Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: Jeremy Mitchell on February 08, 2012, 06:44:00 AM
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I am replacing the wheel bearings on my C14 since I am taking them out to get the wheels powdercoated. I will probably get OEM bearings, but wanted to make sure that All Balls bearings weren't just as good. They are cheaper but if they aren't built as well I will probably just go ahead and pay a little more for the Kwak bearings.
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They are a very popular upgrade often mentioned on the Gold-wing site. Also for steering-head bearings.
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I've used both their wheel bearings and steering head bearings, found both to be good quality products that never gave me a problem after installation!
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Thanks for the info. I found some mixed reviews on the web but for the most part they seem to be a high quality replacement. I ordered everything for $35 shipped. It would have cost well over double to get the Kwak bearings and seals. I will make sure I post up my thoughts after installation and also after a couple months of use.
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And a link to where you order them would be nice. ;D
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And a link to where you order them would be nice. ;D
Sure.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rear-Wheel-Bearings-and-Seal-Kit-Kawasaki-Concours-14-ZG1400-2008-2011-/250924059933?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a6c3d4d1d (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rear-Wheel-Bearings-and-Seal-Kit-Kawasaki-Concours-14-ZG1400-2008-2011-/250924059933?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a6c3d4d1d)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Front-Wheel-Bearings-and-Seals-Kit-Kawasaki-ZG1400-Concours-2008-2011-/250922066961?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a6c1ee411 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Front-Wheel-Bearings-and-Seals-Kit-Kawasaki-ZG1400-Concours-2008-2011-/250922066961?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a6c1ee411)
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I changed my front on 2/6/12. I got they bearings from my dealer, but they did not order my oem. They were parted for KTM... I was little worried.. I questions the dealer serveral times and they were sure it was the right ones.
The old ones did not feel to bad and were a B*&ch to get out. Hammer and Drift. The new ones went in with out issues and the front it night and day.
Very limited experience with this but would think most would be good. It may be one of those things that are made by only few places and sold to company to put their names on.
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Jeremy,
Yes. Just ordered some for my '88.
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Very limited experience with this but would think most would be good. It may be one of those things that are made by only few places and sold to company to put their names on.
That was what I was thinking also, kinda like vehicle batteries here in the US.
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I have used them for wheel bearing kits and rear suspension linkage kits on dirt bikes great quality and a lot less expensive than oem, I agree with Jeremy Mithell they are made by only a few and sold to companies to put their names on.
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I've used them in several dirt bikes without an issue. There have been issues caused by a good friends 4000psi power washer, but nothing the bearing itself could have prevented. I always repack them when I get them, but the same goes for oem bearings too.
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I put them in my VFR at 55,000 when the OEMS wore out. Now have 127,000 on the VFR and the All Balls are still fine. I also have tapered rollers in the steering head but only recent install.
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Have used many a set on all my VFR's without issue. Will no doubtedly use them on the Connie when needed.
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My stock bearings were all in excellent shape (2008 with 42,xxx miles) I am sure they could have made it to at least 70,000+. It is almost a shame to throw them away.
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I have only seen a few sets of All Balls bearings but no, they are not the quality part that you would get from a regular bearing mfg. or OEM. They are working fine in my steering head but that is a very low speed use although wheel bearings are also relatively low speed.
You can save a few dollars and still get the same quality by buying the bearings at a bearing supply house. Bearings are normally standard sizes as are seals and any bearing house will be able to get them even if they do not have them in stock. Unfortunately the Kawasaki part number won't work and you will need the actual bearing measurement. A larger bearing house will match the bearing(s) and seal(s) you bring them though so as long as you can wait a few days that might be a good option.
Brian
I am replacing the wheel bearings on my C14 since I am taking them out to get the wheels powdercoated. I will probably get OEM bearings, but wanted to make sure that All Balls bearings weren't just as good. They are cheaper but if they aren't built as well I will probably just go ahead and pay a little more for the Kwak bearings.
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What country are they made in?
I've used their fork and dust seals on my ZRX with no issues.
Never used their bearings.