Templar M

[Maiville06]

So quick question. I have a creaking noise coming from the lower bearing in the steering head. Would that be a bad bearing or what can I do to fix it? I’m kinda new to all this so just trying to up keep to make it last longer.

[Thumper]

You may have to regrease those bearings. Hard to be certain exactly what's making the noise. Simple answer would be dry bearings.

[Maiville06]

So I tore the front off. When I am going over a bump or driving around at my house I am hearing a creaking sound. From where I can hear it is the lower steerhead bracket. I took it all apart the bearing is well packed with grease and so is the upper. Put all back together and still hearing this sound. Does anyone know what size bearings these are? Only thing I can think is to replace bearing and seals and see if that fixes my problem but I have no clue how big the bearings are other than top is smaller than the bottom one.

[Thumper]

Originally Posted by Maiville06

...
... Only thing I can think is to replace bearing and seals and see if that fixes my problem but I have no clue how big the bearings are other than top is smaller than the bottom one.

I don't think it can be the bearings if they are packed with grease. Maybe the bearing race(s) is (are) flexing. Can you minimize it by tightening the bearings a bit more (steering head)?

I have noticed a few creaks and cracks in the frame/suspension on my X when I get on it or move it around in the garage. I chaulk it up to some broad tolerances on components... things like imperfect bushing fit, minor lateral movement on suspension components on their shafts. These are things that wouldn't be tolerated on a high end modern motorcycle. My KTM frame/suspension is flawlessly quiet and taught, which translates to additional confidence in tight situations if I am trying to punch above my weight But the KTM retailed at $5000 more than the Templar, so I don't fault the Templar for not being a race-ready machine!

[Maiville06]

Originally Posted by Thumper

I don't think it can be the bearings if they are packed with grease. Maybe the bearing race(s) is (are) flexing. Can you minimize it by tightening the bearings a bit more (steering head)?

I have noticed a few creaks and cracks in the frame/suspension on my X when I get on it or move it around in the garage. I chaulk it up to some broad tolerances on components... things like imperfect bushing fit, minor lateral movement on suspension components on their shafts. These are things that wouldn't be tolerated on a high end modern motorcycle. My KTM frame/suspension is flawlessly quiet and taught, which translates to additional confidence in tight situations if I am trying to punch above my weight But the KTM retailed at $5000 more than the Templar, so I don't fault the Templar for not being a race-ready machine!

So I should be good then?