Steering head taper bearing

[Murf]

Hi
Just started to put taper bearing in my US 75  K1 steering head this evening.
The bearing kit is a pyramid parts BR29 as recommended by Ted and listed as the one for my bike on their site, however the top bearing sits proud of the bearing housing when fully seated.
The photo is of the bearing fully seated in the housing, which just seems strange to me.
I have checked and the bearing is fully seated so want to check this is correct before I fit the bottom bearing.

[Bryanj]

Some makes do sitlike that, you need to check there are enough threads on the stem when assembled

[neat street]

That was the same for my 500, head on and works fine.

[Laverda Dave]

That appears to be the same as I had with the Pyramid kit in my 400/4. I only managed to get something like one and a half turns on the steering stem nut, potentially dangerous in my opinion so I took them out and sent them back and fitted a ball race kit. Pyramid asked me to send photos to enable them to modify the kit, I dont know if they ever did because I never heard from them again.

[Sesman]

I had the same issue on my 1977 F2. I fitted standard ball races in the end.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

The BR29 kit that I fitted to my 500 K1 had following bearing sizes, Top 26x48.5x15, bottom 30x50x14.

To ensure you do not have a shortage of threads at the top you need to fit the right size bottom spacer, the one in your kit might be too thick.  I did not use the top seal supplied in the kit.


Before fitting the bottom bearing to the steering stem just pop the inner bearing in place. The bearing will probably be flush at the bottom, mine was just slightly recessed, the seal made it just level.
I then fitted the smallest spacer I had under the bottom race if that makes sense.

PS I have a bearing removal tool that enables me to remove the bottom race without damage, a small spacer is needed to give my puller purchase.

[florence]

I put in standard new race and balls when I rebuilt my bike in 1995.  Still in good order.  I have never gone round a corner and wished I had put in tapered bearings. Standard bearing very easy to fit and adjust.

Sorry, just my personal opinion and not in any way dismissing the idea.

[Murf]

I had a look at it yesterday and a measure up and decided to go for the original Honda setup of balls and cones. I gave the ones that came with the bike a quick clean up and they look ok so going to get some new balls, for the bearings that is, and reuse them. I just think this will be the simplest way to go.
Thanks for all your replies which helped with my decision.