Steering Problem - "Help me, Obi Wan!"

I've noticed lately that my steering is a little funny at slow speeds (under 40kph). The steering seems to "locate" in the centre. You can actually feel something like a notch when the bars are dead centre. As you turn the bars, it requires a little bit extra pressure, then the steering goes nice and light again. Because there's less bar turn at higher speeds, it's not such an issue then.

It's most noticeable when the tyre's down a few psi. Back up to pressure, it's still there, but only just.

Can I assume this is a bearing issue or is this something more?

Yep, sounds like a steering head bearing..
Lift the front wheel of the ground and let the bars turn from lock to lock without any pressure.
If its not smooth its the bearings

Also grab the fork legs and push back and forward, they shouldn't move in the triple clamp.

Yep, sounds like a steering head bearing..
Lift the front wheel of the ground and let the bars turn from lock to lock without any pressure.
If its not smooth its the bearings

Also grab the fork legs and push back and forward, they shouldn't move in the triple clamp.

Hehe, you say that like it's a 10kg BMX and not a 250kg+ ZZR!

Any ideas for lifting it???

Get a mate to help you pivot it on the sidestand, as in pull the bike back over the sidestand so the wheel comes off the ground..... but you will need help.

Get a mate to help you pivot it on the sidestand, as in pull the bike back over the sidestand so the wheel comes off the ground..... but you will need help.

D'oh! Forgot about the old trusty centre stand! I actually get Mrs Tree to hang off it (take all her weight) when I wash the front wheel.

Any idea what parts are worth to fix it? Ballpark even?

Thanks for the help.

A set of bearings form your local bearing place $60 approx but that will depen on if they are ball bearing or tapered sealed unit.
Do you feel competent to do them yourself? if not get a quote from your local bike shop as it can be a bit fiddley to get the steering stem races off as they are press fitted, do you have access to a hydraulic press? depending on the set up you might need one to fit the races

Nah, I don't have the skills / tools to do it myself. Local bike shop quoted $200-ish. The shop that did the last repairs for me quoted $280-ish.

Ouch, either way...

But for the $200 it would be worth it, if they need replacing.
try this link for a rough explination of whats involved:
http://au.geocities.com/ozcross250/headbearings.html

But for the $200 it would be worth it, if they need replacing.
try this link for a rough explination of whats involved:
http://au.geocities.com/ozcross250/headbearings.html

Oh, without a doubt it's worth it rather than doing it myself. But $200 for this is $200 out of my new helmet fund.

Thanks for the link, too. Most imformative.

MrTree, ring Tommy at MMM motorcycles
Tell him you know me (mention the bike too lol)
and ask him