Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
Tight steering and speedo re-set Tight steering and speedo re-set
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 1 Dec 2006
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Wyoming
Posts: 4
Question Tight steering and speedo re-set
I don't see this problem in past threads, so I would like to know if any others have had this problem. My steering has tightened (gotten hard or stiff) at the steering head. This seemed to happen after a light drop of the bike, but could have been due to travel on exceptionally rough, rocky trail. The tightening leemed to loosen some after a few miles of hiway riding, but is still stiff. I have checked for cable drag, and all are loose so there is no binding there. I loosened the lock and adjusting nuts and the unit loosened up and felt fine. However when I re-tighten everything to the called for specs the unit tightens up again. Any help would be welcome.
The other problem is that I have lost the screw on the odometer re-set knob. I have even contacted Yamaha, but nobody can tell me what screw I need. It apears to be about 2mm X 40mm, but I am not sure. Paarts like that are hard to find in the middle of Wyoming, so I will have to order one from somewhere so I will need to know the exact size. If anyone knows the size please relay that information.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 2 Dec 2006
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: montana usa
Posts: 547
Steering
Maybe you should go ahead and check your steering head bearing to see if they are greased, if yours is a US bike it is a bit old. Then if everything is in good shape adjust the steering head bearing till it steers right for you. Too tight steers bad...too loose it clunks over bumps. It may sound crude but a drop of super glue will hold your speedo knob on. Also if anyone breaks the reset knob a small piece of small diameter fuel or vacum line will patch it. (once again super glue the pieces together)
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 2 Dec 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Brum
Posts: 44
You need to make sure when you tighten up the head-bearing lock nut you don't also move the one underneath as that will load up the bearing and make it stiff. With the right amount of tension in the head races (free to move but not so loose there's a clunk, not so tight they start to get stiff) hold the lower nut then tighten the upper nut onto it.

If you first noticed the stiffness after a fall just check the forks are straight in the yokes too
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 4 Dec 2006
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Wyoming
Posts: 4
Thanks
Thanks for the info. Rick, this one uses a single lock on the bearing, but I will watch to make sure there is no movement when I tighten the shaft lock nut. Thanks for the heads up. Bill, your right it is a bit old, 1990. Good bike though. I pulled it apart and the bearings are not shot, but not too good either. I have new ones ordered and I think that will fix the problem. They look like Yamaha missed them with grease when the bike was built. Both upper and lower were totally dry and the bottom had scared the race quite badly. The bike has about 40K on it. When I pulled the stearing apart for the repair there, I took the speedo out and looked at it closer. It does notwork like I had thought it did, and I think the crude, but affective, super glue fix might work. Though I have a 5 gal tank on the bike, I still need my odometer fuel guage working. Thanks again, I will post how things work out so all will know. Cross Eagle
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 4 Dec 2006
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: montana usa
Posts: 547
Steering head bearings
Yamaha probably diddn't put much grease in the bearings brand new. There is the bit about over greasing ball bearing that rotate. Too much grease can cause excess heat. Unfortunately they also don't grease bearings that don't ever rotate a full revolution. So for other riders out there a regreasing of your steeringhead bearings could save some expense and hassel in the future.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 4 Dec 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Brum
Posts: 44
It's been a while since I had an XT but as far as I can remember there is a ring-nut under the top yoke (that you need a C spanner for, the type often used for setting rear shock spring pre-load) The top yoke sits on top of it, but on top of that is another nut. It's the combination of these two that act as nut and lock nut. You set the bearing adjustment by turning the ring nut until there's no play, then, without moving anything, tighten the top nut to lock it all down tight. New bearings and spot of grease will work wonders.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 19 Dec 2006
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Wyoming
Posts: 4
Smile Returned info was on the money.
Just want you all to know that the new bearings fixed the stearing and I have my old XT back. Also, the super-glue trick worked on the speedo re-set. Thanks again for all the help. Cross Eagle
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 02:01.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top