1981 XJ650: Steerer bearings (Loose or cartridge)?

SO, my motorcycle steering is 'binding'. it's still ridable but it won't be safety certified.

Question is, is the model have loose or cartridge bearings? Do i most likely have to press in new races as well?

 

Stock bearings are loose balls. If they are binding, it's not even ridable, you could end up with a speed wobble/tank slapper. And the races will surely be grooved.

The best option is to replace the bearings with a roller set, and that will require removing the old races. Chacal (Len) has the parts you need and tools, and you'll get them quick.

 

The OEM bearings are loose balls in cups.
Replacement is typically done with tapered roller bearings.
The job can be done with a good long punch to get the existing ones out.

What do you mean by binding? Worn bearings develop an indent in the cups when the handlebars are pointed straight ahead..

 

replace the headstock bearings if you have ball bearings now go to the roller bearings.

tools needed hammer
drift punch
freezer and oven
the lower bearing is heated to expand it , the races are chilled to shrink them and the upper baring just drops into place.

where do you live that it will not pass safety inspection.
my inspector comes out with sticker in hand slaps it on as he passes the fork tubes does his light inspection horn and i'm gone $40 poorer

 

Go with Tapered bearings from Xj4ever......

 

ha ,you got photostopped

 

why can I see the pics then

 

Because your computer is loading them from the browser's cache.

 

Will imgur in the future