Topic: Steering head bearing P/N's

[Grey]

I've been lurking around hear for a while. I really like the site, good job. I'm working on friends 77 CB550F. I doing a total go over of the bike. Read a lot of the "Hondaman" topics. This bike only has 36k easy miles. I saw about replacing the steering head bearings with rollers. I've looked at All Balls and they are out of stock. Looks like they're the same from 350 thru 750 head stock. Does anybody have bearing numbers so I could get them at my supply house? Or the bearing dimensions? I'm also going to look at the swing arm bushings. Are they still available? I assume O-Ring chains are fine to use also.

The guy who owns the bike is the type that can only put in gas, oil and air. I'm not sure he would know a bad handling 550 from a good one. With that said, I want to make sure this bike is safe for him for the next several years. Any suggestions on what really needs to be looked at besides the normal MC stuff. I don't know the characteristics of this bike and only rode it around the block. After reading a few things here like about wheel bearings being trash after 10k miles,really?? Nothing instantly jumped out at me about this bike when I rode it. Seems to be in really good shape.

Here's a photo. I do like the color. The seat eh.... But it fits him and his short stature.



Oh yea anybody have a muffler with no holes in it. His has two back by the end. I'm sure they are like hens teeth.

[Milkman666]

I think you can get the All Balls thru Amazon (22-1011), that's how I got mine.

[phil71]

if what you say about the owner is true.. then just take one of the old loose balls to any decent bicycle shop, match it up and buy a bag.  clean up the races really good, pack with grease, preload to spec, and send it on its way. Yes, tapered rollers are a ton better.. but really, only if you are a bit of a hotshot rider. (I am going to get roasted for this advice.. so keep watching)

[ekpent]

Do a search on O-ring chains and 550's. I think they will eat your cases,too wide.  Never assume      PS-Welcome to the forum

[Tugboat]

Ebay has them also for about the same price - allballs bearings, that is...

[Grey]

Do a search on O-ring chains and 550's. I think they will eat your cases,too wide.  Never assume      PS-Welcome to the forum

Wasn't sure and haven't checked it yet. I have a 530 o-ring chain for a spare was going to fit try it first before buying one. Yea assuming has it's assumptions. I'll most likely get a solid roller for him

Thanks for the welcome.

 May be later I could tell you guys stories about the Yoshima CB400F 24hr endurance race bike I/we had. Won the 600 class with it in 80. Backed it up with a 2nd and 3rd the following years. It was a great 750 eater.

if what you say about the owner is true.. then just take one of the old loose balls to any decent bicycle shop, match it up and buy a bag.  clean up the races really good, pack with grease, preload to spec, and send it on its way. Yes, tapered rollers are a ton better.. but really, only if you are a bit of a hotshot rider. (I am going to get roasted for this advice.. so keep watching)

That may be the way to go. Didn't think about just finding balls. Thanks.

[ekpent]

Just replacing the balls if they have flat spots will work but if thats the case the races may also be bad. Is there a notchy feeling or clicking type of feeling right now when the bike is on the centerstand and front wheel turned. If not and the parts spec out maybe just a repack,but 36,000 miles is getting up there.
  Here is one chain thread to get you started   http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=97945.0