Handlebar adjustment and oil/filter change

[Ricketts]

I have some play in my handlebars...not the 3/4 inch freeplay when you turn the handlebars left to right, but up and down play. If I push the handlebar up and down, I have about a 1/4 inch that wasn't there before. I have been keeping an eye on the freeplay because of what I have been reading here on the forum, so I've noted this up and down wasn't there before.

If you follow the box style aluminum mounting assembly down to where the box part turns into the steel bar, the play appears to be where the black hanger is that the steering bar runs through (hope this makes sense).

Has this happened to anyone else, and how hard was it to get into to tighten up? I'm hoping its just two loose bolts...does anyone have any quick ways of getting into this area without removing the fuel tank?

Time for my spring check over and oil change...is there any other oil filters or oil that people have used, or should I just stick with the yamaha OE filter and oil?

Thanks everyone,

Rick

 

[JP10]

There is some vertical play in my handlebars too, but I'ld say max is 1/8 inch.

Many people are using a certain K and N brand filter because it has a nut welded onto it for ease of installation/removal. I'm personnaly using the oem filter(I think), as I had it changed at the dealer at the beginning of the season. I also used the Yamaha 0 w30 oil when I changed my oil the other day.

 

[cannondale27]

I believe some guys had the bolts that hold the bearing for steering shaft loosen.

 

[Ricketts]

I was hoping it was just a couple of bolts loosening...I just have to figure out how to get into the spot...

Thanks,

Rick

 

[cannondale27]

Yeah I believe you will have to take airbox off.

 

[Handy]

For the top bearing on you steering shaft you only need to remove your headlight cover. There are two hex nuts that hold it in. There should be a tab washer under the nuts so you have to bend the tab back befor you can put a 12mm wrench on them.

 

[Ricketts]

Thanks for the help, I'm stuck in the middle of Kitchen renos (which will now probably take the rest of my life) so I haven't tried to tighten the steering up yet.

Glad it doesn't look like a serious job

Rick

 

[Handy]

I have mine apart right now and after reading your question I decided to have a look to see how difficult it was to get to. If you have any other questions do not hesitate to ask.

 

[Ricketts]

Thanks, Handy.

How much snow did you get in the last storm? We ended up with 15" at our house (Dryden, Ontario) April 27th...Phazer was already put away for the year...

Rick

 

[Handy]

We only got a few flurries here at home, but just a few miles east of here at my cottage they got 12" on Saturday. My son went up there for a bit of quadding.