Steering bearings...

DB Cooper · May 02, 2011, 08:35:05 PM

Hey folks,
I'm doing up the steering bearings on my 88 (89 for those in the US). I'd like to get a bearing set from Randy at RPM, but I live in Ottawa, Canada and the postage costs more than the whole set is worth. So I want to source them from a local bearing shop. I know the size for the top bearing, but not the bottom. I was wondering if anyone could help me out with the size or number for the bottom bearing?
Thanks
Kevin

rktmanfj · May 02, 2011, 09:05:04 PM

http://www.bikebandit.com/1989-yamaha-fj1200-steering-stems-bearings/c/a714244?mg=2217&t=1

racerrad8 · May 02, 2011, 10:52:28 PM

Quote from: DB Cooper on May 02, 2011, 08:35:05 PM
...the postage costs more than the whole set is worth.

Kevin, Did you choose the first class postage for your shipping? Usually that is very affordable.

Let me know, Randy
randy@rpmracingca.com

DB Cooper · May 03, 2011, 07:16:15 AM

Hi Randy.
I did a quick check, and it looks like $11.35 to ship a small package from you to me. Then I get to cough up another $5.00 fee to Canada Post for them to handle the package, plus another duty fee ( $2 or 3 dollars ) on the bearings, then I get to pay 13% tax on ALL of the above! I can get SKF bearings here for about $28.00 each (but no seal). Other than that I would definitely get them from you.
Hi rktmanfj.
As far as the bottom bearing sizing, I need the physical dimensions in mm, or the bearing number. The top is a Koyo 32005J, I.D 25 mm X O.D 47 mm X 15 mm.
Thanks
Kevin

jvb_ca · May 03, 2011, 01:06:38 PM

Kevin.
I just recently received my steering head bearings from Randy and they arrived by Canada post. There were no other charges when I picked them up at the local postal outlet.
All I paid was what Randy charged.(taking into account the exchange rate)
I don't even bother pricing stuff from the local Yamaha dealers here as its usually the same money or even cheaper from Randy. Besides Randy knows what he's talking about, rather than the young kids at the dealer who don't even know what an FJ is.

Cheers..Jake

jvb_ca · May 03, 2011, 01:13:33 PM

The part numbers/ bearing numbers listed in this post.

http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=2758.msg22212#msg22212

Cheers..Jake

racerrad8 · May 03, 2011, 02:26:27 PM

Quote from: DB Cooper on May 03, 2011, 07:16:15 AM
...then I get to pay 13% tax on ALL of the above!
Kevin

I also adjust the invoice accordingly to help with the VAT on all parts send internationally,

Randy

wakdady · May 03, 2011, 03:14:41 PM

whatever you do. be sure to get the bearing properly pressed in on the triple. i tried walking it in with a brass piece and a hammer, DONT do this. i totally fucked it up and will have to take it all apart and redo.

DB Cooper · May 03, 2011, 05:57:59 PM

Well, as it turns out, after taking apart my triple tree last night, the bearings are in real good shape. There wasn't any play in them to begin with, but I'm having a hard time tracking down a clunk I get when hitting bumps. I just finished putting in emulators, bushings and seals hoping it would solve my problem (which it didn't). So then I thought it might be the steering bearings. So for now, I've greased and re-adjusted them, but I have my doubts that this will solve my problem as everything looked good. I will finish bolting everything up tonight and try it out if ever it STOPS raining.

Hi Jake.
I guess I'm unlucky - I just ordered a set of Racetech emulators from One Stop Moto in California. The valves were on special for 139.95, the shipping was 31.00, then Canada Post nailed me for another 22.50!

Hi Randy.
I will probably still order a set of bearings from you anyways as mine are original. But, I think I will wait and save on the shipping as there are a few other things you have that I might want. I am wondering about the urethane motor mounts you've mentioned in a previous post. If they work out, will they fit the 89? Also, the oil cooler looks really interesting too. I will get back to you after I try out my latest attempt at solving this really annoying clunk.

Kevin

jvb_ca · May 03, 2011, 06:34:38 PM

Hey Kevin. I just redid my steering head bearings because they where 25 years old and was not sure when they were done. I am trying to eliminate a vibration in the front end which I think is tires. I too have the clunk that I thought might go away with new head bearings, but not so. After the first test ride it is still there. Others have reported the same symptoms. I am starting to think it might have something to do with the damper rod system hydro locking. I have 1.0 racetech springs, cartridge emulators and 15wt fork oil, new bushings, new head bearings. I am gonna start playing with oil wts and levels next to see if that does anything to eliminate the clunk. All in all though it handles quite well.

Quote from: DB Cooper on May 03, 2011, 05:57:59 PM
I guess I'm unlucky - I just ordered a set of Racetech emulators from One Stop Moto in California. The valves were on special for 139.95, the shipping was 31.00, then Canada Post nailed me for another 22.50!

I have had to pay the Canada Post fee as well from other retailers along with the taxes, but never had to pay any extra when receiving parts from Randy.
He looks after us...

Cheers...Jake

DB Cooper · May 03, 2011, 06:51:37 PM

No question that handling is much improved! I don't have any vibration, just the clunk. It only seems to occur at city speeds, on fairly sharp bumps like the lip at the edge of a driveway, or a really rough road. It rarely ever happens at highway speeds. I still have the progressive springs, but I used 15wt like you. Let me know if you make any headway. I am going to play around with a couple of different settings as well.
Kevin.

Marsh White · May 03, 2011, 07:16:29 PM

Quote from: DB Cooper on May 03, 2011, 06:51:37 PM
No question that handling is much improved! I don't have any vibration, just the clunk. It only seems to occur at city speeds, on fairly sharp bumps like the lip at the edge of a driveway, or a really rough road. It rarely ever happens at highway speeds. I still have the progressive springs, but I used 15wt like you. Let me know if you make any headway. I am going to play around with a couple of different settings as well.
Kevin.

This has happened before - and after chasing all sorts of things in the front end - it turned out to be the centerstand. You might need a new spring - something to checkout anyway.

RichBaker · May 03, 2011, 07:35:57 PM

Quote from: DB Cooper on May 03, 2011, 05:57:59 PM
Well, as it turns out, after taking apart my triple tree last night, the bearings are in real good shape. There wasn't any play in them to begin with, but I'm having a hard time tracking down a clunk I get when hitting bumps. I just finished putting in emulators, bushings and seals hoping it would solve my problem (which it didn't). So then I thought it might be the steering bearings. So for now, I've greased and re-adjusted them, but I have my doubts that this will solve my problem as everything looked good. I will finish bolting everything up tonight and try it out if ever it STOPS raining.

Kevin

I had a clunk in the front end, when hitting bumps..... it went away after the back 1/2 of the front fender fell off......

SlowOldGuy · May 03, 2011, 07:39:29 PM

Could be the springs bowing in the fork tubes during compression.
I occasionally get a clunk when the fork is compressing. Nothing is loose or damaged. Have never been able to locate it.

DavidR.

Dan Filetti · May 03, 2011, 08:02:13 PM

Quote from: DB Cooper on May 03, 2011, 05:57:59 PM
but I'm having a hard time tracking down a clunk I get when hitting bumps.

Are you certain this is not the weak-sprung kick stand bouncing against the chassis?

Would not be the first time someone though this was something else.

Just a thought.

Dan

News:

Steering bearings...

rktmanfj

SlowOldGuy