just below the upper triple-tree)
6- hammer to hit #5 with
The whole procedure took about 45 minutes and 1 cool beverage. A second set of hands to hold the handlebars up a little would be very useful
All in all, a pleasant repair with a very positve result. I'm very happy
Steering Head Bearing Tool List.
Moderators: the2knights, Highway Rider
- David (N. Alabama)
- Elite Tourer
- Posts: 816
- Joined: Thu Feb 21, 2008 1:20 pm
- 16
- Current bike(s): 2007 Kawasaki Mean Streak
2010 Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager 1700
2011 Kawasaki Versys
2012 Kawasaki KLX250S
2010 Moto Guzzi V7 Café Classic
1975 Kawasaki KT250 Trials
2014 Triumph Trophy SE - Location: Tennessee
- Has liked: 0
- Been liked: 0
I used a couple of bungee cords and a towel and used the windshield to hold the handlebars up. I wonder how much that head tool costs? I've tightened mine twice now. The longest time was trying to move that nut.
I wasn't sure what size that head nut was, so I just bought a large set of deep impact sockets from Harbor Freight for $20.
I wasn't sure what size that head nut was, so I just bought a large set of deep impact sockets from Harbor Freight for $20.
2010 Voyager 1700
Good idea on the bungee's, David. I'll remember that for next time.David (N. Alabama) wrote:I used a couple of bungee cords and a towel and used the windshield to hold the handlebars up. I wonder how much that head tool costs? I've tightened mine twice now. The longest time was trying to move that nut.
I wasn't sure what size that head nut was, so I just bought a large set of deep impact sockets from Harbor Freight for $20.