Steering head bearings

[KerryBlue]

Urgently need to replace the steering head bearings on my 2008 Breva 1100.

I'm sure this has been done by lots of people here. [I've done a search but can find no specific info on bearing type etc.]
Did you replace them with Guzzi supplied bearings or did you use something more modern?
Any recomendations for aftermarket replacements?
Bearing type and size/number would be great!

Thanks in advance.

Tom.

 

[Penis Rotor]

OK, FWIW this is something that intrigued me a bit as I was astonished to find out that the Griso's have reverted to shitty ball-race axial load bearings for the steering head. I found this so unlikely and so barmy that I actually ordered one from the importer. Despite the fact that the steering head bearings are LISTED as a pair, (Something I'll be whining about as I only got one :mrgreen: ) this showed that they ARE a simple axial ball race. Cretinous!

Anyway, since I have ONE and it didn't come in a Guzzi/Aprilia bag I'll be scurrying off to the bearing factor with it tomorrow. with a bit of luck I'll be able to give you IBS numbers tomorrow night. I'll also be seeing if there is a tapered roller alternative available!!!!

Pete

 

[Bill Hagan]

Are these same across the spectrum of the CARC line?

DNK recommended check or R&R intervals, and I've not noticed any binding or other issues, and suspect MPH checked when replacing the front forks c.18K ago. Still, would not want those to go south and not have the right thing on hand.

Also onder if the wheel bearings are similarly third-tier stuff, those are, as I recall, pretty generic, non-Guzzi items.

Thanks for your indefatigable diligence, Pete. [Lordy, I love saying that word ... no, not "Pete." :laugh: ]

Bill

 

[john zibell]

Are these same across the spectrum of the CARC line?

DNK recommended check or R&R intervals, and I've not noticed any binding or other issues, and suspect MPH checked when replacing the front forks c.18K ago. Still, would not want those to go south and not have the right thing on hand.

Also onder if the wheel bearings are similarly third-tier stuff, those are, as I recall, pretty generic, non-Guzzi items.

Thanks for your indefatigable diligence, Pete. [Lordy, I love saying that word ... no, not "Pete." :laugh: ]

Bill

Bill,

Download the parts manuals and compare the part numbers. Same number, same bearing, different number different bearing.

 

[Bill Hagan]

Are these same across the spectrum of the CARC line?

DNK recommended check or R&R intervals, and I've not noticed any binding or other issues, and suspect MPH checked when replacing the front forks c.18K ago. Still, would not want those to go south and not have the right thing on hand.

Also onder if the wheel bearings are similarly third-tier stuff, those are, as I recall, pretty generic, non-Guzzi items.

Thanks for your indefatigable diligence, Pete. [Lordy, I love saying that word ... no, not "Pete." :laugh: ]

Bill

Bill,

Download the parts manuals and compare the part numbers. Same number, same bearing, different number different bearing.

What a party-pooper you are, John. Besides, numbers-schumbers. Close is good enough in my trade, and bearings are just little round things. Bravo Foxtrot Delta.

 

[Penis Rotor]

Looking at the parts list the Brevas and Grisos, (And presumably the Norges etc.) all use the same bearings which have a Guzzi/Aprilia part# AP8110077. I'll be seeing if I can match 'em up this morning at the bearing factor.

Wheel bearings are #6005's from memory, (But it *is* 3.15 in the morning here so let me check when I wake up tomorrow! )

Pete

 

[Penis Rotor]

Just to get back to this. The axial ball bearings used by Guzzi are NTN# SF07A22PX1

I'm currently investigating tapered roller alternatives. Dimensionally NTN 32907XU and NSK HR32907J seem to be compatible BUT I am waiting for confirmation of number of rollers and load rating to see if they are suitable for the application.

Pete

 

[KerryBlue]

Thanks Pete for all your help.

Using your information and measurements from the old bearings, our local bearing supplier has come up with a tapered roller bearing which fits perfectly. [ bearing no. 32907 JR3].

Mind you, I can't really take any credit for any of this. Waterford Honda, a small local outfit who are doing this work for me [ I'm ok with oil changes and similar stuff - I prefer to leave trickier stuff to people who know what the're doing, ] are the ones who found the bearing. If you read this guys, I appreciate the effort you put in.

They also sent me the images below. I imagine there are a lot of Guzzis out there in similar condition.

Haven't tested the bike yet, but I'll let you know how I get on.

Thanks again Pete.

Tom.