Kawasaki ZX-10R Forum banner

ZX10R Steering Head Bearing Update ?

7.2K views 9 replies 8 participants last post by  Vonstallin  
#1 ·
Hey guys I hope this isn't a repost, but have you heard of the bearing in the steering head of our ten's being crapy or defected?

I was surfing Ebay for 636 and 10 parts and ran across this... Have anyone updated to a stronger head bearing? notice anything?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ZX-10-ZX-636-Steering-Head-Bearing-Update-Kit-03-04_W0QQitemZ4611208665QQcategoryZ35592QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting


This Auction is for brand new steering head bearing update kit. This is a strong roller bearing that updates the low quality bearings that come factory. Eliminate head shake and gain stability. Please see all pictures. Bid with confidence and get a great deal!


Image
 
#2 ·
I've seen this item for sale many times over the past couple months. I've never heard of the stock bearing being an issue but maybe that's part of the reason that the '04/'05 models have been notorious for head shake. I'm not very impressed with the seller by the way. It's a dealer who had a new '05 10R for sale that I bid on a couple months ago. My experience with the 2 sales guys I spoke with over the phone was very, very poor. I ended up not buying the bike because I found them to be total assholes to deal with. After that experience, everything that they list for sale (as well as the item description) is suspect as far as I'm concerned.
 
#3 ·
i didn't know it was a problem other then checking on the tightness every once in a while, and i thought the whole reason for the steering damper was to eliminate all of the issues, isn't that why all the liter bikes come standard with it?
 
#4 ·
Anyone know what type of steering head bearings are stock on the 10R's. If they are roller bearings already why upgrade. If they are the ball bearing type of bearings then upgrade when you need to. Either will work. The roller bearings are better though.

Oh, if anyone is getting head shake because of their steering head bearings the bike really needs to be serviced. Roller bearings will not keep you from getting
head shake on acceleration or after coming down from a wheelie.
 
#5 ·
I bought my 10r from them.Can not say anything bad about the seller.
Talked to the owner and was impressed.The guy next door where i parked
my trailer was a ass. Paid $8548 for a new 05.
The 10r needs maintenance on the steering head bearings.Just lift the front
wheel off the ground and CHECK.
 
#8 ·
Dont know anything about it or the ebay thing but when I ordered my ohlins forks the guys told me to get upgraded bearings...so I did...
 
#9 ·
Some like the ball bearings for less contact area from balls to race (claim less resistance.)
Others like taper bearings and claim they are more durable(long surface area of roller bearing.)

Been argued for years and each is said to have it's advantages.

I don't really think it's a case of cheaping out- just an engineering decision made from habit or their personal beliefs.

My 94 900 rr has captured ball bearings and they have lasted this long just fine.

Mostly this guy wants to sell stuff. It isn't really a lie or true to say upgrade. Depends on what you like or think you like (placebo.)

Adjusted properly, either works great.
 
#10 ·
cool,
just wondering. I dont have a problem with my baby, but I might be taking the front end down so I just figured Id make the mod if i do.