Headset Adjustments on your Flyer™ eBike

Follow the steps below to adjust the headset on your eBike.

     Questions? Contact Customer Service for fast & friendly help. 

     Tools Needed: 4mm Allen wrench, 5mm Allen wrench, Torque wrench with 4mm Allen bit

     Compatible Models: Flyer™ M880 and Flyer™ L885

Getting the Bike Ready for Servicing

1. Remove the battery.
   
2. Turn the bike on, the screen should initially turn on, then quickly fade away.
   

Check if the Headset Needs Adjusting

1. Before checking the headset reference “Front Wheel Removal and Install” to be sure that the front wheel is fully in the dropouts and the skewer is tightened correctly.
2. Check if headset is too loose.
   • With one hand, hold the bike where the headtube meets the front fork of the bike.
   • With the other hand, squeeze the left brake lever.
   • Rock the bike forwards and backwards.
   • If there is a knocking feeling or you hear a rattling sound, the headset is probably too loose and should be tightened.
     
3. Check if headset is too tight.
   • Lift the front wheel of the bike off the ground by holding the main body of the bike, i.e. not the front fork, front wheel, or handlebars.
   • Tilt the bike to the side, i.e. left or right.
   • Check to see if the front wheel falls or turns to the side. If the front wheel does not turn to the side, the headset is probably too tight and should be loosened.
   • Additionally if there is a “bumpy” feeling as you rotate the handlebars the headset is likely too tight.
     

Adjusting the Headset

1. Loosen, but do not remove, the bolts on the stem clamp bolts using the 4mm Allen wrench until the handlebar stem can be moved without moving the front wheel.
   
2. Use a 5mm Allen wrench to tighten or loosen the top cap bolt by 1/8 turn based on whether you found the headset to be too loose or too tight.
   
3. Check headset tension using the above steps (“Check if Headset Needs Adjusting”) after each adjustment of top cap bolt.
4. Repeat steps until headset is correctly tensioned.
   ⚠ Warning: Over-tightening headset can lead to unnecessary wear and difficulty steering.

Aligning the Handlebar

1. Adjust the front wheel so it is in line with the bike frame and is pointed directly forward. The handlebars should be perpendicular to the direction of the front wheel.
   • It may be beneficial to stand over the bike at visually align the handlebar to the axle.
     
2. Evenly tighten the stem clamp bolts using the 4mm Allen wrench.
   • Alternate between the bolts, tightening each by ½ turn each time.
   • Using a torque wrench with 4mm Allen bit, torque the bolts to at least 8Nm but not more than 10Nm.
     
3. Ensure that the stem is secure.
   • Hold the front wheel still between your legs and try to turn the handlebars.
   • Check that the stem and handlebars do not turn independently of the front wheel. If the stem does move independently of the front wheel, repeat the above steps (“Aligning the Handlebar”) to realign and secure the headset.
     ⚠ Warning: Improperly torqued stem hardware can cause loss of control of the bike, which can result in injury or death.

Preparing to Ride

1. Reinstall the battery.
   
2. Fully test the bike’s function prior to riding.