Bearing ????

[Crucialval]

I have a few questions about my bearings.

Streering stem slightly pulls in when I hit the front brakes. is this ok? can they be tightened?

Front wheel also has slight play how much is acceptable if any?

I have not checked the rear yet, no center stand.

what is the best stand/lift for this bike?

[Jughead]

You can Tighten up the Steering race a Tad bit and it may Help.
If the Front Wheel is Loose I would change those out with New ones.Yo can go to any Auto Zone and they can match them up for you.For me No Play in the Wheels or Swing arm are Acceptable.A Litle Bit of Play is the Difference Between Life or Death on these things.So if you have any Doubt Change it out.

With a Bike Stand Well if you have the Room go to your Local Sears and Get one of the Hydraulic ones.They're Good for upwards of 1500Lbs and have several Height Positions.I think they lift up to 18".Of course it will run you around $90 +Tax

[GeeP]

Jughead is exactly right.  The steering head bearings should be under preload and have zero play.  Any play is bad as it can result in poor steering feel and unintended steering inputs.

Before you go tearing into things, let's make sure that's the problem.  Lift the front end off the ground, get down in front of the bike and shake the forks back and forth.  Feel play?  If so it's the steering head bearings.

Try to tighten up the steering head bearings to see if you can get rid of the play.  Loosen the big chrome bolt just below the ignition a few turns.  Now tighten the bearing retainer ring just below the big chrome bolt until you can no longer feel front end play.  Re-torque the big chrome bolt to 30-40 ft. lbs

Now for the test.  With the front end still off the ground, turn the steering lock to lock a few times.  Does it feel "notchy"?  If it does, the steering head bearings are worn out and you should replace them.

Once you have the steering head taken care of, check the front wheel.  Lock the steering and place your hands diametrically opposite each other on the tire.  Try to wiggle the wheel vertically side-to-side.  If you can feel play the front axle is loose.

I suggest you buy the Clymer's service manual, it's a good thing to have around.

[gsJack]

<<<Front wheel also has slight play how much is acceptable if any?>>>

Wheel bearings should also be under preload, shouldn't be any freeplay.

<<<what is the best stand/lift for this bike>>>

OEM centerstand, you can take it with you.   

[Crucialval]

  Thanks for your help.

[ajaxgs]

for safety do a complete nut/bolt check on the entire bike

[Crucialval]

Good Idea! The last owner fixed it!!! who knows how good of a job he did.

[werase643]

If you come to my house....10 miles NE of W-S....I'll give you a center stand and probably some other crap

i will not ship free stuff

pitty, I was at WCU day after turkey-day

ken in NC

[Crucialval]

I got sick of whatching my dad ride with out me. so I put my bike on a makeshift stand and found out the steering race was very loose. At the wheel it moved about 1/2" front to back. So did as you guys suggested and tightened it up, It worked great.

Thanks for the help.

[werase643]

when it's cold out....strip the front off and LUBE the steering stem bearings....suzuki doesn't add much when they are new

also you need to loosen the top tripple clam bolts on the fork tubes before you tighten the center chrome nut ....then re tighten the top tube clamps.....