Recently, it feels like the front of my bike is loose or something. The front wheel will turn right or left real easy even at higher speeds,which scares the crap out of me especially when I am going through curves. The only recent thing I have done is change my levers to black ones.

 

Has the bike ever been down?

 

Aside from tire pressure issues, I would begin diagnosis by examining the steering bearings. Sometimes the front in end transmits problems at the rear, but your sym[toms scream creamed steering bearings.

Wheelies anyone?

 

bike has only been down from a standstill, and I have never done a wheelie before. How do I check the bearings?

 

first, make sure your tire pressure is ad***uate. next, make sure your front bearing spacers are in place propperly and the rear alignment is equal on both sides. make sure your suspension is set up propperly (pre-load, rebound, damper) in the front and the rear. next, make sure you don't have any leaking fork seals. if that still isn't it, take the black plastic cap off the nut in the center of the triple clamp and see if that is loose. if you've got a stand or hoist, the next thing would be to check your steering bearings by taking the front end off.

 

Simple bearing check;
1. Elevate bike so that front wheel is free of ground
2. make room as quiet as possible
3. grasp bottom of both fork legs
4. slowly pull forks forward toward you. STAND IN FRONT OF THE BIKE!
5 slowly let them return to relaxed position

If you detect thunking, either audibly or through feel, your bearings are loose and need tightening.

6. grab front wheel and slowly move wheel left to right.a few degrees.( you do not have to remove cables for this test.)
7 detect any points where the forks seem to be notchy or detented?

This means you will be replacing the bearings and races. Use All ***** tapered rollers instead of OE part.

If your tire pressure is good and you do not have a flat spot on the rear of your tire, the likely problem is a flat spotted bearing. It will make your bike react in the manner you describe.

 

what's the difference in all ***** tapered rollers instead of the OE?

 

"All ***** is a brand name. They are available for most bikes and are almost always a tapered roller set.

Mostbike manufacturers have gone to ball bearings captured in a plastic cage.It appears from the fische shot below that F4I's have this set up.

AllBallsusually cost less and provide more durability,less friction.and a big improvement in front end feed back. Betcha Duhamels and Hays bikeare running them.

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