Steering Head Ball Bearings 1936-1977

Steering head bearings with loose balls are the classic design. Bearing cups, races, and balls are all individually replaceable. Before installation, they should be well greased and regularly re-greased; in this way, a steering head bearing can last for decades. Harley-Davidson used this classic design until 1977 in the Sportster models, although Big Twins were already fitted with tapered roller bearings from 1960 onward. However, ball bearings are in no way inferior, provided they are properly maintained and correctly adjusted for play.