Steering head bearings.

[kneeslider]

Hi all,

My 2013 DT 200 has done 22280km.

Today at the workshop I was notified by the mechanic that my head bearings are shot. At first, I assumed the sloppy handling was due to low tire air pressure, but having the weight off the front end, turning the handle bars, it was notchy, especially at the center.

Another DT too was at the workshop with the same thing.  Have any of you guys experienced the same?

[de dee]

  I HAVE OVER 40,000 MILES ON MY DOWNTOWN, STEERING IS STILL GOOD ,  BUT I HAVE NOTICED OTHER BEARINGS ARE VERY LOW ON GREASE, AS I WAS DOING CHECK UPS,  THIS WINTER WILL BE GOOD TO CHECK THE FRONT END,.   WHAT TO DO TILL APRIL??   Ottawa Canada,  in the great white north,

[Adept]

I had to change at 25000km, but I would have to feel it earlier, it was loose a little bit. So I ran a few thousand km like this, now I learned the lesson...

[moparkid]

Are we saying that the bearing should not have a "notch" in the center position? Mine has been like this since brand new and I assumed it was that way for a reason. I inquired about this at the Kymco dealer and they assured me it was how they all were. But what I thought was odd is the fact no motorcycle I ever owned had a "notch" in the center position of the steering column. Is this a factory flaw? Should we even be riding these scooters if there is a flaw in the steering?

[de dee]

  no notch on my downtown,  smooth from side to side,.

[kneeslider]

Are we saying that the bearing should not have a "notch" in the center position? Mine has been like this since brand new and I assumed it was that way for a reason. I inquired about this at the Kymco dealer and they assured me it was how they all were. But what I thought was odd is the fact no motorcycle I ever owned had a "notch" in the center position of the steering column. Is this a factory flaw? Should we even be riding these scooters if there is a flaw in the steering?

Your dealer is taking you for a ride.  There should not be a notch in the middle of the steering, or anywhere.

Seems, it's a weak point in the design thru out the DT range. Kymco should have gone with a better supplier for their head bearings.