Steering head locks in the middle-bearings need replacement?

[thegrouch]

HI guys,

recently I have been playing a bit with the bike on the center stand just to check different "levers" and "swtiches" and I noticed that the front suspension somehow stucks in the middle position. It looks like it has some tiny "lock" or something that makes it stay in line with bike when on center stand. It will swing to the left or right easly, but I need to push it out of its position first.

I am not sure, but I think I read somwhere that this indicates bearings problem and they should be either loosend or replaced - is that right?

b.r.
oscar

 

[jayel]

yep flat spots in the bearings or dimples in the races making it feel notchy, replace them

 

[16VGTIDave]

Agreed, replace them! I'd suggest getting roller bearings rather than messing around with loose ball bearings. Check out http://www.allballsracing.com/ they make them.

Dave

 

[drewpy]

I prefer tapered bearings myself, they stand a bit prouder, but transform the handling