Forza 300 steering issue

[minio]

Dear Forum

First of all I am glad I found you (guys and girls). I hope you will be able to help me with my (imaginary at this point issue).
I am a recent moped convert couple of years ago I rode a PS125 after riding bikes for 10 or so years and I could not believe I have not tried that scooter thing sooner.

Now, the issue.
I have bought my Forza a month a go or so (2013 model). It is miles better than the PS I used to ride but.. it seem to have some sort of self centring device on the steering. For some reason it always self centres. Once you move the steering bar it goes smoothly from left to right but right in the centre it always sticks/goes back to the middle position. I was looking for steering dampers under the bodywork but I cannot see anything. I was reading online and I cannot find anything. I started thinking it might be worn out head bearing but then why would this be right in the middle and without the other common head bearing issues?

What is the problem with having self centring steering you might ask. I thought the same for the first week or two. I thought I will get used to it. No I will not. More so, I think this is dangerous when filtering in traffic. As long as you go forward this is not a problem but as soon as you need to turn slightly it goes into that "bell" situation when you have to force the steering bar and you end up over doing it and in turn you go from left to right to left and right again. I just cannot live with this any more.

I hope someone here will be able to help.

Many thanks!

[you you]

Well I'm suspicious....

[gn2]

The bearings have been damaged and need replaced.
Self centring means the balls (rollers?) have dug holes in the races.
The steering is in the straight ahead position for most of the time and any heavy impacts from fork bottoming, potholes etc are transferred into the bearings causing the problem you are experiencing.
Its an extremely common fault.

[minio]

Hi and thanks for the swift reply.

I have to say that it makes sense. I have been riding bikes for years now and I have replaced many head bearings in my life but this is by far the most perfect (if I can call it that way) way in whichever they wore out (if this is the case). Bang on in the middle.

Why won't they fit needle roller cage bearings to the modern bikese?

Anyway. Set of bearings will be on its way shortly.

Watch this space..

[gn2]

Back in the day taper roller headrace bearings were a very popular after market item.
These days most "bikers" don't ride far enough to wear anything out.

Manufacturers usually fit the cheapest option then charge completely absurd prices for replacements.

If it wuz me I would get the bearings out and take them to a specialist bearing shop for measuring and replacing with something of higher quality than the cheese used by Honda.

[iceman]

All the damn potholes and such and people riding fast over them rather than avoiding them (can't always be helped).

[minio]

So.. today I have rode long way around (needed to pop in to my garage on my way into the office). I was thinking about it on my way and this is what I came up.

First of all. The suspension on the bike is stupidly stiff. Secondly the number of massive potholes is just insane (one particular pothole that opened up since last week made me think about it all). These potholes plus the number of speed humps together with the stiff suspension and the poor quality parts used on the modern bikes (they are not made to last anymore are they?) really is the reason why this happened.

After "finding" that new porthole today I think (I am pretty sure) the bike steers easier to the left than it does to the right (what only reinforces your suggestions).

[minio]

All the damn potholes and such and people riding fast over them rather than avoiding them (can't always be helped).

Roads are so much worse then thy used to be. Plus all the building sites' vehicles in London spilling gravel, concrete etc... A death trap really...

I cannot believe just how bad the roads are.

[minio]

A quick question.

Do I need any special tools to remove/replace the head bearing? As I said before I have done this many times before, just never on a moped and I know the front yoke setup is different so I am not sure just how applicable my knowledge and tool kit will be.

Greg

[SteveP]

Hi and thanks for the swift reply.

I have to say that it makes sense. I have been riding bikes for years now and I have replaced many head bearings in my life but this is by far the most perfect (if I can call it that way) way in whichever they wore out (if this is the case). Bang on in the middle.

Why won't they fit needle roller cage bearings to the modern bikese?

Anyway. Set of bearings will be on its way shortly.

Watch this space..

Perhaps you've already ordered new Honda bearings, if not, here are some aftermarket bearings that may (?) be better...

https://www.bikebandit.com/aftermarket- ... 2?m=155342

I suppose changing the bearings is about the same on a scooter as on a motorcycle...except for getting the bodywork off. A factory service manual would be a great help...I think they still can be bought online for about $50.

[minio]

Hi and thanks for the swift reply.

I have to say that it makes sense. I have been riding bikes for years now and I have replaced many head bearings in my life but this is by far the most perfect (if I can call it that way) way in whichever they wore out (if this is the case). Bang on in the middle.

Why won't they fit needle roller cage bearings to the modern bikese?

Anyway. Set of bearings will be on its way shortly.

Watch this space..

Perhaps you've already ordered new Honda bearings, if not, here are some aftermarket bearings that may (?) be better...

https://www.bikebandit.com/aftermarket- ... 2?m=155342

I suppose changing the bearings is about the same on a scooter as on a motorcycle...except for getting the bodywork off. A factory service manual would be a great help...I think they still can be bought online for about $50.

Yes the bodywork will be in the way. This is the part of the task I am not looking forward to. As long as all other bits are more all less the same I am ready to go.
I won't be buying Honda bearings as these obviously are made out of cheese (or butter). I will be getting something like the set you linked up.

[iceman]

Not a Forza but PCX bearing replacement - if it's anything like this it's a real pain to do.
https://www.hondapcx.org/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=8459

[gn2]

A quick question.

Do I need any special tools to remove/replace the head bearing? As I said before I have done this many times before, just never on a moped and I know the front yoke setup is different so I am not sure just how applicable my knowledge and tool kit will be.

Greg

The job is the same as on a regular bike, there's just a shitload of bodywork in the way and no top yoke.
Getting the front wheel off can be interesting, the allen pinch bolt on mine was seized solid and the head of it sheared off.

[minio]

Hi there.

A quick update.

I have managed to change bearings yesterday.

Two things to notice:
- it was by far the most tedious head bearing I have done, the amount of plastics, bolts and screws was unreal
- as soon as I took the bearing off the bike I knew it was buggered, bike rides differently now

I believe it is fixed now.

Thanks for all the help.