Recycler
04-11-04, 09:27 PM
Just had to replace lower head bearings on my 01 650 for MOT.
This turned out to be major hassle. The lip of the outer race in the head tube that you can hit with a drift is only about 1mm.
Also the recess in the head tube is machined off-centre so the lip is not accessible on the whole circumference.
The last bearing I replaced was on a Super Tenere and was much easier as the outer race was more substantial and accessible. The Honda one is pretty flimsy.
Note that the substantial ridge in the head tube is not the race but your frame - don't start whacking it, examine your new parts for guidance.
I also found the best way to remove the inner race from the steering stem was to grind it CAREFULLY until it popped.
The silver lining was that the complete bearing and dust seal was only £18.50 delivered from David Silver Spares.
This turned out to be major hassle. The lip of the outer race in the head tube that you can hit with a drift is only about 1mm.
Also the recess in the head tube is machined off-centre so the lip is not accessible on the whole circumference.
The last bearing I replaced was on a Super Tenere and was much easier as the outer race was more substantial and accessible. The Honda one is pretty flimsy.
Note that the substantial ridge in the head tube is not the race but your frame - don't start whacking it, examine your new parts for guidance.
I also found the best way to remove the inner race from the steering stem was to grind it CAREFULLY until it popped.
The silver lining was that the complete bearing and dust seal was only £18.50 delivered from David Silver Spares.