steering head bearings

[kampinguru]

What is the recommended supplier for replacement steering stem bearings? I have an 89 RZ350. I would prefer tapered roller bearings. Thanks

[evan_calgary]

Never heard any negatives on brand. Bike is light so little stress on them. All balls have never done me wrong for tapered rollers. They fit about 1000 other models, part # is on the All Balls site.

[kampinguru]

I saw on Economy Cycle's website that they have two different ones. The All-Balls are ~32.00 and there is a set made in Japan for 67.00. Has anyone got any comments about the others. All Balls are Chinese and the Parts Plus ones are Japanese.

[T.RexRacing]

Never had problems w/AllBalls steering bearings. Had a couple sets of their wheel bearings depart early.

[evan_calgary]

Think steering head are safe from all balls. Used a few sets. Pricing should be $45 in Canada but can vary by 50% so check a couple dealers.

[JonW]

One of the local lads did some vides of all balls vs pyramid and the all balls were streets ahead, tho ive always assumed they were the same kit. He could have had some rough brgs of course, but maybe not. Anyway, all balls are fine.

[Evans Ward]

I've had the All Balls in for several years now with no issues whatsoever.

[75RD350rider]

Bringing this thread back up for a question. My 84 RZ has a ball with a flat place or a dented race (I think) in the steering stem. It has one place that you can feel it hit the flat place just left or right of straight ahead when turning the handlebars. I know from reading specs that some roller bearing conversions change the distance between the triple trees by 2MM or so.
I experienced similar on my KH500 framed 750 Triple. The wider distance left the headlight ears flopping and I had to put spacers in. Are there any modifications required when going from uncaged ball bearings to taper roller bearings on an 84 RZ?

[Smoker]

Are there any modifications required when going from uncaged ball bearings to taper roller bearings on an 84 RZ?

The roller bearing race is taller than the ball bearing race, and sticks up over the top of the steering head tube.



You can see that there is a gap between the bearing seal and the race. The rubber part is supposed to seal against the head tube, not the race. So, bearing grease is going to seep out through the gap, and dirt is going to blow in.



This is a custom spacer to extend the head tube. The angle is cut into it for a welding bead.



Rubber seal on the bearing seals against the spacer. Spacer also supports the bearing and helps prevent overtightening/excessive pressure.

[JonW]

Thats cool Pete, nice work.

[75RD350rider]

Thanks!

[evan_calgary]

Yes they stick up more but there is no harm unless you are extremely picky. Cannot see going to expense of that above post just to avoid the potential of a small amount of grease 'maybe' coming out.

[75RD350rider]

Understood. I was mainly concerned about having to elongate holes due to the triple trees being 2MM further apart. Thanks to all!

[JonW]

Understood. I was mainly concerned about having to elongate holes due to the triple trees being 2MM further apart. Thanks to all!

Nope, never had an issue with what you asked.

[75RD350rider]

Thank you all!