Part number for K bike steering head bearing races?

[frankenduck]

Anybody know what that is?

Looked in the parts catalog but can't find it.

[Inge K.]

The races isn't available as a single part, only complete bearings (matched parts).

[frankenduck]

I thought that might be the case.  Crap.  I just need the races.

$50 each!  :yow

[2000rsv]

From the Haynes manual, these appear to be tapered bearings.  Industry part number should be stamped on one face.  Not even BMW has enough volume to get a custom bearing for a motorcycle.

Often times, the metric tapers were sold as a set for precision tolerances.  However, in a steering head bearing, no precision is needed (at least on the order of 'bearing' precision).  Get the cup (outer race) part number off the rear rib and call a local bearing house.  Motion Industries, King Bearing, etc.  They should be able to help you out.  It will be the same thing with the same dimensions.  You may still need to purchase the complete bearing, but it should be less expensive than through BMW.

SKF, FAG, Timken, NSK, NTN, Koyo are all good brands.  I would stay away from the Chinese (Peer).

Not only have I stayed in a Holiday Inn Express - I used to be a bearing engineer for Timken.

[frankenduck]

I found some complete bearing sets at OEMCYCLE for <$30/pair shipped. Might as well do the bearings too at that price.

http://www.oemcycle.com/Item/product/900108860

[wmax351]

Not even BMW has enough volume to get a custom bearing for a motorcycle.

Take a look at the K swingarm bearings... There is a replacement that fits, but it is anything but a standard bearing. The replacement is slightly different.

[2000rsv]

Yeah, I looked at mine while going after the clutch.  They are FAG made in Portugal.  Looked like an oddball part number but I'm sure could be crossed to a Timken.  ID, OD, assembled width, and K factor (roller angle).  After I inspect my swing arm bearings, and if one needs replacement, I will do the leg work to find the correct crossover.

It was a pretty weird part number though.

[wmax351]

Yeah, I looked at mine while going after the clutch.  They are FAG made in Portugal.  Looked like an oddball part number but I'm sure could be crossed to a Timken.  ID, OD, assembled width, and K factor (roller angle).  After I inspect my swing arm bearings, and if one needs replacement, I will do the leg work to find the correct crossover.

It was a pretty weird part number though.

I did manage to find some, the number is posted in the lieberry. They are unsealed, unlike the stock ones, but they are easy to grease because of it.