81 XJ650 - Steering “Notch” Feeling

Hey all.

Recently had to take my front wheel off to replace a punctured tire, so I had my bike up on a jack. Before I took it down, I moved the bars from lock to lock to check the steering head bearing. Noticed a slight hitch right near dead center, where it would take a little extra force to move further.

First question: am I correct that this means the steering head bearings is failing?

Second question: if it’s the bearings, is this something that can wait until next winter to replace? I have noticed no problems at all with handling, nor any speed wobble when up near 80 mph on the highway. The hitch in the travel is very slight, and one finger on the bar is still enough to overcome the resistance. I understand replacing those bearings is a very laborious job, since you have to take apart the whole front end to get to the triple tree, so I’d love to put that off until I have more time.

 

VFR's were known for "self-centering" so to speak...... you've likely got a dent in the upper race and the ball is catching in it as you turn the bars....... as long as you know what it is, and can deal with it, you can put off replacement. The one I had was likely worse than yours, and I rode that summer and did the replacement after riding season was over.

 

Yes, you can ride with it and tolerate it. It is a tedious task but not all that difficult but after it is done you are going to be amazed at how much nicer your bike feels and handles.

 

Also upgrade from the ball bearings to tapered roller bearings

 

Okay, thanks for these replies. Went out for a longer ride yesterday and all seemed well, so I plan to let it ride until there’s more time for major maintenance. I definitely plan to install roller bearings when I do the overhaul. Not only will it probably feel better to steer, I will also not have to worry about showering my garage floor with steel balls if I ever need to re-grease the thing.