M.O.T Failure: Steering Movement 'notchy'

[blamchez]

hi all

Im after some advise if possible on my NSR125 which has just failed its M.O.T.

Reason for failure:

1. Steering movement excessively 'notchy' with the weight on the lower bearing[2.2.1a]

the same garage has quoted epprox £130 - £150 to change the steering bearings stating that it could take up to two hours labour + £35 for the replacement bearings.

Is this a fair quote? could i attempt the job myself? or should i hand it over to the pros?

your thoughts please
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50cc honda ---> CG125 ---> 125cc jap scooter ---> NSR125 ---> NC30 ---> CB500 ---> ZX7R

[Whosthedaddy]

Easy job to do, just a time consuming to remove various parts just to get to the steering bearings
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Current : MSX 125 Past : CBR 900RR Monkeybike : c50 LAC : ZXR750 H2 : FZR600 : ZX7R P3 : YW100 : TRX850: Trophy 900 T309 : GSXR 600 L0: Monkeybike : XJ6S Whosthedaddy

[Gradog]

It should be relatively easy. do it yourself.
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Grey haired bikers don't get that way from pure luck. Only a biker knows why a dog sticks his head out of the car window.

[Whosthedaddy]

The only 'tool' that you may need to complete the job is a wrench that looks somthing like this one:

https://www.mgcycle.com/SteeringHeadToolSS.JPG
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Current : MSX 125 Past : CBR 900RR Monkeybike : c50 LAC : ZXR750 H2 : FZR600 : ZX7R P3 : YW100 : TRX850: Trophy 900 T309 : GSXR 600 L0: Monkeybike : XJ6S Whosthedaddy

[stinkwheel]

And a drift. No use fannying about with an old screwdriver or bolt to drive the old races out. An angle grinder is handy to get the bottom race off the stem.

It's a bit of a pain in the arse of a job, not complex but time consuming and frustrating at times.

The price seems about right.

[Whosthedaddy]

[blamchez]

rightiho, ill give it a go.

any tips or guides that i can access on the net?

what is that tool called?
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50cc honda ---> CG125 ---> 125cc jap scooter ---> NSR125 ---> NC30 ---> CB500 ---> ZX7R

[stinkwheel]

It's a C-spanner. They are made of pure unobtanium if my attempts to buy one to adjust my shock are anything to go by.

[Whosthedaddy]

I was fortunate to have one in my dads old tool box.

It was slightly adjustable like this one:

https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Large-BRITOOL-C-Spanner_W0QQitemZ140013947326QQihZ004QQcategoryZ31347QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

WD40
Socket set
Closed end spanners
Hammer

Thats about it really.

https://www.nsr125.com/schem19t.jpg
https://www.nsr125.com/schem20t.jpg

They, along with others can be found at https://www.nsr125.com/schem.htm
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Current : MSX 125 Past : CBR 900RR Monkeybike : c50 LAC : ZXR750 H2 : FZR600 : ZX7R P3 : YW100 : TRX850: Trophy 900 T309 : GSXR 600 L0: Monkeybike : XJ6S Whosthedaddy

[Kickstart]

Hi

Bit of a pig of a job, just due to the amount of rubbish hanging off them normally (unfaired bikes tend to be worse, with the clocks / headlights / wiring having off them). Getting the old ones out can be a nightmare, but think the NSR is OK for this (think there are small cutouts under the bearing to enable you to get a punch under the bearing race).

And make sure you put them in the right way up. Yes, I really have seen a lower steering head bearing in the wrong way round, which explained why adjusting them was useless.

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[blamchez]

thanks to you all for your speedy replies filled with great advise.

i have ordered the bearings...

https://shop.wemoto.com/pictures.dyn?u=/pictures/bearings/taper2.jpg&i=1913532&a=25618

i have downloaded the shematics...

and im looking for a c spanner as i type.

will keep you updated with any progress!

cheers
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50cc honda ---> CG125 ---> 125cc jap scooter ---> NSR125 ---> NC30 ---> CB500 ---> ZX7R

[bish777]

a great way to install the new races into the steering head involves a long threaded M12 rod, two very large washers and two M12 nuts.

Gather the parts and it becomes obvious
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GSXR1100J