all balls bearings steering kit
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- themainviking
- Posts: 3311
- Joined: Wed Sep 29, 2010 6:59 pm
- Location: North Bay, Ontario, Canada
- Motorcycle: 2009 GL1800 AD
1987 Harley Softail Custom
1974 Harley FLH (sold)
1965 Harley FLHE (sold)
1957 Harley Chopper (sold)
Re: all balls bearings steering kit
I would not say either was "better". Tapered steering head bearings will probably last a lot longer than regular OEM bearings, and will likely firm up the steering head. OEM bearings work well for most people, and do not last as long, so longevity is where the difference lies in my opinion. When I say OEM do not last as long, we are speaking of the lifetime of a motorcycle as compared to five lifetimes with the tapered bearings if they are kept clean and greased. I have not felt the need to put tapered bearings in my steering head, but I would if I did them. I will not do a job that does not need doing tho, just to change over to tapered bearings.
- Steve F
- Posts: 486
- Joined: Thu Apr 07, 2011 8:25 pm
- Location: suburban Chicago
- Motorcycle: 1976 Honda CB750F Cafe' (sold :>( )
'03 GL1800
DARKSIDE RIDER
Re: all balls bearings steering kit
I would prefer the tapered over the regular anytime. They have greater contact area and are less likely to cause "notchy" steering where the balls tend to dent into the races and makes the steering less than smooth. Since the tapered bearings have greater contact area, the steering is more rigid and less likely to develop the wobble....won't always CURE the wobble, but it really helps. I have the ALL-BALLS tapered bearings, and I can take my hands off the bars at any speed and it's smooth as silk right down to almost stopped........that's when I have to have control or I fall over 

"To ride is the reason, the destination the excuse."
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- Posts: 14
- Joined: Sat Mar 20, 2010 2:12 pm
- Location: Port Orange FL
- Motorcycle: 2004 GL 1800
Re: all balls bearings steering kit
All Balls is better, Just look at the contact points, The reason the BALLS fail is because they ware a track in the race.The tapered bearing wont do that, BUT make sure your torque is right on what all balls recommends
- newday777
- Posts: 968
- Joined: Tue Jan 11, 2011 5:21 pm
- Location: Milford NH and Oceanside, CA (N San Diego)
- Motorcycle: 2008 Cabernet Red. Level 4
1983 GL1100A Wineberry 36,000 miles
1975 CB750 K5 Planet Blue 7,800 miles
1976 CB750 K6 Anterris Red 25,000 miles
1999A Restored and sold at 19,000 miles
1999SE Totaled by cager at 105,000 miles
Re: all balls bearings steering kit
Tapered hands down.
The stock type round ball bearings put a dent in the race in the straight ahead position(the only time you steer the bike away from the straight ahead position is at low speeds turning in parking lot situations). They don't put a track in the race. Just a dent and only in the straight ahead steering position, as you only lean while riding, you don't steer a 2 wheeled bike while in motion at speed. The dent is caused by the forces exerted from bumps you hit while riding along with the heavy weight of our bikes and the loads we carry, especially if we are above the 150 lb rider these wings were designed to carry(Japanese are smaller than American riders).
That dent gives a loose torque, that gives you the low speed wobbles and cupping of tires. Replacement with new round ball bearings will only be a temporary fix and It will happen again shortly on a new set.
The stock type round ball bearings put a dent in the race in the straight ahead position(the only time you steer the bike away from the straight ahead position is at low speeds turning in parking lot situations). They don't put a track in the race. Just a dent and only in the straight ahead steering position, as you only lean while riding, you don't steer a 2 wheeled bike while in motion at speed. The dent is caused by the forces exerted from bumps you hit while riding along with the heavy weight of our bikes and the loads we carry, especially if we are above the 150 lb rider these wings were designed to carry(Japanese are smaller than American riders).
That dent gives a loose torque, that gives you the low speed wobbles and cupping of tires. Replacement with new round ball bearings will only be a temporary fix and It will happen again shortly on a new set.
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- Posts: 14
- Joined: Sat Mar 20, 2010 2:12 pm
- Location: Port Orange FL
- Motorcycle: 2004 GL 1800
Re: all balls bearings steering kit
I bet the difference with you When I took them apart there was most certainly a track or grove all around the race Your idea would be fine if there was only one ball but there are many and they all make there own little grove
- keithg64
- Posts: 576
- Joined: Thu May 21, 2009 9:47 pm
- Location: Geneseo, IL
- Motorcycle: 2007 Gl1800HPNA Blue
2000 GL1500 Pearl Coranado Blue -sold
Re: all balls bearings steering kit
tapered roller bearings will do the same thing only with lines in the race instead of a groove or dents. I believe the rollers are better because of the better or more contact patch. I have replaced the stock head bearings on both of my wings and have done friends wigs also, all with better results than with the stock bearings. Make sure you install them per the service manual.
It's not what you buy, it's what you build.
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- Posts: 14
- Joined: Sat Mar 20, 2010 2:12 pm
- Location: Port Orange FL
- Motorcycle: 2004 GL 1800
Re: all balls bearings steering kit
Your absolutely right on both counts
I also have replaced a few of them and the torque has to be on the money
Happy trails my friend
I also have replaced a few of them and the torque has to be on the money
Happy trails my friend