Free play in the front fork

[axy]

A125 has today developed a free *vertical* play in the front end that manifests itself upon compression of the fork, when something feels as if it "skips" inside the front part of the scooter.

The problem is not in the fork, I think it has to do with loose "steering stem" (interesting term). I tore the scooter apart today after coming from work but I had neither a lock nut wrench or the long socket wrench, both necessary to tighten the f***er, so I had to assemble it back and give up. Probably will have to bring it to the mechanic for this...

Anybody had a similar issue? It is interesting that the scooter came with loose very same nut and we had to bring it back to the mechanic after unloading it from the truck when it had 0 km on it 1.5 years ago (13.000 kms on it now).

[Calothrix]

Had the same problem on my P150.  I was able to tighten the steering stem nut somewhat with a channel locks.  Not perfect, but definately helped.

[zombie]

Same on my zx/50. Coming out of a corner I felt a "slip" in the handle bars. I didn't think too much of it till I noticed the bars were turned slightly to the right. I assumed the bearing cups had worn enough to allow the retainer nut to vibrate loose, so I replaced all the parts in the tube. Been almost 2 years ago and still good.

[Shaka]

You should be able to grab the front brake and rock the scoot front to back with the wheel straight and also with it turned.  If there is any play in the headset bearings you should be able to feel it knocking.  It helps is your fingers around the gap between the top and bottom cups as you do this.  That will help to isolate any play that you are feeling to the headset bearings.  Sometimes the brake pads will rock slightly in the caliper giving a false feeling of loose headset when you do this test.  Hope this helps!

[axy]

You should be able to grab the front brake and rock the scoot front to back with the wheel straight and also with it turned.  If there is any play in the headset bearings you should be able to feel it knocking.  It helps is your fingers around the gap between the top and bottom cups as you do this.  That will help to isolate any play that you are feeling to the headset bearings.  Sometimes the brake pads will rock slightly in the caliper giving a false feeling of loose headset when you do this test.  Hope this helps!

Shaka, there is play and I felt it knocking. 
When the scooter was purchased, this particular part was not tight enough so with 0 km it had this issue!
Now, at 13.000 km, it happened again.

It will probably go to mechanic as I do not have the tools, I`ll keep you posted!