Originally Posted by uberthumper

Support the front wheel off the floor so the entire front end is free (ie using something like a centrestand plus a jack under the sump, not a front paddock stand of any sort.

Move the steering through its full range of travel and see if it's smooth - when headstock bearings wear they typically develop a 'notch' around the straight ahead position, which you should be able to feel.

Grab hold of the forks at the bottom and waggle them around to see if there is any play at the headstock.

If there's play, but the bearings don't feel notchy, you *might* be able to get away with just tightening them up a bit (take off the top yoke and tighten the locknut underneath). If they're notchy they'll definitely need replacing.

I'd be surprised if they've gone, but you never know. The Japanese manufacturers do seem to have a reputation for assembling them without enough grease in.