head racer gaskets???

total_uk · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 09 Apr 2009 Karma :

Advice if possible please folks...

I went to a local bike shop today and enquired about a part exchange price on my Firestorm against a newer bike. They took my Firestorm into the workshop and carried out an appraisal which took about 20 minutes. When they came back they had a list of a few things that they said would need sorting out. Mostly minor things apart from the head racer gaskets which they said needed replacing.
I was wondering what the signs are that they do need replacing as I hadn't really noticed anything different whilst riding, plus how much would this be likely to cost me?..My obvious concern is, how likely is it that they do need doing or is it more likely that the bike shop are finding anything to bring down the part ex price they'll offer. (they did offer less because of it)
Any thoughts/advice would be appreciated.

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hi

Presume you mean steering head bearings. Can be a pig of a job as you need to drop the entire front suspension out (ironically can be easier on a faired bike as there is less hanging from the forks / yokes).

Normal sign is a notchiness. Hold the bike with the front end in the air and see if the forks move smoothly when you turn the bars. If the bearings are shot then there will probably be a notch around the straight ahead position.

The can also just be lose (so with the front end in the air you will find some forward / aft play, and probably have the bike clunk over bumps) or tight (bars will be stiff, and the bike will probably wander at speed). First of these can also be a sign of worn bearings, 2nd can be a sign of someone trying to disguise worn bearings.

All the best

Keith
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BanditsHigh · Worse than a woman Joined: 21 Mar 2005 Karma :

A new set of head bearings will probably cost them a tenner, fitting can be done in under an hour ... if they try and bump you down to much tell them where to go!!

total_uk · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 09 Apr 2009 Karma :

total_uk · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 09 Apr 2009 Karma :

BanditsHigh · Worse than a woman Joined: 21 Mar 2005 Karma :

200 quid ... aye right!!

I know they've got to make a profit but that's just ridiculous Rolling Eyes

chris-red · Have you considered a TDM? Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Karma :

Steering head bearings will be closer to £30 than £10 IMO
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