Anyone else had their Steering Head Bearings wear out, mine are shot already? Bike is a late 2005 'R' model with 6000 miles on the clock!

Spoke to my dealer who "is going to ask Yamaha if they cover this under the warranty" I've read the warranty handbook and is says nothing about this part not being covered. I'd be grateful if anyone could confirm that they've either had them replaced or that their shouldn't be an issue with replacement at this low mileage.

Thanks, Steve.

I had mine go stiff on a 1 year old Suzuki GS500 a couple of years back with 10k miles on the clock. At the time I just regreased them and they worked fine for another 5k miles till I sold the bike.

Do you use your XT for greenlaning or wheelies? That would normally damage them prematurely. Could also result from using a pressure washer or hose pipe on full blast directed at the steering area.

Good luck with getting them replaced. I hope Yamaha cover it under warrantee, it's not a consumable item like brakes or tyres so they should really cover it.

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XTR - Black and modded for greenlaning - now sold and replaced with an Aprilia Pegaso Factory. Hey, at least I've gone with the same engine!

Hi Matt...,
Thanks for the advice, none of the above abuses apply to me/my bike. In my view their too heavy to use off road, and I'm not a wheelie merchant. No pressure washer, bucket and watering can only, I live in the desert called Essex. I've always been very wary of pressure washers for that reason. Lets hope they agree to change the bearings whilst the head is apart otherwise I'll just have to do it myself.

Bearings & bushes are generally not covered under warranty. At 6K miles they have worn prematurely & would expect poor sealing, not greased correctly or incorrectly adjusted bearings at the factory. The XTX & R have the same stearing head bearings & will have no problems riding in the dirt.

The service interval is 24 months & to be inspected at every service. It would be at Yamaha UK discretion if they pay for new ones.

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My 04 XTX
Stage 1 & 2 DNA filters / Kev fuel mod / snorkel mod / Drilled air box mod / Engine breather mod / Fork Spacer mod / 15w fork oil /
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My 07 XTX
Raptor 700 cylinder 102mm / Modified Crank Case to take a 105mm Raptor Cylinder / 11:1 102mm JE Raptor piston / Stage 1 Raptor Hot Cam / Ported head / Colder Spark Plug / +2mm Throttle body / DNA stage 1 & 2 filters / Modified Air Box / Snorkel removed / Worry Brothers stage 2 filter cover / 6mm & 8mm Bolts Replaced with Titanium Bolts / Recovered seat in Black / O2 Eliminator /

My 09 XTX
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Thanks for clarifying that Kev, here's hoping Yamaha look kindly upon me.

I know of one forum member who had his head bearings changed under warranty.

Well it's official, I've just had a call from my dealer, who it has to be said have done all the warranty work to date - ECU, TPS and new battery (after a year), and theyve confirmed Yamaha will not replace my Steering Head Bearings under warranty, they say; "it's a service item". So I'm left with paying for it myself. When I replace this bike it won't be a Yamaha.

You should argue that the bearings have failed because they were incorrectly fitted in the first place, they should not need to be replaced at 6000 miles, ask them if they adjusted them at the last service, if they did tell them they must have overtightened them, if they did not ask them why not, and suggest that as it is a "service item" they are at fault for not maintaining them as part of the service, dont take no for an answer, I never do...ever.

Bit fickle don't you think? I would say that ANY bike could suffer teething problems and it's just bad luck that your's has dodgy steering bearings.

Still annoying that they won't replace them tho.

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XTR - Black and modded for greenlaning - now sold and replaced with an Aprilia Pegaso Factory. Hey, at least I've gone with the same engine!