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I rang around today to find a new bottom steering stem bearing. Heres the funny part;

CBC (Consolidated Bearing Co) $40

Dealer #1 $39.50

Dealer #2 $18.70

What gives with the difference I wonder...

Anyone bought one before ??

Go check out the bearings at the various places... you can tell a high quality bearing from junk. Check how tight the rollers fit in the cage.
I'd be suspicious of the $18.70 bearing but I wouldn't tell them that in case it's NOS and they haven't updated their pricing.

NOS ??
New Old Stock ???

Yup...

They have to get it from Kawasaki Australia as they had none in stock.

There's an 'H' set on ebay...bottom and top for a 'buy now' of something like $32 (US of course).

As much trouble as it is to replace that bearing, I'd want to use a good one. CBR historically uses Japanese (as opposed to Chinese or some other off-shore bearing source) bearings..and they historically are better.

Take their wheel bearings for example. Yes, they are more expensive than other 3rd party bearings (AllsBalls for example), but they last longer...and will be replaced free when they fail!!

Now...I don't suppose that applies to the steering head bearing...but is meant only for anecdotal 'evidence' that CBR sells good stuff and that there IS a difference when it comes to bearings.

Dealer#1's price is about right on this side of the world, too. The bottom stem bearing comes with a seal. Considering the specificity of application, I'd almost bet that if the bearing has a seal, it is oem quality (for what that's worth).

I have a new set of OEM KDX steering stem bearings. They come with new races, too.

Who made 'em? I've forgotten...

Who made the OEM ones?? Hmm... Now you want me to find them, too?

WAIT! I think I know where they are. Lemme check...

Koyo

Well, you SAID you had 'em. I thought that meant you...well...HAD 'em. ;)

All of my KDX parts are in 'The Bin'. Basically a big tub-full-o-stuff that 1/2 the time I can't find a darn thing in...except for everything I'm NOT looking for!

If I'd been able to find my old chain guide parts in 'The Bin' I could'a let bradf know what the dimensions of the bottom block are! But, Heck no!!

Yeah. I thought 'Koyo' was right. But, having recently bought some tires I wondered if I was recalling 'Toyo'

Oh-yo.


Thanks for looking.

I think Koyo is a bearing company. Seems familiar from all my Toyota crap.

KOYO is a very large bearing company in japan. The big 4, Yam Kaw Suz Hon all use them in there motor cycle products. Koyo makes the best crank main bearing I've seen.

Ron

Thanks Ron. I don't know if you remember me but I'm the annoying Aussie that sent you some emails awhile back about getting my carb modded. Well it looks like I'll be looking for an Airstryer very soon. Woohoo. Thanks again Ron and I look very forward to testing out your fine work.

I highly doubt that you could ever wear out the bearings because for one, they never spin around and have a limited range. They are over engineered too. If adjusted properly and greased yearly... they should last a lifetime. Mine showed no wear... 10 years old and not cared for... but they will be now!

The 03 KX beaarings wouldn't even spin. It was jammed.

Did you try to work grease into them and keep working them? I had to do that with my shock bearing but now it is spinning freely and is smooth as glass....

I tried but it would only move about 1mm each way. It sounded like there was some nasty grit inside it. I chisled it off the KX stem and soaked it in kerosine, still no luck. It didn't move even after trying to tap it free with a flat blade driver. It doesn't look damaged at all so I dunno why it's soooooo stuck.