If anyone is interested, I just added zerk ( grease fittings ) to the neck of my bike so I can keep the steering bearings lubed. If you would like detailed instructions, with pictures I can post them for you.

pics or it didn't happen

Will do

I've seen them added to swingarms, but THIS is interesting!

GNR10 wrote:
pics or it didn't happen




+1

2008 Road Star 1700.

I added this fitting so I wouldn't have to disassemble the front end every 16000 miles to repack the steering bearings. Let me know if you want step by step instructions.

Like I said in anouther post I'm from Iowa ( Idiots Out Waking Around ). I need alot of details.

Items needed for the job
Sharp drill bit ( new bit)
1/4 tap ( 1/4 by 28 thread)
pipe cleaners or Q-tips
1/4 zerk fitting
Drill with low speed setting
Magnet
Light weight oil ( to lube the bit and tap)

1. Choose which side you want to install the zerk fitting on.
(I chose the left side of the neck because it offered more room to drill the hole.)
2. Magnetize the bit and tap. This will help to keep any metal shavings from getting
into the bearing housing.
You can do this by simply rubbing them on the magnet.

3. Drill the hole in the middle of the neck half way between the bearings.
Drill at a low speed and keep in mind you are drilling through two pieces of metal
(the frame and the bearing housing) so it is going to take some time. Keep the bit
lubed, stopping to wipe off the shavings that build up on the bit. I used Q tips to
remove any shavings that accumulated in the hole.

4. Once you have the hole drilled, tap in the threads using a 1/4 tap (if you want to stick
with metric sizes, 6mm X 1.00 works too.). Keep the tap lubed and work slowly
backing it out every couple of turns to remove any shavings that accumulate.


5. Install the zerk fitting, Remember DO NOT over tighten the fitting as it will break.


6. Now that you have the fitting in place, you can easily grease the steering bearings.
The first time you grease them, its going to take a lot of grease because you are filling
the entire neck. Keep pumping in the grease until you see it coming from the ends of
the housing.

Iwas wondering if you "plumbed it" Sometimes, people will put a piece of PVC between the races to take up some space so it does not take so much grease to fill the neck. Great Idea. Will probably do that after I switch to tapered bearings.