hi guys , i was out on my gas gas txt 270 1998 earlier today and after coming down a facing on the bing i bounced in between a track and the bottom and bailed! after a run down and a good laugh at myself i discovered this -

has anyone had this problem before ? and what is the best way to fix it ?

thanks

Edited February 18, 201412 yr by mckinlay1

I remember doing that. Very common on the '98-'99s. It needs a new steering stem. You'll have to use a press to get the old one out and the new one in the lower triple clamp.

is a stem dear to buy and where would i pick one up ? is it a hard job ? or should i put it to a mechanic ? thanks

The repair involves removing the wheel, bars, forks and triple clamps. As DMartinson said, the stem is installed into the bottom triple clamp with a press.

The best thing would be to replace the stem (and do the bearings while you are in there). Another choice would be to see if you can find a bottom triple with the stem from on of the bike breakers.

Not gonna be cheap.

Pretty sure Richard Allen at allens used trials spares will be able to hook you up with one

The aluminum one broke. If you have to buy new get the steel one.

If you can't find one a small machine shop could make and fit one for you,it's not a difficult job

I did that on my 2003. I think the nut was loose and allowed too much movement when my fat landed after launching across a gap.

Don't remember the cost of new one $40-60 US maybe. Needed a press to pop old one out and new one in. Actually not too bad to do, just finding a press was a little tough.

Done that on my 2000 TXT 280, did that on my 2004 pro 300. Zippy's right don't let your head bolt get too loose. In a pinch i drilled it out and used a cariage bolt to clamp the pieces together on a saturday night to make a sunday event.... Not recommended by anyone but got me though a day. Most of the observers were well warned.

--Biff