Steering head bearings

[WJBertrand]

Thank you. That certainly makes sense but is also disturbing, since that is the bearing with the smaller rollers, so more pressure/load on a smaller surface. I guess next time I will be getting OEM bearings (unless these last longer regardless).


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I didn't notice any difference in the size of the rollers, top vs. bottom, in the OEM bearings that I used. I stuck with the OEMs because they have the integral seal whereas most aftermarket bearings use a separate seal. I've had difficulty getting the separate seals to seat well on other bikes. There seemed to be a small gap between the lip of the seal and the steering head tube. I can't say if that's an issue for the Super Tenere or not. Also someone over on the Honda ST 1100/1300 forum said the All Balls bearings they received for that bike were Chinese. I don't know if that's always the case, just a temporary supply substitution or maybe just for the Honda ST, but it convinced me to stay with OEM.

 

[bnschroder]

One more question here: the Service Manual clearly says to lube the steering head bearings with Lithium Soap grease which I believe is the same as the White Lithium Grease I got to lube my shift shaft.
But it seems nobody on this forum is using Lithium Grease and there are all sorts of other personal preference.
Is there a reason not to use lithium grease?
I also have Lucas Red & Tacky but that seems to be for height temperature applications like wheel bearings, not low temp pivot points like a steering bearing.


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[RCinNC]

I tend to stick with whatever type lubricant is noted in the service manual. I probably have four different kinds of grease on the shelf just for this bike.