Tapered Roller Steering (Headset) Bearings for Honda CB450 / CL450 / CB500T
The original ball style steering (headset) bearings on your Honda CB450 / CL450 / CB500T likely have not been serviced since leaving the factory. With time, they can become rusty, pitted, or caked with dirt, leading to difficult steering. Our steering bearing conversion kit, which replaces the old ball style headset bearings with high-performance tapered roller bearings, will significantly improve the smoothness and predictability of your bike's steering. The kit includes upper and lower bearings and races, dust shields, and spacers. For those on a budget, we also offer a caged ball steering bearing set. Enhance your ride further with our polyurethane Space Capsule handlebar dampers and rear shocks.
Remove the original ball races from the frame and triple tree stem before installing the new tapered roller set. Use a long punch and stout hammer for this task. Pack the bearings with grease before installation. The kit includes a shim spacer washer for the lower bearing and seal; use the thinner of the two spacers for Honda applications. The smaller diameter washer is typically not used. Post-installation, the bearings may need readjustment (usually a gentle tightening) after the first ride as they settle, which may cause the steering to feel looser initially.
