Topic: A couple of steering stem/swing arm bearing questions

[Scott S]

 Bike in question is a '78 550K.

 (A) I'm looking at Z1 Enterprises and they list two bearing kits for the steering stem; one with washers, one without. I can find the kit WITHOUT washer locally (and very cheap).
  I don't remember having to use any washers on my CB500 when we did the steering stem. IF I end up needing washer, is there anything special about them? Are they something I could find locally?

 (B)  I was looking for swingarm bushings and see that Z1 lists a swingarm bearing kit. Contains 2 Needle Bearings 2 Thrust washers and 1 Shaft.
   I really haven't seen this talked about much. Think just replacing the bushings will be OK?

  Looking at the parts diagram, I don't even SEE any needle bearings. Is this an upgrade or  

[fmctm1sw]

Bike in question is a '78 550K.

 (A) I'm looking at Z1 Enterprises and they list two bearing kits for the steering stem; one with washers, one without. I can find the kit WITHOUT washer locally (and very cheap).
  I don't remember having to use any washers on my CB500 when we did the steering stem. IF I end up needing washer, is there anything special about them? Are they something I could find locally?

I'm pretty sure the steering stem bearing posts I've seen here have indicated a need for one of them.  I can't recall which on off top of my head though.  I'm sure I mentioned which one I needed when I did my 750 (thread link below).

[MCRider]

The needle bearing kit is not a direct OEM replacement. It converts from OEM style bushings to needles.

There are schools of thought about this. Needles are used in all modern swingarms I know of. But they are factory designed and sealed. And they have well designed lubrication.

If you put needles in the CB, they may rust up with infrequent use and poor lubrication. They aren't as large as the newer factoiry ones, so bushings may carry the load better. They sound neat, but i don't know of anyone who has used them. I'd like to hear. In the meantime I am happy with the bushings, and HondaMan's upgrades to the install and greasing function.

[Scott S]

........and HondaMan's upgrades to the install and greasing function.

 Elaborate, please. A link, maybe?

 What about the washer for the steering stem? If I can save ~$25-30 by getting the kit WITHOUT the washers, will I be able to find something locally IF I need one? Or are they some weird, special size, daimetr, thickness, etc.?

[Rgconner]

Here is his website link for the swingarm work.

http://sohc4shop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=25&products_id=35&osCsid=4f7a88dcfbb56a8d3622bc675fd00e5e

Look around, there is some other cools stuff you won't find anywhere else.

Also, worth reading HondaMan's posts in the FAQ and the Tricks and Tips areas.

[MCRider]

........and HondaMan's upgrades to the install and greasing function.

 Elaborate, please. A link, maybe?

 What about the washer for the steering stem? If I can save ~$25-30 by getting the kit WITHOUT the washers, will I be able to find something locally IF I need one? Or are they some weird, special size, daimetr, thickness, etc.?

I did a Green Box kit 10+ years ago. i needed a washer and was able to finda really good one at ACE Hardware in their machine shims box.  The OD, ID, and thickness were perfect. Couldn't reuse the rubber dustseal, but the washer fit so close I did without.  The taper bearings are so overbuilt a little dust won't hurt them.

Link to HondaMan's Swingarm Service is in Services Offered Calssified:
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=58828.0