Alignment done, still pulls - Yamaha FZ6 Forums - International FZ6 Motorcycle Community Forum

abacall · 07-20-2008, 03:33 PM

I recently discovered that I needed slight pressure to the right side of the bars to keep the bike going straight. When I loosely let go of the bars, she pulled left. I figured it was an alignment problem (I bought the bike 1K mi. ago).
I used the "string," aka sportryders method and got it lined up right. Turns out she was ok.
I also recently noticed the steering head bearings must be shot. There's a good small amount of free-play in the forks fore and aft, and the front end clunks over small bumps. I searched a bunch and found that the steering head seems to be a common problem, so I have to fix that....
Anyone think that the pulling can be linked to the steering head? What am I over looking?

oldfast007 · 07-20-2008, 06:16 PM

Absolutely the steering head bearings

IMO

The Rayman · 07-20-2008, 06:29 PM

I would definitely take a look at the bearings. They might just need a greasing and re-torque. When mine went I replaced them with All Balls tapered bearings. No problems since.

**sportrider** · 07-20-2008, 06:33 PM

do you ride with a wallet in your pocket?

Avalon786 · 07-20-2008, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sportrider

do you ride with a wallet in your pocket?

I do

why?

abacall · 07-20-2008, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sportrider

do you ride with a wallet in your pocket?

No, no wallet. No hip problems either. My body is straight on the bike.
The head seems to be getting looser by the day. Just this morning I started getting low speed braking judder. Not to mention the clunks are getting louder.
I don't see how the bearings would make the bike pull to one side though. Anyone else have a suggestion?

xj750_Pete · 07-20-2008, 07:38 PM

uneven forks? or bent fork?

**sportrider** · 07-21-2008, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abacall

No, no wallet. No hip problems either. My body is straight on the bike.
The head seems to be getting looser by the day. Just this morning I started getting low speed braking judder. Not to mention the clunks are getting louder.
I don't see how the bearings would make the bike pull to one side though. Anyone else have a suggestion?

stop riding the bike yntil you figure it out and fix it. the steering head bearings are pretty easy to replace, have you pulled apart the front end and checked them?

**sportrider** · 07-21-2008, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Avalon786

I do

why?

I found that riding with a wallet can make you sit funny on the bike, carrying your weight more to one side. normally people put there wallet in there right pocket. I know I was reaching here but, it was just a thought.

**reiobard** · 07-21-2008, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sportrider

I found that riding with a wallet can make you sit funny on the bike, carrying your weight more to one side. normally people put there wallet in there right pocket. I know I was reaching here but, it was just a thought.

I actually had the same thought, i had this issue when i first started riding but figured it out.

If you bought the bike 1000 miles ago is it still under any type of warranty? make the dealer fix it.

07-20-2008, 03:33 PM	#1 (permalink)
abacall I'm just a lowly Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Bike: 04 Silver FZ6 Posts: 288 Rep Power: 5 Member #3435	Alignment done, still pulls I recently discovered that I needed slight pressure to the right side of the bars to keep the bike going straight. When I loosely let go of the bars, she pulled left. I figured it was an alignment problem (I bought the bike 1K mi. ago). I used the "string," aka sportryders method and got it lined up right. Turns out she was ok. I also recently noticed the steering head bearings must be shot. There's a good small amount of free-play in the forks fore and aft, and the front end clunks over small bumps. I searched a bunch and found that the steering head seems to be a common problem, so I have to fix that.... Anyone think that the pulling can be linked to the steering head? What am I over looking? __________________ 04 FZ6 \| Motovation Sliders \| Pro-grip tank pad \| All Balls SH \| BD43 DL mod \| Hella Yellowstars 70/80W \| FAZR6 F.E Kit \| 2B rear signals \| Satin black bits \| No stickers

07-20-2008, 06:16 PM	#2 (permalink)
oldfast007 OU812 Join Date: May 2008 Location: NH Bike: Fastest Red 06' Posts: 213 Rep Power: 4 Member #2741	Re: Alignment done, still pulls Absolutely the steering head bearings IMO

07-20-2008, 06:29 PM	#3 (permalink)
The Rayman Professional Cat Herder Join Date: May 2008 Location: Houston, TX Bike: 2004 Silver FZ6 Posts: 88 Rep Power: 2 Member #2907	Re: Alignment done, still pulls I would definitely take a look at the bearings. They might just need a greasing and re-torque. When mine went I replaced them with All Balls tapered bearings. No problems since.

07-20-2008, 06:33 PM	#4 (permalink)
sportrider Freeway Assassin Join Date: May 2007 Location: Redlands Ca.(can't see hell anymore) Bike: 2007 Yamaha YZFR1 Posts: 2,662 Rep Power: 10 Member #127	Re: Alignment done, still pulls do you ride with a wallet in your pocket? __________________ My Rider Resume America LOVE it or LEAVE IT former FZ6 test rider much of the action depicted here could rip your limbs off if done improperly.the riding discussed is done by an experianced rider in semi-controlled conditions, save the speed for the track. ride within your capibilities, concentrate and always wear protective gear, including a helmet, gloves, jacket, pants, and boots. I and the forum, forum staff, any combination of the words, forum, staff, thread, post, website, internet or member, are in no way responsible if you ride over your head and wad yourself up trying to recreate something you've read here.

07-20-2008, 07:38 PM	#7 (permalink)
xj750_Pete Junior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: El Monte, So Cal Bike: 2007 Red FZ6 Posts: 218 Rep Power: 4 Member #2893	Re: Alignment done, still pulls uneven forks? or bent fork?

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