Motorcycle Tapered Headrace Bearings - Information and Fitment

Tapered headrace bearings are a durable and performance-focused alternative to traditional ball bearings used in motorcycle steering heads. They are designed to provide smoother steering response, improved load handling, and longer service life – especially under demanding riding conditions.

What Are Tapered Roller Bearings?

Tapered bearings use conical rollers instead of steel balls. This tapered shape allows them to handle both radial loads (side-to-side forces) and axial loads (up-and-down or thrust forces) simultaneously. In contrast, ball bearings primarily handle radial loads and are more prone to wear under high lateral stress.

Advantages Over Ball Bearings

The key advantage of tapered roller bearings is their increased contact area. The angled design distributes load more evenly across the bearing surface, improving overall durability and resistance to wear. This makes them particularly well-suited for motorcycles that experience high-speed riding, heavy braking, or aggressive cornering.

As the taper angle increases, so does the bearing's ability to handle greater axial and lateral forces. This results in a stronger, more stable steering feel with reduced play and better control.

Common Symptoms of Worn Headrace Bearings

• Notchy or stiff steering movement
• Play or looseness in the steering head
• Front-end instability, especially at speed
• Clicking or knocking sounds when turning the handlebars

Upgrading to Tapered Bearings

Many riders choose to upgrade to tapered headrace bearings when servicing their front end. They are a direct-fit replacement for standard ball-type bearings and offer a simple way to enhance steering performance and reliability. Installation typically requires removing the existing bearing races and pressing in the new tapered bearing cups and rollers.

We supply high-quality tapered roller bearing kits for a wide range of motorcycles. Each kit includes upper and lower bearings, races, and seals where applicable. Always refer to your motorcycle’s service manual for correct fitting and torque specifications.

Need Help Finding the Right Bearings?

Use our motorcycle parts search to find the correct tapered headrace bearings for your specific make and model. If you’re unsure or have questions, feel free to contact our support team – we’re happy to help.