Motorcycle maintenance question

[BZeto]

On my DR650 it seems as if my front forks/turning assembly is loose. The bike isn't stable at all. I first started to notice it only when i turn, like the bike wanted to fall over. Now, after my last trail ride I can't even keep it going in a straight line down the road. It feels like the forks are able to move forward and back, they aren't tight. Like if you're looking at the bike from the side, the front tire would be able to move left and up away from the bike, as well as right and down towards the bike. I'm not absolutely positive on this because I can't tell without lifting the bike up on a stand or at least getting the front wheel off the ground. It's hard to explain it, perhaps i'll upload a drawing if needed.

I wanted to post to see if anyone had any ideas or knows how I would adjust something like this.

Thanks

 

[imported_Imp]

Take it to a mechanic. Alignment is obviously way off, and it's not worth risking it by trying to fix it yourself.

 

[MadAmos]

sounds like the stem brgs. are way loose this is quite dangerous and should be repaired very loose stem brgs. can/will cause a severe head shake/tank slapper, I would have it taken care of asap.

 

[BZeto]

Hmm, so it could be the stem bearings? I've definitely stopped riding it. I want more input.

 

[MadAmos]

If you can get the front wheel up and push and pull on it you should be able to feel/see any movement at the stem, there should be none If there is It would be best to disassemble the stem to check for damage and repack/replace brgs. as needed then the final torque to set the brg pre-load is fairly critical, the manual will usually provide a drag measurement that is checked using a spring scale to measure the force needed to move the stem. If you want more info PM me and I will see what I can add.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Your headset needs to be tightened. Check in your owners manual, it should have the torque specs in there. If you don't feel comfortable doing this yourself I would recommend taking it to a competent mechanic. It is not safe to ride with a loose headset.

Edit-You might need new bearings if the bike has been ridden in that condition for a long time.