EDIT: The following "how-to" is for a 2010/2011 model year. The 2012's are a little different, page 2 of this thread goes into a little more detail provided by some 2012 owners.
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Page The following is part of what needs to be done at the 600 mile service. I have not performed this; this is a write up from someone "in the know" which was OK w/sharing it to others!
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Adjusting/Torquing the Steering Head
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This is done at the first 600 mile service. Follow the Service Manual for proper intervals beyond the initial service.
Make sure the bike is on the ground and unloaded--don't sit on it while doing this as it will throw the specs off and the steering tube will be way off the center of the triple tree when you go to put it back on--ask me how I know.
Have the bike on the ground on the side-stand--on its wheels. First unscrew the brake fluid reservoir from the upper triple clamp--t-30 Torx--and let it dangle. Next loosen the upper triple clamp bolts that are pinching to the fork tubes--t45 Torx. Then loosen and remove the main nut--the one in the center--holding the triple clamp to the steering tube. Now carefully lift up the triple clamp and move it forward a bit to gain access to the steering head bearing adjuster clamping nut and adjuster nut. The clutch cable is going through a holder attached to the triple clamp so you cannot remove it completely just lay it forward a little. You don't need a lot of room.
Turn the bars to the left. Here's where you need the special tool. The special tool needed to do this is a socket/pin wrench. It is a socket with pins sticking out the end that are what actually loosen the nuts in question. Loosen the locking nut with the pin wrench and remove it along with the washer below. Now turn the bars to the right and tighten the adjuster nut with the same pin wrench to 15 Nm. Put the washer on then the clamping nut on. Tighten the clamping nut to 50 Nm. Now put the upper triple clamp back into place. Be careful because the steering stem probably won't be perfectly aligned with the center hole. Jiggle the bike to get it started in the hole. Tap the triple down evenly with the palm of your hand or a soft mallet--gently. When fully seated put the washer back on and then the nut for the center triple tree. Tighten the nut to 120 Nm--be careful it is quite a bit of torque and it is best if you use a 6 point socket so that it fits good on the nut and does not mar it--it is aluminum and even if you use a 6 point quality tool it will probably leave some markings on it. Tighten the fork pinch bolts to 19 Nm. And attach the brake fluid reservoir back on to 8 Nm.
------------------------------------------------
Page The following is part of what needs to be done at the 600 mile service. I have not performed this; this is a write up from someone "in the know" which was OK w/sharing it to others!
------------------------------------------------
Adjusting/Torquing the Steering Head
------------------------------------------------
This is done at the first 600 mile service. Follow the Service Manual for proper intervals beyond the initial service.
Make sure the bike is on the ground and unloaded--don't sit on it while doing this as it will throw the specs off and the steering tube will be way off the center of the triple tree when you go to put it back on--ask me how I know.
Have the bike on the ground on the side-stand--on its wheels. First unscrew the brake fluid reservoir from the upper triple clamp--t-30 Torx--and let it dangle. Next loosen the upper triple clamp bolts that are pinching to the fork tubes--t45 Torx. Then loosen and remove the main nut--the one in the center--holding the triple clamp to the steering tube. Now carefully lift up the triple clamp and move it forward a bit to gain access to the steering head bearing adjuster clamping nut and adjuster nut. The clutch cable is going through a holder attached to the triple clamp so you cannot remove it completely just lay it forward a little. You don't need a lot of room.
Turn the bars to the left. Here's where you need the special tool. The special tool needed to do this is a socket/pin wrench. It is a socket with pins sticking out the end that are what actually loosen the nuts in question. Loosen the locking nut with the pin wrench and remove it along with the washer below. Now turn the bars to the right and tighten the adjuster nut with the same pin wrench to 15 Nm. Put the washer on then the clamping nut on. Tighten the clamping nut to 50 Nm. Now put the upper triple clamp back into place. Be careful because the steering stem probably won't be perfectly aligned with the center hole. Jiggle the bike to get it started in the hole. Tap the triple down evenly with the palm of your hand or a soft mallet--gently. When fully seated put the washer back on and then the nut for the center triple tree. Tighten the nut to 120 Nm--be careful it is quite a bit of torque and it is best if you use a 6 point socket so that it fits good on the nut and does not mar it--it is aluminum and even if you use a 6 point quality tool it will probably leave some markings on it. Tighten the fork pinch bolts to 19 Nm. And attach the brake fluid reservoir back on to 8 Nm.
Very simple to do, only took about 15 minutes. Thanks (you know who you are)!
