Replacement Bearings???

[kawdude]

All,
I'm rebuilding the lower end on the KX5 and want to replace all the bearings.  Mains and tranny. Does anyone know of a distributor other than Kaw that could supply me with them?  Most of the bearings are either NTN or Koyo.
Thanks!

[Biggreenmonster]

search the web for those brands websites...make shure to make out all the numbers and suffixes(letters) to get the correct bearing.In many cases there is a upgade bearing that's available if you are interested.

[91kx]

I believe Moose sells a main bearing and seal kit for the big KX.

[kawdude]

Moose does sell the mains but I feel that 50 bucks for the set is too high.  I can go to kaw and spend the same amount for the same bearings.

[GreenMachine]

I don't know where you are located at, but try this out. Look for a bearing supply house. Take your old bearings with you. They will not be able to get the same exact bearing because Kawasaki has a deal with the manufactures not to sell the same Kawasaki bearings to any other distributers. But, there are many different manufactures. They should be able to cross reference the bearing numbers and find a match. I got main bearings and swing arm bearings like this 2 years ago and spent under $70 for every thing. including the seals. yup some places can even get you seals also. For those of you in Phoenix, Az. I get all my bearings from BBC. (Bearing, Belt and chain) They are located on like 24th street and Rooservelt. Hope this helps,

Later,
Jody

[kawdude]

Good information, thank you.

[Rick]

While I agree with the search and purchase method on suspension bearings, I think I would stay with the Kawasaki bearings for the crank and tranny because of the stress of high RPM running.  You are going to want bearings with the same ratings as the stock bearings, so your bearing guy is going to have to be on his game to ensure they are exact matches, and don't just fit in the holes.  Same goes for the crank seals.  The money saved is quickly lost when your motor goes lean when the dry side seal fails.

Because the cost of a failed bearing can be in the thousands (damaged cases/gears/clutch baskets/etc., I would not take the risk just to save a few dollars.

Just my $.02  

Rick

[kawdude]

Thanks Rick, I appreciate your insight.  I guess I'm not looking for generic replacement bearings but the same bearings distributed by someone other than Kaw.  To me,  all the bearings in the case are "standard" koyo bearings and Kaw makes a huge profit marking them up.  Here are the current prices from my local Kaw dealer.  I also have requested a quote from Treasure Coast Honda in Florida.  That place usually is 40-50% cheaper.
KA92045-1305 BEARING-BALL    $6.76  $6.76
KA92045-1134 BEARING-BALL,63/22T2 $16.70  $16.70
KA92045-1027 BEARING,B,6306SH2-9T $28.05  $56.10
KA92045-1233 BEARING-BALL $14.86  $14.86
KA92045-1011 BEARING,BALL,#6305 $15.64  $15.64

[demographic]

if you go down to your local bearing factors you will often find that they can sell you bearings that are a higher spec than the OE ones at a lower price than OE stuff

Just take the old ones in with you so they can see the bearing codes

[doordie]

If you highrew a lot, make sure the bearings have the higher rating as C2 or C3 with a little more clearance than stock.This for the Swedish manufactured SKF-bearings,really good stuff!

[kawdude]

Thanks.  I still trying to find a local distributor.  What's a highrew?

[doordie]

kawdude!
Sorry about highrew (bad word)  Highrevving over 7500-9000 rpm!
A standard bearing is only made for short top-rev up to 8000rpm
in MX- tracks.
Not for iceracing or sanddunesracing with full wideopen throttle  
for long period of time.
The C1-C2-C3 is the rating of the bearings-clearance for SKF-bearing.

[kawdude]

Just so I understand...
C2 and a C3 rated bearing have lower tolerances (more wiggle) for the high rpm?  Or does the rating mean closer tolerances (less wiggle).

Has anyone ever tried ceramic bearings?