How to check neck bearings

[rezonator]

What is the proper way to check the bearings in the steering head?
Is there supposed to be any play at all?
Is it hard to change them?


Thanks in advance

[Rare83Kat]

Hold your hand against the union between frame and triple trees.
Walk the bike forward and tap the front brakes...you might feel it move if it has excessive play. No there shouldn't be any free play.

Changing them is difficult, but not impossible.
You will need a way to securely get the front end in the air to remove the forks and facilities to knock out the outer races from the frame and the lower inner race off the triple tree.... and a press or proper tools to install the new races without damaging them.

If the old races and rollers aren't damaged you might get away with just adjusting out the free play. That's what I'd try first if I were you.