all balls bearings steering kit

[billbob]

Which is better the tapered roller style or reg. set of bearing?

[Viking]

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]

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

[tinwacker]

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]

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.

Which is better the tapered roller style or reg. set of bearing?

[tinwacker]

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]

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.

[tinwacker]

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