What would be the symptoms....

[MikeyC]

if your front wheel bearing was on its way out?

[NSR Mick]

There would be play in the wheel, or it would sound rough or feel notchy when turned.
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If you dont like the way that I ride.......Stop trying to keep up!!!

[MikeyC]

And what if I was holding in the front brake, what would happen?

[satans_BIG_helper]

holding the front brake n rocking bike back n forth i would expect excessive movement...

main way to test wheel bearings is put bike on centre stand/paddock stand or something similair so the front wheel is in the air... place one hand at top of the wheel and one hand at the base of the wheel and push with one hand and pull with the other then reverse this... a touch of movement is ok and i mean a little but if it moves more than a few mm its time to consider changing them bearings

[MikeyC]

Yep, needs changing lol