Balls

[Pal]

Changed to headstock bearings on my 2014 Fazer 800 as they had a definite 'detent' in the straight ahead position, and was very surprised to find that they were balls and not taper rollers.

Have changed them to taper rollers with a kit from a bearing place in Aldershot.

I would expect balls on a smaller bike, but not on something this size. I believe the frame is similar to the Fazer thou, do they have balls as well?

I had a FZS600 previously and I'm sure it was taper rollers as standard on that.

[unfazed]

Yes, the 600 and 1000 have ball bearings.⁷

[Trebus]

I’ve never had a bike with tapered bearings from the factory. Most of the problems in my experience are from lack of grease from the factory causing premature wear. One of the first jobs I do on any new (to me) bike is strip / clean / grease the headstock bearings.

[unfazed]

I’ve never had a bike with tapered bearings from the factory. Most of the problems in my experience are from lack of grease from the factory causing premature wear. One of the first jobs I do on any new (to me) bike is strip / clean / grease the headstock bearings.

The XT225 Serow has a taper roller bearing on the bottom of the steering stem and and a Ball bearing type at the top from the factory