Buell XB9R 2003, Service Manual, Page: 87 / 566

1-38 2003 Buell XB9R: Maintenance
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STEERING HEAD BEARINGS 1.13
GENERAL
The steering head bearings on the XB9R are sealed, angular
contact bearings and do not require additional lubrication.
Check steering head bearing resistance:
●
At every 5000 mile (8000 km) service interval.
● When storing or removing the motorcycle for the season.
INSPECTION
NOTES
● Check that throttle cables do not bind when measuring
bearing resistance.
● Steering head bearings are sealed and do not require
additional lubrication.
● Steering head bearing resistance is not adjustable.
Replace bearings that do not meet resistance specifica-
tions.
1. Detach clutch cable at handlebar.
2. Place a scissor jack under jacking point and raise front
wheel off ground. For location of jacking point see
Figure
2-98.
1
WARNING
1
WARNING
Steering must be smooth and free with no binding or
interference. Anything interfering with steering system
operation may cause loss of vehicle control, which could
result in death or serious injury.
3. Check steering stem bearings for notches by turning
front wheel full right and then left. Repeat if necessary.
4. Next place wheel facing straight ahead and grabbing
both fork sides at the bottom move front-end forward and
back to check for steering head play.
5. To inspect for correct steering head resistance turn front
wheel all the way to the right.
6. See Figure 1-43. Hook a spring scale into the hole in the
front axle. With scale 90 degrees from fork leg, pull front
wheel to center position.
a. It should take a maximum of 7 lbs. (3.2 kg) to pull
front wheel to center.
b. If steering head resistance measurement is not
within specification, see
ADJUSTMENT .
7. When adjustment is complete, attach clutch cable and
adjust. See
1.8 CLUTCH.
ADJUSTMENT
1. Detach clutch cable at handlebar and ensure that throttle
cables do not bind before measuring steering head bear-
ing resistance.
2. Remove steering stem pinch fastener at upper fork
clamp.
3. Loosen steering stem capnut and back off several turns.
4. Remove lower fork clamp pinch fasteners, two per side.
5. Tighten steering stem capnut to 38-42 ft-lbs (52-57 Nm).
6. Turn front wheel all the way to the right.
7. See Figure 1-43. Hook a spring scale into the hole in the
front axle. With scale 90 degrees from fork leg, pull front
wheel to center position.
8. The correct resistance is between 4.5-6.5lbs (2.0-2.9 kg)
with a maximum resistance of 7 lbs. (3.2 kg).
NOTE
If the correct specification cannot be achieved, the steering
head bearings must be replaced. See
2.18 STEERING
HEAD BEARINGS .
9. Once correct steering head resistance has been verified,
apply LOCTITE 272 to steering stem pinch bolt, install
and tighten to 17-19 ft-lbs (23-26 Nm).
10. Apply LOCTITE 272 to lower fork clamp fasteners, install
and tighten to 13-15 ft-lbs (18-20 Nm).
11. When adjustment is complete, attach clutch cable and
adjust. See 1.8 CLUTCH.
12. Remove scissor jack.
Figure 1-43. Measuring Steering Head Bearing
Resistance
8421
4.5-6.5 lbs
(2.0-2.9 kg)