Headstock bearings .. variations ?

[Dukedesmo]

I changed mine when I first built the bike. It already had tapered bearings (I had to cut the bottom race off) but they may not have been the originals?

I'm fairly certain I didn't fit the (supplied) lower seal for the reasons mentioned and that there wasn't one in there already, there is a large ally washer sits under the lower bearing though.

Can't remember the brand or supplier but AFAIK they are all the same at least for the '99 models?

[slob]

Originally Posted by davkyt

I've been asked if my 96 750 is a "M100a" or a "M400a"

I've never heard of this.... How would I know and what is the difference?

on the headstock, VIN/Chassis # starts ZDMMx00A...

[utopia]

If its of any interest, it seems that mine's a M100A.
Yr2000 carby M750 with hoop rear suspension.

[slob]

My 2003 1000SIEs without hoops are M400A

[utopia]

Aha ... we have the glimmer of a link then.

I'm guessing that your top yoke nut is the type with holes in for a peg spanner ?
Mine's a normal hex.
Maybe that's an identifying feature between the two ?

Don't suppose you have any old bearings hanging around, to measure up ?

[Flip]

Originally Posted by utopia

Mine has a hoop-type frame.
Tbh I was discounting there being any differences at the headstock between it and the later, tie-rod type of frame but now I'm not so sure.
And yes, the All Balls listings for either your 900 and specifically my 2000 750 .. part no 1062 .. look to be the ones I need.
..and 1039 for the later, tie-rod frames perhaps ? .. which are possibly the same as the ones I listed originally, possibly oversize, and probably wrong for my frame.

So I guess that answers my original question well enough, ie the bearings listed for the later 750 will not necessarily fit my frame .. which is enough warning to avoid them.

At first I was put off by the "All Balls" name, tbh.
It sounded a bit "mickey mouse" to me.
But reading their blurb, I think I might have been judging them unfairly.
The seals look the same though, so I'm not sure whether to anticipate issues there.
I assume you had no such issues then, Flip ?

I had no problems at all removing the old or fitting the new bearings and cups along with the supplied seals.

To be honest I was expecting some after nineteen years and after a few people saying they had to cut the lower race off the stem etc. but no such issues- I carefully tapped around them with a stainless steel 'scraper/knife' my Dad made years ago to put in my tool box knowing it'd come in handy.

Tools for the job:


Perfect fit:

[Flip]

After a little more research tonight I found this which may be of interest to those about to embark on steering bearing replacement.

The parts numbers are for 'All Balls' but at the bottom of each fitment list there are the bearing dimensions should you wish to cross reference to another make/supplier.

22-1062:

FITMENT: Ducati , 900SS , 1999 ||| Ducati , 900SS , 2000 ||| Ducati , 900SS , 2001 ||| Ducati , MH900e , 2002 ||| Ducati , Monster 600 , 2001 ||| Ducati , Monster 600 Dark , 2001 ||| Ducati , Monster 600 Metallic , 2001 ||| Ducati , Monster 750 , 2000 ||| Ducati , Monster 750 , 2001 ||| Ducati , Monster 750 Dark , 2000 ||| Ducati , Monster 750 Dark , 2001 ||| Ducati , Monster 750 Metallic , 2000 ||| Ducati , Monster 750 Metallic , 2001 ||| Ducati , Monster 900 , 1997 ||| Ducati , Monster 900 , 1998 ||| Ducati , Monster 900 , 1999 ||| Ducati , Monster 900 City , 1999 ||| Ducati , Monster 900 Cromo , 1998 ||| Ducati , Monster 900 Cromo , 1999 ||| Ducati , Monster 900 Dark , 1998 ||| Ducati , Monster 900 Dark , 1999 ||| Ducati , Monster 900 Dark City , 1999 ||| Ducati , Monster 900s , 1998 ||| Ducati , Monster 900s , 1999

BEARING DIMENSIONS: Inside Diameter: 26mm Outside Diameter: 52mm Width: 15mm
Both Upper and Lower Bearings are the same.


22-1039:

FITMENT: Ducati 1000 Monster 03-05 ||| 1000 Monster S2R 06-08 ||| 1100 Monster 09-13 ||| 1100S MONSTER 09-10 ||| 620 Monster 02-06 ||| 695 Monster 07-08 ||| 696 Monster 08-14 ||| 750 Monster 02 ||| 800 Monster 03-04 ||| 900 Monster 02 ||| 916 Monster S4 01-03 ||| 996 Monster S4R 04-08 ||| M 1000 S 03-05, MONSTER 1200 14, MONSTER 1200 S 14, MONSTER 796 11-14 ||| S2R Monster 05-07

BEARING DIMENISIONS: Inside Diameter: 35mm Outside Diameter: 55mm Width: 11mm
Both Upper and Lower Bearings are the same.

[utopia]

Nice one, Flip.
Bigger bearings in the later frames then.
I'm glad I asked now.
Otherwise I probably would have bought the wrong ones.

Interesting that you had no trouble with the seals.
Since yours is the same frame as mine, that bodes well.
I think that Capo's frame would be the later type, so maybe the issue with the seals causing stiffness is particular to that frame.
Dukedesmo left his seals out and his is an early frame, but I'm not sure whether that was in anticipation of water retention or because of the above.

[PPuxley]

Coming back to this thread in my search for new headstock bearings.
I have used Pyramid Parts for fork seals and bearings on past projects. They supply mostly NTN or Koyo bearings, so quality makes. And if you know your sizes and search under that rather than by make and model you often find the pricing more advantageous.
Just try searching BR49 on the Pyramid site and you get widely varying pricing for the same part depending on the model of bike its noted against.
So for my M900 95 I need their BR49 kit (26×52×15) at about £29 delivered, which seems a very competitive price......which my suspicious nature makes me question whether I've got it right!!!!!
Anyone?

[Mr Gazza]

I fitted Pyramid BR49 to my M900Sie last Winter from PKN they were only 23 quid then, but I see they have gone up!
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/292170718594

I probably won't use those again, but I'm not un-recommending them as such.
I found, as others in this thread have found, that the seals seemed to be too tight, I didn't fit them as I was worried about the drag. I used plenty of Moly grease instead. The little sachet of grease that comes with them is way inadequate.

Of more concern was that the lower stem inner race was not an interference fit on the stem, While there was no play as such, it could be revolved and removed easily by hand. A bit of locktite nipped it on instantly, but that's not the way it should be.

In use they are excellent and have transformed the handling and feel of the bike, so no regrets. I'll probably change them again long before their service life expires, you can't beat nice fresh bearings and tyres..

[PPuxley]

Originally Posted by Mr Gazza

I fitted Pyramid BR49 to my M900Sie last Winter from PKN they were only 23 quid then, but I see they have gone up!
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/292170718594

I probably won't use those again, but I'm not un-recommending them as such.
I found, as others in this thread have found, that the seals seemed to be too tight, I didn't fit them as I was worried about the drag. I used plenty of Moly grease instead. The little sachet of grease that comes with them is way inadequate.

Of more concern was that the lower stem inner race was not an interference fit on the stem, While there was no play as such, it could be revolved and removed easily by hand. A bit of locktite nipped it on instantly, but that's not the way it should be.

In use they are excellent and have transformed the handling and feel of the bike, so no regrets. I'll probably change them again long before their service life expires, you can't beat nice fresh bearings and tyres..

Thats good news! They say they are NTN, which is a very reputable make......were they?

[Mr Gazza]

Sorry, I don't recall the make. There's nothing on the box or seals either.
Interested to hear how yours fit the stem.

[Darkness]

Originally Posted by slob

My 2003 1000SIEs without hoops are M400A

93s are ZDM900….

[Luddite]

Originally Posted by Mr Gazza

I found, as others in this thread have found, that the seals seemed to be too tight, I didn't fit them as I was worried about the drag.

Interesting you should mention the drag, Mr G. Brad the Bike Boy detailed his solution to this problem in one of his videos a couple of months back (from 1:50).

[PPuxley]

Originally Posted by Luddite

Interesting you should mention the drag, Mr G. Brad the Bike Boy detailed his solution to this problem in one of his videos a couple of months back (from 1:50).

Thats going to be useful, Thanks