Originally Posted by
FBinNY
Assuming it's tight enough that there's no play, any added resistance makes things worse. Steering/balancing involves a constant series of very small corrections. Free steering ensures that these happen quickly providing excellent response to small steering inputs.
Stiffer steering needs stronger inputs to respond, so the response doesn't happen until there are greater steering imbalances, costing you the precise handling you're seeking.
If you want more steering stability, the easiest way is to lower front tire pressure.
+1 When somebody has slightly overtightened the steering box preload on a car or truck, or the ball joints bind, the driver complains that the steering is "loose." By the time the driver overcomes the friction in the steering the driver has over-corrected -- handling now sucks and because of the large corrections the perceptions is the steering is "loose.". You make microscopic steering corrections constantly and sub-consciously whether with hands on handlebars, hands on the steering wheel of a vehicle, or body weight while riding a bike no-hands. Put very much bind in the headset and try to ride no hands and you will probably fall on your ass.
Don in Austin