Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE - Owner's Manual > Steering/Wheel Bearings

Warning

To prevent risk of injury from the motorcycle falling during the inspection, make sure that the motorcycle is stabilised and secured on a suitable support.

Do not exert extreme force against each wheel or rock each wheel vigorously as this may cause the motorcycle to become unstable and cause injury by falling from its support.

Make sure that the position of the support block will not cause damage to the motorcycle.

Steering Inspection

Warning

Riding the motorcycle with incorrectly adjusted or defective steering (headstock) bearings is dangerous and may cause loss of motorcycle control and an accident.

If in doubt, have the motorcycle inspected by an authorised Triumph dealer before riding.

The steering (headstock) bearings must be lubricated and inspected in accordance with scheduled maintenance requirements. Always inspect the wheel bearings at the same time as the steering bearings.

Inspecting the Steering for Free Play

To inspect the steering:

• Position the motorcycle on level ground, in an upright position.
• Raise the front wheel above the ground and support the motorcycle.
• Standing at the front of the motorcycle, hold the lower end of the front forks and try to move them forward and backward.
• If any free play can be detected in the steering (headstock) bearings, ask your authorised Triumph dealer to inspect and rectify any faults before riding.
• Remove the support and place the motorcycle on the side stand.

Wheel Bearings Inspection

Warning

Riding with worn or damaged front or rear wheel bearings is dangerous and may cause impaired handling and instability leading to an accident.

If in doubt, have the motorcycle inspected by an authorised Triumph dealer before riding.

The wheel bearings must be inspected at the intervals specified in the scheduled maintenance chart.

Inspecting the Wheel Bearings

To inspect the wheel bearings:

• Position the motorcycle on level ground, in an upright position.
• Raise the front wheel off the ground and support the motorcycle.
• Standing at the side of the motorcycle, gently rock the top of the front wheel from side to side.
• If any free play can be detected, ask your authorised Triumph dealer to inspect and rectify any faults before riding.
• Reposition the lifting device and repeat the procedure for the rear wheel.
• Remove the support and place the motorcycle on the side stand.

Note

If the wheel bearings in the front or rear wheel allow play in the wheel hub, are noisy, or if the wheel does not turn smoothly, have your authorised Triumph dealer inspect the wheel bearings.

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