Xj 750 steering head question

Prolly an easy answer here, but I’m a Harley guy resurrecting a garage find 83 xj 750. Just getting ready to flush brake lines and was turning the bar and felt a defined indent at the Center position when turning the bars from left to right. Always at dead center. Is this by design or do I have an issue? I know my ultra self centers thought maybe this may be a similar feature in the maxim.
Thanks

 

That is an indicator of worn out bearings. The replacement of the original ball bearings with a new tapered roller bearing isn’t too difficult or expensive.

 

Thanks it had sat for 15 years unused so makes sense. I guess just another maintenance thing to add to the list…

 

I just did mine. It wasn't that difficult, but I did end up needing a spanner wrench for the notched nuts, and a car bearing press/pull kit (bit bolt, big nut, and a number of different sized spacers) to get the lower race to seat properly.

 

A brasss drift and a hammer works fine for the spanner nuts. The races go right into place if you freeze them first.

 

I have done one of these as well. Just take your time and made sure you keep the top and bottom separate and follow the directions. A really good upgrade as well. I have a 82 I have to do yet...

Hardest part is taking all the stuff off the front of the bike for access to the steering head. If you have a magnet around, put that close to old bearing holding area when she comes apart. It will help keep the old worn bearing from falling out and running all over your work area floor.

 

Ha! I still find a ball bearing once and a while

 

I'm pretty sure that there a still a few rolling around my old garage floor.

 

Thanks for all the input. Tackling it this weekend. Lots of pics and lots of notes. Holy shite there’s a lot to take and or move. The notch in the head was very obvious once the tire and forks were off. Still have to get the race off the lower yolk but that’s for tomorrow and then put her back together.
Wish me luck!

 

My cousin has an 1800cc Goldwing. He will have lots to dismantle to do his head races . I got the race off the lower yolk by grinding through most of it but was careful not to damage the stem below.

 

All done. Went pretty smooth. It’s is a jigsaw puzzle to put back together. Lower bearing came off relatively easy with a drift and hammer. New one went on using old race upside down . Went on fine too. Can’t imagine what this job would price out at. But for me $72 for bearings and my own free labor.
What a difference in the steering* head now!

 

Most shops in the U.S. charge $100/hour for labor. A small independant shop might charge less if the property and building is paid for and in their name. In any case, working on your own stuff is a huge part of motorcycling. Knowing your machine builds confidence.

 

Amen brother! Done all my own work on my Harley. Super satisfying. I little research, patience and help from good people like on here and most people could tackle it themselves. For me the savings for diy is in the thousands