200es steering stem bearing concern

[ccdhowell]

I started today putting my 84 200es back together. Of course the ball bearing steering stem bearings were toast when I took it apart. I ordered a set of Moose replacement bearings. They are more traditional taper bearings with race. I installed the lower race all the way to the stop-ledge in the neck as usual. When I went to hammer in the upper race, it went in with finger presure, just a bit snug, no hammer required. Okay, so now I'm worried, don't like that, but decided to put it together that way and see. When I put the steering stem up in the neck and tightened it down, the neck was tightened down on the fork cross-piece. The forks would barely turn. I took it apart to have a look-see. Thge lower bearing wasn't touching the race. So I took it apart and knocked the lower race out flush with the bottom of the neck. I put it back together and it all lined up and went together, but I'm still concerned.

I have 2 concerns that maybe someone who's used these before can help with.

1. The upper race is just snug. Looks to me like it will turn in the neck. Should I tack-weld it in place to keep it from turning?

2. The lower race isn't seated on it's bump stop in the steering neck. Looks to me the race will slowly get moved in to it's bump stop when I ride it and it will again jam the crossbar on the forks to the steering neck on the frame.


I thought this bearing conversion was the way to go, but I don't like the way it went together. Anyone have any experience with these?

Thanks, Chris

[ccdhowell]

I know this isn't a sexy topic, but somebody must have done this before.

[200SXRIDER]

I would like an update on the stem bearing issue please> I am considering buying the same bearings.

Thanks
David

[RedArrow10]

I had the same problem with my 83 Big Red. I purchased sealed bearings from ebay (about $20). Search 84 Honda 200 steering bearings and you should find a whole host of them to choose from on ebay. The bearings went in easy (the races have to be removed).

[200SXRIDER]

ok thanks RedArrow, I appreciate the quick reply.
tks
David