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PO Box 98393
Atlanta, GA 30359-8393
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STEERING HEAD BEARINGS:

OEM and aftermarket steering neck or "tube" replacement bearings bring that brand-new feeling back to your bike, improving handling, braking, and steering performance that has been reduced over the year by wear and tear on the bearings and related parts. We offer both the original Ball Bearings and parts for models so equipped, as well as aftermarket Tapered Roller Bearing Kits needed to upgrade this critical area to the most modern design.

Does your bike need new steering head bearings?:

Is this you?:

- "Basically, I am getting a nasty death-wobble at speed on my bike. How can I tell if the steering head bearings are bad? Head shake?"

Here's how to check your steering head bearings:

a) Place the bike on the centerstand, and have a helper sit on the rear of the seat to put the front wheel in the air.

b) Crouch in front of the bike and grab both front forks toward the bottom.

c) Try to "wiggle" the forks fore and aft; there should be no play.

d) With the wheel still elevated, slowly turn the handlebars lock-to-lock. You should feel no binding, looseness, or "bumpity-bumping" in the bars while turning; it should be free and smooth.

e) From a completely centered position, give the handlebars a gentle push to one side. It should fall to full lock smoothly, without binding. Return the bars to straight (centered) and repeat this test in the other direction. If there is a "detent" or looseness at the center, you probably need new bearings

f) If your steering (forks) "lock" in the centered position, and take a good amount of pressure to get them off of the centered position, then your steering head bearings are either over-torqued, or, more likely, worn out.

NOTE: the factory service interval for the re-packing of the steering head bearings with grease is every 10,000 miles (all XJ550, XJ650, XJ750, and XJ1100 models) and every 16,000 miles on the XJ700 and XJ900RK models. The bearings should be inspected every 2,500 - 4,000 miles for looseness, and adjusted as necessary.

NOTE: all 1992-98 XJ600 Seca II, XJ700, XJ750-X, XJ750RL, XJ900, XJ1100, and all XS1100 models used tapered roller bearings originally; all other XJ models used ball bearings from the factory.

NOTE2: always use a high-quality, waterproof grease when installing any style of steering neck bearings!


Ball Bearings and Associated Parts:

Although we do offer a full selection of original components to rebuild your stock ball-bearing style steering neck system, we highly recommend that you upgrade to the tapered roller bearing style bearing system with one of our Roller Bearings and Seals Kits listed further below.

The only items that interchange when upgrading from the ball bearings system to tapered bearings are the MAIN CROWN BOLT or NUT, the adjuster RING NUT(S), and the UPPER RACE COVER.

HCP4533 OEM upper steering crown MAIN BOLT, large flanged bolt that secures the upper steering crown bracket to the bearing shaft stem from the lower steering bracket. Fits all XJ550 models, all XJ650 models, 1983 XJ750 Maxim and Midnight Maxim models, XJ1100, and all XS1100 Special models. NOTE: currently supplied with a bright finish, original bolt could have been bright or black, depending on model.
$ 5.95

HCP4535 OEM upper steering crown MAIN BOLT, large flanged bolt that secures the upper steering crown bracket to the bearing shaft stem from the lower steering bracket. Fits all 1984-85 FJ600 and 1982 XJ750 Maxim models.
$ discontinued

HCP12951 Aftermarket upper steering crown CHROME-PLATED MAIN BOLT, this is the large bolt that secures the upper steering crown bracket to the bearing shaft stem from the lower steering bracket. Fits all XJ550, 1984-85 FJ600, XJ650, 1982-83 XJ750 Maxim and Midnight Maxim, and XJ1100 models. This two-piece design replacement bolt and separate washer are chrome plated and mirror-polished, and replace the original style flanged bolt correctly. NOTE: this bolt has no provision for the central screw used on the FJ600 and 1982 XJ750 models.
$ 19.95

HCP4534 OEM upper steering crown main bolt SCREW, flathead screw that goes through the center head of the HCP4535 main bolt above. Fits all 1984-85 FJ600 and 1982 XJ750 Maxim models.
$ 1.25


HCP4514 OEM upper steering crown MAIN NUT, large bolt that secures the upper steering crown bracket to the bearing shaft stem from the lower steering bracket. Fits all XJ700, XJ750-X, and XJ900N models.
$ 12.95

HCP4515 OEM upper steering crown MAIN NUT, large bolt that secures the upper steering crown bracket to the bearing shaft stem from the lower steering bracket. Fits all XJ900RK, RL, FN, and F models.
$ 11.95



HCP4532 OEM upper steering crown CINCH BOLT, rear, where the steering stem passes through the crown bracket. Use 1 per bike on all XJ650 Maxim and Midnight Maxim models, 1983 XJ750 Maxim and Midnight Maxim models, and all XJ1100 models.
$ 4.95

HCP4531 OEM upper steering crown CINCH BOLT, rear, where the steering stem passes through the crown bracket. Use 1 per bike on all XJ650 Turbo models, 1982 XJ750 Maxim, and all XJ750 Seca models.
$ 2.25


HCP4491 OEM steering neck adjuster RING NUT, the castellated nut used to adjust the tightness of the bearings. XJ550 and FJ600 models used one ring nut, while all other models used two. Fits all XJ550, 1984-85 FJ600, 1992-98 XJ600 Seca II, XJ650, XJ700, XJ750, XJ900, XJ1100, and all XS1100 models. These nuts require the use of a special ring-nut tool to tighten and remove, and those tools are listed further below. Each:
$ 12.95

HCP16438 Aftermarket steering neck adjuster RING NUT, the castellated nut used to adjust the tightness of the bearings. XJ550 and FJ600 models used one ring nut, while all other models used two. Fits all XJ550, 1984-85 FJ600, 1992-98 XJ600 Seca II, XJ650, XJ700, XJ750, XJ900, XJ1100, and all XS1100 models. These nuts require the use of a special ring-nut tool to tighten and remove, and those tools are listed further below. Each:
$ 9.95


HCP4496 OEM upper ball bearing RACE COVER, goes directly above the upper bearing set. Use 1 per bike, for all XJ550, 1984-85 FJ600, XJ650, and XJ750 models.
$ 4.95

HCP4495 OEM upper ball bearing TOP RACE. Use 1 per bike, for all XJ550 and 1984-85 FJ600 models.
$ 37.95

HCP4487 OEM upper ball bearing BOTTOM RACE. Use 1 per bike, for all XJ550 and FJ600 models.
$ 21.95


HCP4494 OEM upper ball bearing TOP RACE. Use 1 per bike, for all XJ650 and XJ750 models.
$ 25.95

HCP4486 OEM upper ball bearing BOTTOM RACE. Use 1 per bike, for all XJ650 and XJ750 models.
$ 25.95


HCP508 OEM steel BALL BEARING, use 19 per upper and lower bearing set, 38 total per bike. For all XJ550, 1984-85 FJ600, XJ650, and XJ750 models. Each ball bearing:
$ 1.25

HCP508SET19 OEM steel BALL BEARINGS, set of 19:
$ 18.95

HCP508SET38 OEM steel BALL BEARINGS, set of 38:
$ 37.95


HCP1639 Aftermarket steel BALL BEARING, use 19 per upper and lower bearing set, 38 total per bike. For all XJ550, 1984-85 FJ600, XJ650, and XJ750 models. Each ball bearing:
$ 0.95

HCP1639SET19 Aftermarket steel BALL BEARINGS, set of 19:
$ 12.95

HCP1639SET38 Aftermarket steel BALL BEARINGS, set of 38:
$ 21.95



HCP4493 OEM lower ball bearing TOP RACE. Use 1 per bike, for all XJ550 and 1984-85 FJ600 models.
$ 48.95

HCP4485 OEM lower ball bearing BOTTOM RACE. Use 1 per bike, for all XJ550 and 1984-85 FJ600 models.
$ 17.95


HCP4492 OEM lower ball bearing TOP RACE. Use 1 per bike, for all XJ650 and XJ750 models.
$ 25.95

HCP4484 OEM lower ball bearing BOTTOM RACE. Use 1 per bike, for all XJ650 and XJ750 models.
$ 28.95


HCP4483 OEM lower bearing DUST SEAL, goes at the very bottom of the shaft. Use 1 per bike, for all XJ550, 1984-85 FJ600, XJ650, and XJ750 models.
$ 4.95

HCP20695 Aftermarket upper or lower bearing DUST SEAL, goes at the very bottom of the shaft. Use 1 per bike, for all XJ550, 1984-85 FJ600, XJ650, and XJ750 models.
$ 3.95



Tapered Roller Bearings and Associated Parts:

Both original roller bearings (1992-98 XJ600 Seca II, XJ700, XJ750-X, 1984 XJ750RL Seca, all XJ900RK, RL, N/FN, and F models, XJ1100, and all XS1100 models) and kits to upgrade all other models to this improved style tapered bearings are offered. The aftermarket kits that we offer use only the highest quality, precision ground and assembled high-speed bearings available, and include both upper and lower dust seals.

Tapered bearings offer a vast improvement in performance and durability as compared to stock ball bearings. Additionally, you can increase the ring nut torque value to a slightly higher (25-30 foot-pounds) as opposed to original, thus even further reducing slop and play in your steering. ALWAYS MAKE SURE THAT YOU CHECK FOR BINDING AT ALL POSITIONS, INCLUDING FULL LOCK POSITIONS, WHEN CONVERTING FROM BALL BEARINGS TO TAPERED BEARINGS!

Here is a great video that shows the installation process for these tapered bearing sets:

https://www.xjbikes.com/forums/threads/xj750j-refurb.120254/page-2#post-609965

or, directly on you tube at:




By the way, the rubber seals are installed with their “flat” side against the bearing:

www.xjbikes.com/forums/threads/triple-tree-dust-seal-which-way.117179/#post-586281



HCP1911 Aftermarket tapered roller bearings STEERING HEAD BEARINGS AND SEALS KIT, for all XJ550, 1984-85 FJ600, and 1986-90 YX600 Radian models. Contains upper and lower tapered roller bearings, matching races, and an upper and lower dust seal. Note that, originally, no upper dust seals were used on these models, and we feel it is a worthy upgrade to install these seals! NOTE: on some models, the upper bearing race may protrude out of the steering neck tube by 3mm, but this will not affect the operation or performance of the bearings or the steering performance of the bike. By the way, the proper orientation of the dust seal is for the "cup" side of the seal to sit over the bearing face. Also fits all of the following models: 1977-83 XS400 & Maxim, 1983 XV500 Virago, and 1987-99 XV535 Virago models.
$ 52.95

HCP1912 Aftermarket tapered roller bearings STEERING HEAD BEARINGS AND SEALS KIT, for all XJ650 models and all 1981-83 XJ750 Seca, all XJ750 Euro, and all 1981-84 XJ750 Maxim/Midnight Maxim models. Contains upper and lower tapered roller bearings, matching races, and an upper and lower dust seal. Note that, originally, no upper dust seals were used on these models, and we feel it is a worthy upgrade to install these seals! NOTE: on some models, the upper bearing race may protrude out of the steering neck tube by 1-2mm, but this will not affect the operation or performance of the bearings or the steering performance of the bike. By the way, the proper orientation of the dust seal is for the "cup" side of the seal to sit over the bearing face. Also fits all of the following models: 1986-88 FZ600, 1986 SRX600, 1982-83 XZ550 82-83, 1981-83 XV750 Virago, 1981-83 XV920 Virago, 1981 XV920RH Virago, and 1982 XV920RJ Virago models.
$ 57.95

HCP1913 Aftermarket tapered roller bearings STEERING HEAD BEARINGS AND SEALS KIT, fits all 1992-98 XJ600 Seca II, XJ700, XJ750-X, 1984 XJ750RL Seca, all XJ900RK, RL, N/FN, and F models, XJ1100, and all XS1100 models. Contains upper and lower tapered roller bearings, matching races, and an upper and lower dust seal. Note that, originally, no upper dust seals were used on these models, and we feel it is a worthy upgrade to install these seals! By the way, the proper orientation of the dust seal is for the "cup" side of the seal to sit over the bearing face.
$ 49.95



HCP4488 OEM steering neck upper bearing TANG WASHER, use 1 per bike, for all 1992-98 XJ600 Seca II, XJ700, XJ750-X, 1984 XJ750RL Seca, and all XJ900RK, RL, N/FN, and F models. This is the uppermost washer used on the steering head shaft assembly.
$ 6.95

HCP4491 OEM steering neck adjuster RING NUT, the castellated nut used to adjust the tightness of the bearings. XJ550 and FJ600 models used one ring nut, while all other models used two. Fits all XJ550, 1984-85 FJ600, 1992-98 XJ600 Seca II, XJ650, XJ700, XJ750, XJ900, XJ1100, and all XS1100 models. These nuts require the use of a special ring-nut tool to tighten and remove, and those tools are listed further below. Each:
$ 12.95

HCP16438 Aftermarket steering neck adjuster RING NUT, the castellated nut used to adjust the tightness of the bearings. XJ550 and FJ600 models used one ring nut, while all other models used two. Fits all XJ550, 1984-85 FJ600, 1992-98 XJ600 Seca II, XJ650, XJ700, XJ750, XJ900, XJ1100, and all XS1100 models. These nuts require the use of a special ring-nut tool to tighten and remove, and those tools are listed further below. Each:
$ 9.95


HCP4482 OEM steering neck upper bearing FLAT WASHER, use 1 per bike, for all 1992-98 XJ600 Seca II, XJ700, XJ750-X, 1984 XJ750RL Seca, and all XJ900RK, RL, N/FN, and F models.
$ 4.95

HCP4497 OEM upper roller bearing RACE COVER, goes directly above the upper bearing. Use 1 per bike, for all XJ700, XJ750-X, 1984 XJ750RL Seca, and all XJ900RK, RL, N/FN, and F models, XJ1100, and all XS1100 models.
$ 2.95


HCP509 OEM upper tapered roller STEERING HEAD BEARING, fits all XJ600 Seca II, XJ700, XJ750-X, 1984 XJ750RL Seca, and all XJ900RK, RL, N/FN, and F models, XJ1100, and all XS1100 models.
$ 34.95

HCP4490 OEM lower tapered roller STEERING HEAD BEARING, fits all XJ600 Seca II, XJ700, XJ750-X, 1984 XJ750RL Seca, and all XJ900RK, RL, N/FN, and F models, XJ1100, and all XS1100 models.
$ 34.95



BEARING TOOLS:

NOTE: SOME OF THE FOLLOWING TOOLS ARE AVAILABLE FOR RENTAL!!: some tools are a one-time or infrequent use tool, so it may be more economical for you to rent them from us, rather than to purchase outright. Please see the “rental” section within the THE TOOLBOX section of our catalog at:

http://xjbikes.com/forums/index.php?threads/xj-parts-catalog-section-p-the-toolbox.44630

and review the availability and procedures in the TOOL RENTAL section.


A cheap and simple method for bearing removal and installation involves heating the bearing (so the ID of the race grows fractionally) while also cooling the shaft (so its OD shrinks). The combination of these two methods can make bearing work amazingly easier:

heating:



shrinking:



These tricks work well for steering head bearing replacement, wheel bearing replacement, tranny gears, etc.



Steering Bearings Tools:

HCP1692 Aftermarket steering head tube BEARING RACE REMOVAL TOOL. This very high quality, split flared-shaft bearing race removal device grasps the edges of the bearing races at four positions and pops them out with ease. Makes a sometimes very frustrating task simple.
$ 49.95


HCP7863 Aftermarket steering stem ring nut and shock absorber ADJUSTER TOOL, heavy-duty chrome plated spanner "wrench" is the correct size to work with all XJ-series bike steering stem ring nuts, as well as fitting the adjuster tab on rear shock absorbers (for those models that have non-air adjustable rear shocks). Very high quality, versatile tool to have in your box.
$ 34.95

HCP28446 Aftermarket steering stem ring nut and shock absorber ADJUSTER SOCKET, heavy-duty aluminum seep-well spanner socket (1/2” drive) makes tightening and proper torqueing of the upper ring nut a breeze (since this is a socket, rather than a "flat wrench", you can attach it to your torque wrench). Works with all XJ-series bike steering stem ring nuts, and probably many other makes/models as well. This is similar to the Motion Pro # 08-0570 spanner nut socket, but it is deep enough to be used on XJ models (since the steering stem protrudes a much greater distance than what the MP tool is designed to be used with). Very high quality, versatile tool to have in your box. This tool is available for rental.
$ 69.95

HCP8041 Aftermarket steering stem Ring Nut ADJUSTER WRENCH, special tanged wrench properly grabs the castellations in the ring nuts and holds firm, preventing the rounding-off of the ring nut when trying to loosen or install them using incorrect tools (such as channel lock pliers). Adjusts to a wide range of sizes to fit most bikes. A professional grade tool.
$ 89.95




Super-Penetrant Fluids and Lubricants:

Sometimes, the toughest part of working on a vehicle is battling the effects of time: seized fasteners, caused by rust, corrosion, and other factors, turns what should be a 5-minute effort into a 50-minute (or more) chore, complete with rounded-off, ruined, or snapped fasteners, e-z outs, heli-coil inserts, and more.........and that's just not right.

While the proper use of our various Anti-Seize products will prevent these nightmares from occurring in the future, you're stuck in the here-and-now, and the best way to handle these obstacles is to have the proper tools at the stand-by; and in the case of fastener seizure, the proper "tool" is a can or two of our SUPER PENETRATING LUBRICANTS at the ready; a couple of squirts, a little bit of time-----perhaps some heat for those really nasty situations----and you're on your way again, hopefully not too much worse for the experience.....

Great for use on all fasteners, fork tube cap bolts, intake and exhaust manifolds bolts, studs, and nuts, lock cylinder tumblers, or anywhere an un-cooperative fastener can be found. Can even be used to help un-seize frozen engines!

Be aware that these products are not your typical, garden-variety, run-of-the-mill "retail" type products; these are designed an used as industrial- and military-strength products, meaning they have special formulations that include a dollop more of the "good stuff" within them to solve the toughest seizure problems imaginable (the "good stuff" ingredients cost more, and it is those compounds that are left out of or reduced in concentration in "retail" level consumer products).

NOTE: the following product(s) can only be shipped via ground transport (which thus eliminates the postal Priority Mail, postal Express Mail, or private carrier Expedited levels of service for this item) and cannot (and will not----don't even ask!) be shipped outside of the continental USA. Additionally, there may be a per-package weight or quantity restriction, and thus multiple-unit orders of this product may have to be shipped in separate packages and will incur additional shipping charges.

HCP10331 Aftermarket standard-duty PENETRATING LUBRICANT, in a generous 16-ounce aerosol can. Oil-based lubricant penetrates down into spaces of one-millionth of an inch to handle the most reluctant seizures. Actually dissolves the rust and corrosion that causes the seizure; lubricates and displaces moisture to prevent rust re-formation. This product is what we use and recommend for freeing stuck fork tube cap bolts and other such challenging fasteners.
$ 24.95

HCP11974 Aftermarket super-duty PENETRATING LUBRICANT, in a generous 13-ounce aerosol can. Same as our standard-duty formula above, but also includes graphite to not only enhance and speed up the penetrant action, but also gets down into the pores of the metal for the greatest possible lubrication possible. The cat's-meow of penetrating fluids, can even be used to un-seize frozen engines or as an engine assembly lube! This fluid is also a great choice for use as a drive cable lubricant.
$ 26.95

HCP10333 Aftermarket extreme-duty PENETRATING LUBRICANT, in a generous 16-ounce aerosol can. Same as our standard-duty formula above, but also includes liquid silicone to enhance and speed up the penetrant action. This product is also an exceptional choice for use as a control-cable lubricant.
$ 27.95




Assembly Fluids and Lubricants:

HCP8608 Aftermarket gear and bearing synthetic RED MOLY GREASE. High temperature, water resistant, extreme pressure and high-load strength synthetic organic moly grease is far superior to black moly disulfide (petroleum-based) products. Use on steering neck bearings, wheel bearings, starter motor gears, and swingarm bearings. 14 oz. tube.
$ 27.95


NOTE: the following product(s) can only be shipped via ground transport (which thus eliminates the postal Priority Mail, postal Express Mail, or private carrier Expedited levels of service for this item) and cannot (and will not----don't even ask!) be shipped outside of the continental USA. Additionally, there may be a per-package weight or quantity restriction, and thus multiple-unit orders of this product may have to be shipped in separate packages and will incur additional shipping charges.

HCP20860 Aftermarket industrial-strength ASSEMBLY LUBE, in a standard 12-ounce aerosol can. Heavy-duty formula includes graphite to not only enhance and speed up the penetrant action, but also gets down into the pores of the metal for the greatest possible lubrication possible. Won't wash away, protect against rust and corrosion, stable from 0-degrees up to 250-F. This fluid is also a great choice for use as a drive cable lubricant.
$ 21.95

HCP20862 Aftermarket super-duty ASSEMBLY LUBE, in a generous 10-ounce aerosol can. The cat's-meow of lubricants, infused with pure moly disulfide, it goes on wet and then dries in 1-2 hours to a super-slick, high-pressure, hi-temp, bearing-like finish which provides the ultimate level of protection. Prevents rust and corrosion, won't wash off, throw off, and won't attract dust or dirt. Surfaces must be clean and dry of previous oils, etc. before application. Can even be used as an engine, tranny, and drivetrain assembly lube!
$ 24.95

HCP20863 Aftermarket super-duty GRAPHITE LUBE, in a generous 10-ounce aerosol can. The 800-pound gorilla of lubricants, it's infused with pure graphite, goes on wet, and then dries in 10 minutes to a super-slick, high-pressure, bearing-like finish which provides the ultimate level of protection. Prevents rust, won't wash off, throw off, and won't attract dust or dirt. Surfaces must be clean and dry of previous oils, etc. before application. Can be used as an engine assembly lube, bearing or bushing pre-lube, great for lock cylinders, and all metallic sliding surfaces. Use where dusty or dirty conditions render oil-based lubricants ineffective or undesirable.
$ 21.95

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