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I seem to have gone my whole motorcycling life without head bearing problems (only my own), so don't really know much about them. I've noticed some looseness under normal braking. I'm assuming this is a head bearings problem? Can they be tightened or will they be knackered? Is it dangerous until I get it fixed? Thanks for any help, G

Hi Reggie - not sure how easy it is on the Falco but just made some adjustments to the headbearings on my son's GSX750. He noticed "clunking" when braking and riding over bumpy surfaces. Just tightened them up to take out the slack for now becuase replacing them is a bigger job and they are not too bad yet.
Suggest you get to know Ray at RM Motorcycles on Flemingate in Beverley. Ride in and let him have a look, very friendly guy and he'll give you an honest opinion.

See the workshop manual section 2.28.2

Tightening them up a bit may help as Dave says, but they are not taper bearings so if worn, it is down to replacement I'm afraid.
Sadly the Falco is prone to wheelie on odd occasions
(but less likely in 4th gear upwards!) and heavy landings can bring problems.

HowardQ wrote:Tightening them up a bit may help as Dave says, but they are not taper bearings so if worn, it is down to replacement I'm afraid.
Sadly the Falco is prone to wheelie on odd occasions
(but less likely in 4th gear upwards!) and heavy landings can bring problems.

Ermmm - not strictly true

They're not taper but angular contact bearings so adjustment is possible and indeed, recommended. As D mentioned, para 2.28.2 shows how and it ain't difficult

But as you quote, I did say tightening them up a bit may help.

Thanks guys