Frame neck (steering head)

The neck or headstock is the tube at the front of a motorcycle frame. The fork's steering stem passes through it and turns on two steering head bearings, one at the top and one at the bottom, held by the upper and lower triple clamps.

The angle of the neck sets the rake (caster angle) and, together with fork offset, the trail, which largely decides how quickly and stably a bike steers. Custom builders sometimes “rake” the neck to lengthen a chopper's front end.

Worn or loose head bearings cause a knocking feel when braking, notchy steering at the centre or a wobble. Check by lifting the front wheel and moving the fork back and forth and side to side. Tapered roller bearings are a common upgrade over ball bearings.