XS400 steering stem bearings

[01ps]

I am wondering if there are part numbers or metric sizes of the steering stem bearings and races on my 1982 XS400? I am hoping I can just buy the bearings off the shelf at a bearing place or parts store rather than going through a dealer. Not one of the parts I ordered for my bike from the local dealers has been correct yet, and they don't seem to know or care about old bikes.

Let me know, thanks

[HoughMade]

Can't help you on the races, but I believe the bearings to be 1/4"....so not metric. I actually hand ground the races with a Dremel and it worked well.

[armyofda12mnkeys]

Can't help you on the races, but I believe the bearings to be 1/4"....so not metric. I actually hand ground the races with a Dremel and it worked well.

The non-stock tapered bearings i heard are better,

not sure what model you have:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Yamaha-XS400-Maxim-steering-stem-bearings-77-83-/260591546399?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3cac77701f

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Yamaha-XS400-1980-1982-Steering-Stem-Bearings-Kit-/360235691821?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item53dfb86f2d

if you want the stock part, probably listed here:

http://www.boats.net/parts/search/Yamaha/Motorcycle/1982/parts.html

Pick yer exact model, and probably go into STEERING parts section to find stock part #, probably in 1-9 area

I kinda asked about this months ago:

[HoughMade]

I have the stock loose bearings and once the races were right and properly greased, the feel and smoothness is fine. However, servicing those loose bearings is a real pain. The taper bearing, once the races are installed would be immensely easier to service. Also, I guess that there could be a little more resistance dialed in without damaging the bearings. For me, the cost of a Saturday morning spent with a magnet and sticky grease was much lower than replacing with taper bearings. If I ever have to replace the races, though, I will go with taper bearings.

[Runningdog]

I just replaced my old balls (does that sound right?) with tapered bearings....bought them from the local Yamaha dealer, they supplied an aftermarket kit with top and bottom sets and both seals through a supplier called "All Balls. They slipped right in properly (with the right gentle tapping with a small drift), and the whole job took less than an hour...was finished by coffee time this Tuesday AM. Take your time thinking the install through before you put the new ones in, and it will go smoothly.....cheers