Why has my bike's steering become so stiff and difficult at low speeds?

Question

Recently I've noticed that steering my bike round corners at low speed (less than 10mph) has become difficult. The steering feels very stiff, as if I really had to force the bars around, like there's some obstacle preventing a smooth transition.
The front tyre is new so it can't be that I've squared it off. I've checked the tyre pressures and they're at the manaufacturer's spec.
Does anyone know what might be causing this stiff steering? And how too overcome it? (The bike is a '97 Bandit 600)

Answer 1

You did not say how long you have had the bike. If you have had it for some time and know the problem is new then either

You had the steering head adjusted recently and it may have been overtightened. this can be loosened to free the bearings.

OR

The bearings in the steering head are almost certainly dirty, dry, or both.

Sometimes this happens because of excessive heat (like standing in the sun for weeks or months) and lack of use, causing the grease to lose its lubricating ability over time and dry out. If the bike is new to you, this may be possible.

If the bike is being used often, then you probably have poor or failed seals, which allows water to enter and mix with the grease, which also can introduce dirt.

OR

You have worn or broken bearings.

This is very common if someone was doing wheelies with the bike. People doing wheelies seldom put the front wheel down gently, so the bearings take a huge impact load every time, and they suffer for it.

Whichever applies, consider repair a priority, as the bearings could bind at any time, and the moment they do is almost guaranteed to be an unwelcome moment.

Answer 2

If its only started since tyre change, did you fit and oversize tyre?
Even at 36psi it will affect steering dramatically.
Re-check pressures first.
Did shop pressure wash bike?
If so they may be responsible for water getting into bearings, washing out grease and causing rust.

Answer 3

To check if the sterring bearings are the problem -
Jack up the bike enough to get the front wheel off the ground.
The the front wheel should be able to turn from left to right without any force on the hanldbars.
Actually fall from sterring stop to stop.

Answer 4

Maybe lubrication of the steering neck would help. Take it to a mechanic.