ST Head Bearings - Life Expectancy?

**Mini Mo** · 04 Jun 07, 05:46 PM

I'm looking at a 2000 ST with 13k on the clock, but just wanted to know that the life expectancy is on head bearings. As I understand it if a bike had been sitting then it is just as bad.

Also what's the best way to tell if they're knacked?

Thanks.

**MarkST** · 04 Jun 07, 05:55 PM

A mate from Oxford came up on sat and we went for a spin. He told me someone he knows is looking to sell an ST4 - should I get details for you ?

**Mini Mo** · 04 Jun 07, 06:32 PM

Yes please

**MarkST** · 04 Jun 07, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mini Mo

Yes please

Mo, tis with much embarassment upon my mate phoning his mate to find it's actually a 900ss not an ST4,so soz bout that.
However, for anyone from that camp reading this i've established it's yellow, has 17,000 km or thereabouts (10,650 miles) on clock, has all bits of paperwork from year dot, has new chain, sprockets, tyres, has lots of aftermarket stuff like Ohlins rear shock, rearsets etc.
I'll find out more/get phone number if anyone's interested.
Soz Mo, Mark.
PS i'm off to southern Brittany Wed am, returning following Tues pm.

**Mini Mo** · 04 Jun 07, 06:57 PM

And will be passing on gastro tips on return

**MarkST** · 04 Jun 07, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mini Mo

And will be passing on gastro tips on return

No - this is very much a 'beer and skittles' do (in a manner of speaking) Mo.
I take it you cook ?

**Mini Mo** · 05 Jun 07, 06:30 AM

Cook every night. Some see it as a chore, I use it to wind down from work. A bit metro I admit

**MarkST** · 05 Jun 07, 10:43 AM

Superb. I like it too - did a couple of courses at B'ham college of food over the last 18 months, International cuisine, and then Italian cuisine.

**Mini Mo** · 05 Jun 07, 10:55 AM

Good stuff. A fellow Dugastroisti then

**MarkST** · 05 Jun 07, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mini Mo

Good stuff. A fellow Dugastroisti then

Yes of course Mo. I think Dan should create a 'Dugastroisti' forum - I like that very much !!

**MarkST** · 05 Jun 07, 11:09 AM

Here's one for starters.

**MarkST** · 05 Jun 07, 11:11 AM

Have we gone a trifle (no pun intended) 'off thread' here ?

**Mini Mo** · 05 Jun 07, 11:18 AM

LOL, I was just thinking that we have just hijacked our own thread

**tankerman10** · 22 Jun 07, 11:55 AM

My ST4s has done 21K and the head bearings are still OK (I might regret saying that!).

To check them, put the bike on the centre stand and get someone to lean on the back to lift the front wheel off the ground. Hold the bottom of the front forks and pull them fore/aft and from side to side, feeling for any free play. Then turn the steering, still using the forks, and feel for any 'notching', particularly going through the straight ahead position. If you're not happy, get them checked professionally.

**Mini Mo** · 22 Jun 07, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tankerman10

My ST4s has done 21K and the head bearings are still OK (I might regret saying that!).

To check them, put the bike on the centre stand and get someone to lean on the back to lift the front wheel off the ground. Hold the bottom of the front forks and pull them fore/aft and from side to side, feeling for any free play. Then turn the steering, still using the forks, and feel for any 'notching', particularly going through the straight ahead position. If you're not happy, get them checked professionally.

Will do, thanks