I need tips on how to adjust steering head bearing

Hi, guys.

I have been reading alot on this excellent forum the past months, after getting my first VFR.
I seriously get why you guys love these bikes, it's the best I've ever owned

But I need a little help. When I put my bike on the center stand and push and pull the front tyre forward and backwards, there is quite alot of play.
However, the steering is supersmooth, no hardspot in the middle which often happens with a bad bearing.

So I think it only needs some adjustment/tightening.

Also, the steering bars are quite shivery on high speeds. It's not wobbling, just some nervous shivering.
I assume this is a result of the play in the steering head bearing.


What I need help with

How do I tighten the steering head bearing?
Could anyone provide some step-by-step information?

I am quite handy, just replaced the clutch yesterday. But I have never touched a steering related issue, nor have I disassembled forks before, so I am hoping it's an easy deal to adjust the bearing.
Changing it seems like hell judging from the service manual.


Here is a picture of my new love.
1998 VFR 800 with 25k miles on it and only one previous owner

 

get a FSM and maybe its time for steering head bearings, not a terribly difficult job, but I have a motorcycle lift table with a vice attached. So, when I do work like this, I back the bike onto the table and clamp the jaws on the rear wheel. This way, I can jack up the bike under the exhaust/or frame to get the front wheel of the surface of the lift table. Tools of the trade make the difference in being able to do some things and just stuggling.

check your wheel bearings, you have lots of salt used on your roads.

 

If you over-tighten the beaRING ADJUSTMENT the bike will want to move in a sinuous track, and you'll be steering right and left just trying to ride straight ! :glee: