[evan]

Rode the black widow to my shop to remove front wheel and send it to local motorcycle shop for replacement of front tire/tube from old stock tire to Shinko sr244 that seems to be a favorite on this forum. Noticed steering felt funny and sure enough has a notchy type feeling when turn either way from straight ahead. Found Rainman's write up with pics (thanks Rainman!) in Tech section so I'll be doing that and replacing stiff fuel petcock. Spring is right around the corner so time to get the TW ready to ride!

 

[Rainman]

Are you going to use new tapered roller bearing or just lube up your original ones?



If you buy new roller bearings remember that the freezer is your friend when it comes to putting the bearing on the stem. Disassemble, clean everything, then stick stem in freezer while you remove old and install new races in the frame.

 

[evan]

Thanks, going with new tapered roller bearing set.

 

[Rainman]

Thanks, going with new tapered roller bearing set.

Very nice. Take your time and have fun.

 

[tw200sgp]

I put the tapered bearing set from procycle in.... it does make a positive difference.

 

[old mad max]

If you go with the tapered bearings do you still need to freeze the stem ???????????? Thanks OMM.

 

[Rainman]

If you go with the tapered bearings do you still need to freeze the stem ???????????? Thanks OMM.

You don't have to. It just makes installation easier. I've done it both ways. When I did my Dad's TW, I didn't freeze the stem so I had to hammer on the bearing with many hammer strikes. No big deal, it just took some force. When I did my TW, I froze the stem and three or four solid whacks and the hammer and the bearings was on. The stem was only in the freezer for maybe 30 minutes, but longer is better.

 

[Xracer]

Stem in the freeze and the races on a hot plate. They pretty much just fall into place. Also make sure you reroute your cables the correct way. Takeing things back apart is a pain.

 

[evan]

freezer and hot plate good advice. Decided to put handle bar risers on while I'm at it. I'm 6'2" and hunching over while standing is a pain. What everything think? 2 inch risers?

 

[respond2us]

I ordered new steering head bearings literally a year ago, just hadn't gotten "a round tuit". But just read Rainman's how-to and figure I need to quit putting it off. My steering is pretty horrible. I figured out how bad it was since my wife has an '87 TW with beautiful steering. She won't even ride mine. haha... So, here I go. Wish me luck.

 

[greenbomb]

244 some are set on the 241 better for dirt

Rode the black widow to my shop to remove front wheel and send it to local motorcycle shop for replacement of front tire/tube from old stock tire to Shinko sr244 that seems to be a favorite on this forum. Noticed steering felt funny and sure enough has a notchy type feeling when turn either way from straight ahead. Found Rainman's write up with pics (thanks Rainman!) in Tech section so I'll be doing that and replacing stiff fuel petcock. Spring is right around the corner so time to get the TW ready to ride!

 

[qwerty]

2 inch risers are all the cable you have on a TW. Any higher and you'll need longer cables.

 

[respond2us]

Well, finally got my steering head bearings replaced. I was pleasantly surprised at how simple it was. I had plenty of room, took my time. Really enjoyed it. Now my steering is perfect, so now it's time to work on front and rear brakes. haha...always something with one of my toys.

 

[greenbomb]

. I'm 6'2" and hunching over while standing is a pain. What everything think? 2 inch risers?

See "BEST HANLE BARS" under PERFORMANCE AND CUSTOMIZATION

 

[admiral]

. I'm 6'2" and hunching over while standing is a pain. What everything think? 2 inch risers?

See "BEST HANLE BARS" under PERFORMANCE AND CUSTOMIZATION

I have 2" risers and it's much nicer for me when standing without them. 6'0". Didn't need longer cables or anything. Plus, with the risers, I'm much more confortable when sitting, but this will vary from rider to rider.

 

[greenbomb]

Admiral said
"""I have 2" risers and it's much nicer for me when standing without them""


I am a bit confused , Easy for me to be that way
Did you mean to say

"I have 2 inch risers installed and Its much nicer for me when I am standing with the 2 inch risers installed""

 

[admiral]

Admiral said
"""I have 2" risers and it's much nicer for me when standing without them""


I am a bit confused , Easy for me to be that way
Did you mean to say

"I have 2 inch risers installed and Its much nicer for me when I am standing with the 2 inch risers installed""

Yep, sure it.

 

[gamorg02]

2" risers, stock bars, no cable issues?

 

[admiral]

No no cable issues for me with the 2" risers.

 

[evan]

Went with 2" risers, no cable problems...