Bold reference numbers in this section identify parts not shown in the figures alongside the text, but which can be found in the exploded view diagram.

See Section D 4, Adjusting the steering head bearings for adjustment of steering head bearing play.

If the steering head bearings cannot be adjusted correctly, check the bearings (5) and (6) for wear and, if necessary, renew them as described in “Removal of the steering head components” in this section.

Use a reference block (A) with thickness 15 mm, inserted in the fork sleeve, at the highest part near the bottom yoke, or use a gauge.

All parts fitted to the top and bottom yokes, including the wiring and control cables, can remain on the motorcycle provided they do not hinder the following operations.

Withdraw the headlight support (12) towards the front and disconnect the headlight wiring (Sect. P 1, Routing of wiring on frame).

With the service tool no. 88713.1058 loosen the nut (3) and unscrew it from the steering stem.

Slide the oil seal (4), the inner race (A) and the ball race (B) of the upper bearing (5) off the steering stem.

Remove the ball race (B) of the lower bearing (6).

The inner race (A) of the lower bearing (6) and the relative oil seal (7) will remain on the steering stem.

Using a universal puller (see figure) remove the inner race (A) and the spacer (8) from the steering stem, taking care not to damage the seat.

Once disturbed, the oil seals (4) and (7) and the bearings (4) and (6) must not be refitted.

Using a suitable drift, remove the outer bearing races (C) from the steering head. Proceed with extreme care to avoid damaging the seats.

The steering head bearings (5) and (6) are identical but in no case may their components be swapped around during reassembly.

To fit the outer races (C) of the bearings (5) and (6) to the steering head, use the service tool no. 88713.1062 and proceed as follows:

Insert the washer (8), oil seal (7) (with the rim facing upwards) and inner race (A) of bottom bearing (6) onto the steering stem after heating it for about 10 minutes to 120 °C.

Fit tool no. 88713.1072 into the steering stem. Keep the inner race (A) pressed against the dust seal (7) by hand for at least 15 seconds.

Fit the inner race (A) of the upper bearing (5) to the steering head, with the larger diameter side of the race facing upwards.

Fit service bush no. 88713.1058 to the steering stem nut (3) and fit the torque wrench to the bush.

Tighten the steering stem nut (3) to the specified torque (Sect. C 3, Frame torque settings).

Fit the top yoke (2) on the steering stem nut (3), aligning the fork leg bores with the corresponding bores on the bottom yoke. Relocate the fork legs as described in Section G 2, Refitting the front forks.

Tighten the bolt (1) on the top yoke to the specified torque (Sect. C 3, Frame torque settings).

Reconnect the headlight wiring (Sect. P 1, Routing of wiring on frame).

Refit the headlight support (12) and tighten the bolts (13) to the specified torque (Sect. C 3, Frame torque settings).

If removed, fit the vibration damping rubbers (19) to the instrument panel (17), screwing them in by hand: the sides with the shorter thread should be facing the instrument panel. Fit the bush (18) to the centre rubber, screwing it on by hand.

Tighten the bolts (G) to the specified torque (Sect. C 3, Frame torque settings) in the sequence 1-2-3-4-1-2, as shown in the figure.