Stiff Steering

zburns · 06-17-2020, 09:25 AM

I put the TBR7 together last night and other than a small missing headlight bolt everything went together fine.

I went for a quick ride to the gas station to get some gas, boy does this thing need some help - clutch is sloppy - idles way too fast - brake adjustments needed - and rear shock like a trampoline. I'll do them next - they are fixable.

The only thing I was really concerned about is the very stiff front steering. Coming off other bikes, I've never felt this, so I don't know how to describe it other than "stiff".

I was trying to figure it out - parked it and sat on it and just turned the steering left and right, it looks like the left side reflector rubs on plastic, but the right side there's space. So now I'm wondering if something is bent (frame or forks).

Not being knowledgeable enough, is there a way to diagnose the straightness of everything?

**JerryHawk250** · 06-17-2020, 09:39 AM

Be sure to clean the brake rotors real well with brake cleaner to remove the oily shipping film. Grease the steering head bearings. You will be surprised on how little if any grease will be on them.

Merlin · 06-17-2020, 09:31 PM

It could be that the steering head to tight. You could try to adjust it.

zburns · 06-19-2020, 09:11 AM

Ok - I'll probably try doing the grease steering head procedure. That'll be fun! I don't have to worry about loose ball bearings do I?

RedCrowRides · 06-19-2020, 10:06 AM

I'd also check the routing on the cables and wires from the bars , especially since you mentioned a high idle. It's not unusual for the throttle and / or clutch cable to be misrouted to the point of causing the idle to go up when you turn bars to the far left ,or clutch problems when you turn far right. Also the same case for general electrical wiring being misrouted that causes pulling or binding at certain points , so I'd check that as well.

But, as they already mentioned first stop would be head bearing grease, or lack thereof. My Vader had almost none in it, and what there was i wouldnt go so far as actually call " grease" lol .

Merlin · 06-19-2020, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zburns

Ok - I'll probably try doing the grease steering head procedure. That'll be fun! I don't have to worry about loose ball bearings do I?

I think you might.

06-17-2020, 09:25 AM	#1
zburns Join Date: May 2020 Location: Perrysburg, Ohio Posts: 8	Stiff Steering I put the TBR7 together last night and other than a small missing headlight bolt everything went together fine. I went for a quick ride to the gas station to get some gas, boy does this thing need some help - clutch is sloppy - idles way too fast - brake adjustments needed - and rear shock like a trampoline. I'll do them next - they are fixable. The only thing I was really concerned about is the very stiff front steering. Coming off other bikes, I've never felt this, so I don't know how to describe it other than "stiff". I was trying to figure it out - parked it and sat on it and just turned the steering left and right, it looks like the left side reflector rubs on plastic, but the right side there's space. So now I'm wondering if something is bent (frame or forks). Not being knowledgeable enough, is there a way to diagnose the straightness of everything?
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06-17-2020, 09:39 AM	#2
JerryHawk250 Moderator Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Houma, La. Posts: 11,707	Be sure to clean the brake rotors real well with brake cleaner to remove the oily shipping film. Grease the steering head bearings. You will be surprised on how little if any grease will be on them. __________________ 2024 Linhai 300 ATV 4x4 2023 Lifan Lycan 250 Chopper 2023 Venom Evader 2022 Lifan KPX250 2020 Kawasaki Vulcan S (Sold) 2004 Honda ST 1300 2016 Black Hawk 250 (sold) Keihin PE30 carb,125 main,38 slow.Pod filter,ported & decked head 10:1 CR,Direct Ignition Coil,15/40Sprockets,NGK DPR8EIX-9,De-Cat,Dual Oil Cooler,Digital Cluster 2016 Cazador180 XL 2014 Coolster150 JerryHawk250.com My YouTube Channel
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06-17-2020, 09:31 PM	#3
Merlin Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,107	It could be that the steering head to tight. You could try to adjust it. __________________ Bashan Blaze Mods: Alloy Rim's, Muffler, Mukuni VM26 Carb, Foam Filter, Tachometer, Volt Meter,LED Headlight, LED Blinkers
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06-19-2020, 10:06 AM	#5
RedCrowRides Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Florida Posts: 759	I'd also check the routing on the cables and wires from the bars , especially since you mentioned a high idle. It's not unusual for the throttle and / or clutch cable to be misrouted to the point of causing the idle to go up when you turn bars to the far left ,or clutch problems when you turn far right. Also the same case for general electrical wiring being misrouted that causes pulling or binding at certain points , so I'd check that as well. But, as they already mentioned first stop would be head bearing grease, or lack thereof. My Vader had almost none in it, and what there was i wouldnt go so far as actually call " grease" lol . __________________ 2001 Mustang GT 2004 Sportster 2018 VADER 2020 Orion RXB250L
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06-19-2020, 09:11 AM	#4
zburns Join Date: May 2020 Location: Perrysburg, Ohio Posts: 8	Ok - I'll probably try doing the grease steering head procedure. That'll be fun! I don't have to worry about loose ball bearings do I?
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