Failed MOT

[Dive1082]

Well the young girl went in for her first MOT yesterday and failed for the following:

Horn dodgy, front brake switch and steering feeling "notchy"!!!

The horn - was never brilliant so have bought a replacement.
Front brake switch - loose connector.  Pushed it back in and works perfectly.  Am replacing anyway.
Notchy steering.... WTF! It feels as smooth as silk to me....

They said it could be the head race bearings that need adjusting which to be fair have been a been an issue in the past.  They were too loose and were knocking when hitting bumps in the road.

Anyone else have any issues with the head race, or any advice?  I really don't fancy forking out for those replacing as I heard it was a pig of a job so no doubt very expensive....

[Ros]

Hmmm. The ONLY advantage of a French reg bike is.. No MOT necessary! 

No probs with my 2010 model. How many KMs you done?

[Dive1082]

miles =25k
KM's= no idea! lol

[Richard]

Hi

I have seen a bearing kit advertised somewhere, ebay I think, about £35.00 from memory

Richard

[Martin#30]

If your head bearings were ever so loose that they were knocking, I am not surprised that they are now damaged. They are not designed to take that sort of shock load.

The MOT tests the head bearings with the wheel off the floor, so perhaps try yourself on the centre stand with all your weight on the pillion seat. See if you can replicate the notchiness.

Replacing head bearings is a tricky job if you have not done it before, or don't have the right bearing drifts/pullers. I doubt it will be more than 2 hours labour at the dealer though, so not fortunes.

I would personally avoid eBay bearings unless they are a known, high quality brand. The GTR is a heavy bike, and will probably wear out low quality bearings quite quickly.

Martin.

[Dive1082]

Hi Martin,

Thanks yes I have lifted the old girl and rotated the forks but can't feel a thing... they move as smooth as silk...  Is it an up and down motion they test?