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Author Message   Nevar Posted on Sunday, May 01, 2005 - 08:04 pm:        Well, I tightened the steering head bearings on my 03 XB9S using the svc manual instructions and it FIXED the shudder! Before I started the tightening, with the front wheel off the ground, I grabbed the bottom of the front forks and pushed/pulled - there was noticeable play. I am one happy guy! Tim   Metalstorm Posted on Sunday, May 01, 2005 - 08:38 pm:        Cool beans! Feels good to not have to rely on a dealer doesn't it? The service & parts manual most definitely pay for themselves over time.   Truk Posted on Sunday, May 01, 2005 - 08:49 pm:        I also did mine as well after I bought it used with a front end shudder. Re-torqueing the Steering Head bearings according to spec fixed it Very rewarding to work on the bike yourself. Besides the learning experience, you know it was done properly. And yes I agree, it does feel good not to have to depend on a dealer for every little thing The service manual is worth the money.   Tpoppa Posted on Sunday, May 01, 2005 - 08:49 pm:        I did the same thing last summer. I was surprised that my xb9s actually handled better after I re-tourqued the steering bearing. The front tire was much more planted in corners.   Nevar Posted on Sunday, May 01, 2005 - 09:01 pm:        The svc manual is excellent - yes it did feel good to do it myself and it only took me an hour (I work slow!) Tim   Lpd22 Posted on Sunday, May 01, 2005 - 09:43 pm:        good for you nevar. I'm glad you got rid of that problem. Now i just have to fix mine.   Robxb Posted on Sunday, May 01, 2005 - 10:00 pm:        starting to feel mine loosening up this weekend. Looks like I have a project for after work one night this week.   Vroompow Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 01:34 am:        Hey guys, I'm getting the "shudder" myself on my '03 S. Glad to have found this post to help provide hope amidst worries of a warped rotor. I'm going to get a service manual soon but was wondering if this tightening of the steering head bearings was somewhat simple to be walked thru or fairly easily explained. I see that there are some pinch bolts that may have to be loosened and also wondered about how much of a turn to expect when tightening (very little? eighth of a turn or less?). Thanks for your time...   Nevar Posted on Thursday, May 12, 2005 - 10:50 am:        Vroompow, I sent you an e-mail. You will need the torque values - very important. Tim   Nevar Posted on Thursday, May 12, 2005 - 10:52 am:        One more thing. You HAVE to jack the bike at the jack point under the muffler in order to do it properly. Service manual explains all this VERY WELL! Tim

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