SOHC.co.uk Forums > CB500/550

Steering head bearings

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Bryanj:
The expensive dss set is the original honda races with loose balls

Laverda Dave:
I fitted the Pyramid set to the 400/4 and they didn't fit. The top race sat so proud of the headstock I could only get two turns on the castellated nut which to my way of thinking is positively dangerous if you were to hit a large pot hole or suchlike.
I wrote to Pyramid to advise them they were selling a potentially dangerous kit. After asking me to send some photos which I duly did. They withdrew the kit from sale. I did ask them to advise me of the outcome but I never heard from them again.
I'm pretty sure this is the same kit as used on the 500/550’s, these may have more depth in the headstock to allow the taper bearing to sit lower but best to check. Personally if it was me I would call Pyramid and ask them if there any reported problems with this kit.
Quite honestly I don't know what advantage a taper kit actually gives over a ball race set up. There's an argument the taper provides more bearing area but does that really matter and can it actually be felt considering the very limited amount you turn the handlebar during anything other than walking pace in somewhere like a car park or in the garage? Most steering input is achieved through lean angle and counter steering even though you may think you aren't actually doing it. If I have the option now I fit ball race replacements, like for like and no issues.

Johnny4428:
The last 550 I did, I fitted balls and races that’s what fits best in my opinion. I agree Dave!

Sesman:
Ditto on the pyramid kit for my 77 550 Super Sport. I also tried a taper set supplied by DSS, but they were the same. DSS kindly supplied an original ball and race set, which fitted just fine.

McCabe-Thiele (Ted):
I know a member who fitted a Pyramid kit to his 400 without issue.
Old Chuffer in Wales?

I believe there are caged ball kits available as replacements, no counting & fiddling needed on the 400.

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