Honda CRF250 Rally- steering head bearing notchy

I have a 2020 model with 8000 km on the clock. I recently noticed a change in the steering characteristics. Reluctance to turn smoothly when changing direction. I had experienced the same sensation when swapping bikes with my friend who has an older model with 30 000km on the clock. We were comparing 13 vs 14 teeth sprockets at the time. He replaced the steering head bearings and the problem is gone. I put my bike on a centre stand and turned the handles left to right. You feel a definite notchyness when turning away from the dead ahead position. Bike is still under warranty, but dealer has to check if it is covered as it is a wear and tear item! I don’t expect steering head bearings to go at 8000 km- bike has not been abused or submerged in water.
Anybody else have premature steering head bearing wear?