Front bearings kit?

[SEABrammo]

Just took the Empulse in to get a few things fixed up and the mechanic noticed the front steering bearings were shot and due for a replacement. I was told to get a part number for an All Balls kit - does anyone know what front bearing kit is applicable for the Empulse, or where to get replacements? I checked out the individual frame parts on PartsPitStop but unsure what to order.

[HadesOmega]

I think you mean the Steering Head Bearings you can order straight from victory at this page right here:
https://store.victorymotorcycles.com/en-us/parts/#/Victory/V16EZBRRBB%2f%2fCB_EMPULSE_TT_(2016)_(R03)/CHASSIS_AND_BODY%2c_HANDLEBARS_AND_TRIPLE_CLAMPS_-_V16EZBRRBB%2f%2fCB_(800146)/122424/130445

I think you need parts 5, 4, and 11.  11 is the seal you may not need a new one if the old one is fine.  It doesn't show it in the diagram but I bet you need two sets of 5, 4, and 11 also.  One for the upper and one for the lower.  I have not replaced mine before as my bike is fairly new but I think that's what you need.  Hopefully someone who has changed them will chime in.  From what I know on my DR650 there is 2 seals, 2 bearings, and 2 races/cones.  Did he show you how they were bad?  Is your steering notchy in on section?  That's how my DR650 steering feels right now.

Here's the part numbers and nomenclature:
#      Part #       Description                              Price
4   3514942   BRNG-CONE,NTNSFO649PX1     $36.99
5   3514943   BRNG-CAGE,NTNSFO649PX1     $36.99
11   3610259   SEAL-30X55                             $4.19

[Ultratoad]

Curious....  Since the Empulse TT hasn't been around that long....  How many miles on that bad boy ?  Steering head bearings on a street bike should last for some serious miles....

[Richard230]

Curious....  Since the Empulse TT hasn't been around that long....  How many miles on that bad boy ?  Steering head bearings on a street bike should last for some serious miles....

I have owned two BMW motorcycles, a 1997 Funduro and a 2009 F650GS twin, that both notched their steering bearings in about 10K miles. Both bearing sets were made in a former Soviet Eastern European country. When the bearings of the 1997 bike was replaced by BMW under their warranty, the paperwork indicated that the dealer's price for the entire bearing set kit was only $6. That told me something about low-bidder quality. 

[Ultratoad]

That surprises me on a BMW....  I've had a couple....  Both exceptional build quality (older models)....  It's been a while....  Maybe I shouldn't be surprised !!!!

[HadesOmega]

I recently installed a rear sprocket hub bearing for a 2009 BMW F650GS Twin and the bearing I got from BMW was a SKF.

[Richard230]

I recently installed a rear sprocket hub bearing for a 2009 BMW F650GS Twin and the bearing I got from BMW was a SKF.

That is good to know, since I own one and may need new wheel bearings some day.   

I might add that my daughter rides a 1981 R65LS which has all of its original bearings, which have never been serviced or greased. The bike spent much of its time in rainy Seattle before moving to the SF Bay Area and rarely gets washed or cleaned.  It now has over 80,000 miles on the clock and I keep wondering how long those bearings can last.    But they are still hanging in there.   

She also has the original took kit under the seat that contains just about every tool you need to fully maintain the bike. Although the fabric tool roll is looking pretty sad, the tools still look almost new, with not a touch of rust on them.  BMW really were using some quality components in those days. They didn't worry much about cutting costs. They just wanted their motorcycles to last as long as their owners. 

[HadesOmega]

Yeah I think the key to long lasting bearing is to keep them from getting contaminated with water or dirt.  The seal does a good job but if you are washing your bike never directly shoot water at the bearings or else it washes out the bearing.  That's what I hear anyway...  That's probably why your daughters bike is still rollin haha.

But it's good practice if you have a lot of miles on the bike to just change them even if they are good and open them and make sure there is a good amount of grease in them.  That's the worst when you are far from home and your bearing craps out.  I've had it happen to someone I was riding with in Baja.  O_o'

[Shinysideup]

I had to replace my steering head bearings on the Empulse at about 30K miles. Lots of hits with the fun of driving across San Francisco's 3-world potholes on a daily basis.

I had it in a non-Brammo shop for an emergency tire repair, and the shop to care of it from parts they had on hand.