ZX6-R Head Bearings

[melhook]

Hi, could somebody on here please tell me how to set up the pre-load on my ZX6-R G1 head bearings. Thanks in advance. Melv

[carlosvalderrama]

This is not ZX-6R specific, but it's how I've done the headraces on pretty much every bike I've worked on.

Assuming everything is in place:

There's typically two thin nuts under the top yoke. Most service manuals state that the lower nut should be tightened up to about 50-90Nm depending on model, then backed off and retightened to about 5Nm. This nut is then held with a manufacturer specific tool, (make your own from some thin steel plate)while the locking nut is tightened against it. This is what I've met commonly, but never having worked on a 6R it might be different.

In which case tighten the clamp nut on top of the upper inner race, whatever it is, right up to press everything in fully, then back it off. With a mate, if required, pick the front wheel off the floor, resting the bike on the back tyre and sidestand. Retighten the top nut until when the handlebars are turned to full right lock, they do not fall to left lock under gravity. Slowly back the nut off, repeating the gravity test until the wheel falls under it's own weight. Whilst in the air, the steering should feel free with only a very small amount of 'friction' and have no notchy or sticky spots.

If there is one, tighten the locknut against it, and retest. If it's become sticky again, back the clamp nut off, just a few degrees may be adequate, and refit the locknut.

Fit the top yoke and the top yoke nut and test again. Hopefully it should all be well.

Ride it for 500 miles and do it all over again when the bearings are bedded in properly.

[melhook]

many thanks carlos, a job for the weekend.

[carlosvalderrama]

No worries Mel. It sounds more complex than it actually is.

The hardest part is getting the old ones off/out with normal garage kit.

Best of luck.