steering head barrings

[lonewing]

did the 1979 Goldwing come with ball barrings or roller barrings?

[Placerville]

Tapered roller head bearings first appeared in the 1977 GL.

[lonewing]

thank you, I was wondering if I had to change them out but I guess not now.

[Placerville]

Well, just because you have tapered bearings doesn't mean there's nothing wrong with them. It's true that tapered rollers were a good upgrade from the earlier ball bearing style but, they can wear out as well. Are you just 'wondering' if your bearings are in good shape, basing your decision to replace them on the type of bearings you have? Have you checked them? Put your bike up on the center stand. Site on the ground, facing the bike and straddle the front wheel. Grab the wheel and apply firm 'front to back' pressure on the wheel. If you feel any movement at the head, you have cause for further inspection. Push the wheel to the left and right stop. It should fall easily without pushing it all the way. If the movement feels stiff, the bearings are too tight. If there's any movement in the forks (from your 'front to back' test) the bearings, at the least, need to be tightened. After adjustment, if there's any 'grinding' or 'roughness' to your side to side movement, your bearings need to be pulled and inspected for issues.

[lonewing]

Thanks, I will try the wheel test.