Topic: Catch in Steering?

[ZanVooden]

Hi everyone,

I'm completely new to this forum and just recent acquired a 78 750k that does not run (i got it for free because the guy I got it from didn't know the first thing about motorcycles, and well I'm a mechanical engineering student, so I figured I would give it a try). So I am currently in the process of tearing it down (i do not plan on splitting the crankcase) and rebuilding it, and fixing the problems as I go along.

What I've got a question about is a "catch" in the steering. The bike is on a motorcycle jack so the front end is off the ground. as the handlebars turn there seems to be a catch at the center of swing as you turn the handle bars.
Is this normal? or do I have a bad bearing or two?


Also on a side note, my goal is to bring this bike to stock, and I was wondering if anyone knew where to get either the line decals, or tape for the gas tank. Its a black tank with gold and red strips that make a rectangle-ish shape on each side. (if I'm not be very clear, I want to bring it back to the stock look. The current paint and tape is horribly faded and there is a clear coat that is just flaking off).

Any help is appreciated, and if anyone needs or wants to see pictures, I can post some of those as well.

Dave

[Steve F]

The steering head bearings have to be replaced in this case, since they have worn a "spot" in the races where the balls tend to settle.  I would recommend the tapered bearing kit you can find for these bikes.

[Johnie]

Steve is correct.  A notch in the race is what you feel when the balls hit it.  Just a word of caution for you, when you take the front tire, forks and triple tree off to work on the bearings, be sure you secure the bike to your stand.  Or, it could fall off there do to the weight shift with those front parts removed.  You probably already secured it, just wanted to give you a heads up.  Good luck on your build...

[Steve F]

Steve is correct.  A notch in the race is what you feel when the balls hit it.  Just a word of caution for you, when you take the front tire, forks and triple tree off to work on the bearings, be sure you secure the bike to your stand.  Or, it could fall off there do to the weight shift with those front parts of there.  You probably already secured it, just wanted to give you a heads up.  Good luck on your build...

Yeah, what he said.....
Also, if you go the stock bearing and balls route, on my '76 750F, there are two different sized balls and the races are different because of this.  The ball count on top vs. bottom is different.  Can't remember which side has the smaller of the two sizes, but you may want to do this over a sheet to catch everyting as you take it apart.

[ZanVooden]

Thanks guys,

Where can I find one of theses taper bearing kits? or do I just need to pull out the calipers and measure OD and ID? Are they a standard size bearing?

[mystic_1]

A company called All Balls makes nice kits for many bikes.  Google and ye shall find.

cheers
mystic_1

[Steve F]

A company called All Balls makes nice kits for many bikes.  Google and ye shall find.

cheers
mystic_1

I thinks "All-Balls" should change their name if they're carrying tapered roller bearings.....friggin liars! 

[scondon]

Also on a side note, my goal is to bring this bike to stock, and I was wondering if anyone knew where to get either the line decals, or tape for the gas tank. Its a black tank with gold and red strips that make a rectangle-ish shape on each side. (if I'm not be very clear, I want to bring it back to the stock look. The current paint and tape is horribly faded and there is a clear coat that is just flaking off).

   Suppliers are no longer able to advertise reproduction labels but there are still some good sources for them. A few are listed in the FAQ. I got tank stripes for my '78 750F from afegraphics a few years back, good quality.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=743.0

[bryanj]

Brgs are not standard sizes