Topic: CB750K - OEM steering head bearings - replacement

[Johnie]

Forgive me, I did check the FAQ area and found an 18 page document on the subject...and it really confused me.  I was going to repack my steering head OEM ball bearings on my 1970 CB750K this winter.  Now I saw a post that said I should remove the balls and install roller bearings.  Can someone give me the top and bottom Timkin numbers and what else I need to do this?  I saw that I may need a spacer too.  Is it worth the effort or should I just repack what I have?  My 1970 has 17,000 miles on it.
Thanks for your expertise here.

[Bodi]

They are weird size tapered roller bearings and you can't just buy them over the counter at your bearing dealer.
There are a few kits available. I think some use "mismatched" races and fit together a bit strangely, and some use remachined races or custom races. Regardless, they work well and are in some ways better than the stock ball setup.
I've installed roller sets on bikes that had damaged stock bearings (notchy on centre).
I've repacked a bunch of Honda steering head ball sets. They work pretty well.
If your bearings are good, ie if you lift the front wheel there's no crunchiness or notchiness as you turn lock to lock... I would just clean and repack the ball sets. Installing the roller kit is a bit of a job, and for most of the world the ball setup is all the bearing needed.
If you're bearings are damaged and you're replacing races anyway, go for the roller kit.

[super pasty white guy]

Many (including myself) have had good luck with the "All Balls" roller bearing kit.

dave

[seaweb11]

Many (including myself) have had good luck with the "All Balls" roller bearing kit.

dave

Me as well. Used the thick spacer on the 72 recently

[Sam Green Racing]

Johnie, I have a spare set of taper rollers, I ordered two bearings and ended up with two sets, couldn't be bothered sending them back.
Get your best price over there and I'll match it inc postage.
You'll be doing me a favour.

Sam.

[Sam Green Racing]

Or if any one else wants them.

Sam

[Johnie]

I packed a set of ball bearings on a 1980 and a 1981 CM400 I restored and those feel great.  I think I will take a look at what I have and see what condition they are in before I decide which route to take.  Thanks for the offer Sam and I will keep it in mind if I need to go that route.  I am not an aggressive rider and plan to ride this bike once restored.  Anyone else have some ideas please add to the post.  Thanks...

[Sam Green Racing]

No problem Johnie, they've been sat there since I built the CR about 6 years ago.
We also ordered 2 primary chains and ended up with 4 I think it was a new guy at David Silver Spares, bit of a nut case . Chris sent the chains back, and they refunded him. I've used them for years and allways found them to be very approachable.

Sam.

[steam-powered man]

hello,
i replaced the steering head ball bearings (they were rusty/mashed and not close to being round) with a set from partsnmore.  $40 including delivery, fast service, proper fit - no problem.  next time i might go with an allballz set, am told they ship with a cool decal. 
bobp

[754]

Tapered ones feel nice and you can get your front end on or of about 4 times as quick!!.. well putting it back on anyway...

Well worth it IMO, specially if you are doing wheelies..lots of pounding..

[tbone]

http://www.lowridersbysummers.com/ has them for only $35.00

email Tommy and he'll hook you up.