ST1100Y @ >150,000km...

[ST1100Y]

Well, exterior inspection showed loose head-bearings...
(jacked front up and indeed: slightly tilted the whole front "falls" to the steering limiter, no notch, just loose...)
So while already on the lift, lets get this over with...



some nifty tools for the removal of bearing races... no shrapnel flying through the shop...



this one requires a bit "brute force" though... flat chisel and a hammer...



bearing drivers... a good investment...



set torque, swivel left<>right, check torque, repeat 3 times...



alignment marker... all just fell into place... front feels "right" again... very pleased with this



let her idle/warm up to top off coolant, then synced the carbs...

satisfied hum...

not a single bolt left over, must have done it right then...



BTW: bring your sewing kit when working on ST's:



one of the laces on the tank-bra came detached, need to stitch that back on tomorrow...

 

[Erdoc48]

I’m going to use that bungee though the mirror opening trick next time I pull the front wheel. I previously tied twine to the brake caliper hole and put a towel over the top of the mirror to protect the paint- your way looks much easier. I’ve done the steering head bearings on mine ~ 2 years ago- was not fun, even with the proper tools.

 

[John OoSTerhuis]

not a single bolt left over, must have done it right then...

Nice job, Martin. Thanks for the pictures. Always nice to have the right tools.

Regards, John

 

[ST1100Y]

I’m going to use that bungee though the mirror opening trick next time I pull the front wheel. I previously tied twine to the brake caliper hole and put a towel over the top of the mirror to protect the paint- your way looks much easier.

Don't like putting tension on brake lines and fittings... having the calipers suspended also helps moving the handlebar around (can leave brake/clutch MC's attached)

I’ve done the steering head bearings on mine ~ 2 years ago- was not fun, even with the proper tools.

Well, I'd say about two hours... lift, scissor jack and the workbench right in front do help of course...
(I do remember doing those jobs on the floor... pfffff... )

BTW:
found that my home sewing kit only covers things like (re)attaching a loose button to a dress-shirt, fixing the seams on bedding or a pair of jeans...
(yes, I do know how to handle needle and thread... as well as a steam iron... )

Figured I need something more rigid for that Bagster vinyl tank-bra and opted for a saddlery kit...

https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0DPN1HGL8?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&language=en_GB

nothing wrong with € 5,- and I've got some durable sewing thread there...

 

[Andrew Shadow]

I need something more rigid for that Bagster vinyl tank-bra and opted for a saddlery kit...

Just an F.Y.I. for anyone who has frustrated themselves trying to stitch/restitch heavy material with regular sewing needles.

For any heavy sewing needs like leather, canvas, etc., I have a Speedy Stitcher. It is a terrific little tool. It is small and it allows you to do/repair all kinds of stitching yourself instead of taking it to a shoe-maker/leather-worker. I have repaired shoes, suitcases, all kinds things with it. Heavy thread of all kinds in different colours is easily available.

I inherited one from my Father that is probably 60 or 70 years old but they are still available and they are cheap to buy.
Speedy Stitcher

 

[ST1100Y]

Just an F.Y.I. for anyone who has frustrated themselves trying to stitch/restitch heavy material with regular sewing needles.

Already in elementary school I'd to learn how to fix my leather school bag... two needles and one thread... the holes in that heavy cattle hide were already punched though...