Head Bearing Replacement
At 48k I started to experience severe front wheel wobble. This was worst at approx. 40mph and was getting progressively worse. I made the decision to replace the worn triple tree head ball bearings with new taper roller bearings. Replacement required removal of front wheel, instrument garnish and top triple tree. No special tools are required as the lock nut may be removed with a screwdriver and plastic mallet. It is not necessary to remove the fork tube top nuts as they are of the same diameter as the tubes and will simply slide out with the tubes. once the tubes are out and tip tree off. Removal of the bearing outer race is not to tough as there are two relief areas around the race so a 1/2" steel bar or long screwdriver may be used in conjunction with plastic mallet to knock the bearing races out. Caution should be used in replacing the new outer races to get the race up snug to the shoulder. The trick is to use small light taps and not hard blows to seat the race. Hitting to hard will cause the race to "bounce" and not properly seat.
New bearing should be snagged up so noticeable resistance is felt then top and bottom trees taped with a hammer to make sure bearings are seated. Then the bearings should be loosened so resistance is 3-4 lbs. To loose and front may develop play, to tight and handling will be sluggish and poor.
Here are the old ball bearings - notice the notching in the lower/outer race.