Let's keep it civil here
If there were a problem with the original ball race bearings, I am fairly certain there would have been at least one class action lawsuit filed by now. And keep in mind that style bearing set up was used in most (if not all) bikes for over 50 years after tapered roller bearings became available. So I'd say it's a proven fact that it works. Nothing lasts forever, even tapered roller bearings wear out. As long as the races are not dented or worn out, the balls are in good shape, and you keep them greased and adjusted, the ball race bearings will last close to forever. I think someone on here has a 650 with over 160k miles on it still running the ball race bearings.
It's one of those "Nice to have" things, not a "Must have" thing
If you want the ultimate tapered bearing setup, then be prepared to spend somewhere between $300-$500 for ABEC class 7 bearings. As for me, I'll settle for "Good enough"
Post edited by: steell, at: 2006/03/11 12:56