Steering head bearings

[Jay Brown]

Is anyone offering kits to convert the loose ball bearings to a tapered steering head bearing??  Thank you

[ALB]

Years ago I tried to find tapered bearing for the steering head. I found a bearing that would fit the stem or steering head, but not both. The tapered bearings are also thicker than the original races and balls which would require modifications. More trouble than it is worth.

It is more cost effective to buy the steering race kits that I offer to replace the ones on your bike if they are worn. I also offer the races and balls separately.

Alan Buehner

[Daniel P. McEntee]

When I was riding vintage trials a lot, someone discovered a tapered bearing that would fit the Yamaha TY-250, and I think I have a set in mine. It would take an exhausting search of power transmission catalogs and a really good knowledge of just the exact dimensions you need for it to be a direct swap out, but there may be something out there that will fit. The way the loose ball set up is on the Penton with the o-ring cover seal, it's really a pretty reliable function and I can't ever remember anyone ever having any issues with the steering head bearings. Just an inconvenience trying to get them all in place and stay there while assmbling. After you do it a while, you learn what grease works best and keep some extra ball bearings on hand to replace the one you drop until you get your hands free to get down on your knees to find it!!!
  Happy Holidays!!
  Dan McEntee

[firstturn]

Go with Al's kits.  Just make it new.Thanks Al for offering these kits.


Ron Carbaugh