Headset; Checking The Headset - BMW Mountain Bike Enduro Owner's Manual

8 HeADSeT.

(a)
The headset connects the fork to the frame, but allows it to move
freely. It must turn with virtually no resistance, if the bicycle is to run
straight, stabilising itself as it travels. Shocks caused by uneven road
surfaces expose the headset to considerable levels of stress. In this way
it can become loose and go out of correct adjustment.
Riding the bicycle with a loose headset increases the stress on
fork and bearings. The fork can break and throw you off your
bicycle!

8.1 checking the Headset.

Check the headset for play by placing your fingers around the upper
headset cup (b).
Bring your weight to bear on the saddle, pull the front brakes with your
other hand and push the bicycle firmly back and forth with the wheel
remaining on the ground. If the bearing has play, you will feel the upper
headset cup moving relative to the upper bearing cap - visible as a small
gap between the cup and the cap.
a
48
b
To check whether the bearing runs smoothly, lift the frame up until the
front wheel no longer touches the ground. The handlebars should turn
from far left to far right without feeling roughness or tightness at any
point. Turning the bars should require only a little tap on the grips (c).
Adjusting the headset requires a certain amount of experience
and should therefore be left to your BMW partner or a bicycle
specialist shop of your trust.
If you want to adjust conventional headsets you will need spe-
cial tools. If you nevertheless want to try adjusting it yourself,
please read the operating instructions of the manufacturer
carefully before you do!
Check the secure seat of the stem after having adjusted the
bearings, by holding the front wheel between your knees and
trying to twist the handlebars relative to the front wheel (d).
Otherwise, a loose stem can throw you off your bicycle.
c
d