Bearings

Keep on Rolling with XLMOTO Motorcycle Bearings

Regardless of location, each one of your motorcycle's bearings plays an essential role in the machine's forward motion. Almost every component that rotates, turns or pivots needs motorcycle bearings to ensure they move freely. XLMOTO's impressive range of motorcycle bearings will keep your bike's components moving in the right direction.

Most motorcycles have at least three different types of bearings. You will find these in various places around the bike. First, ball bearings have steel balls in a circular formation within an inner and outer collar. Meanwhile, needle or roller bearings have cylindrical rollers also in a circular formation. The next type of bearing is a tapered roller bearing. The primary use for this type is on the swing arm and steering heads.

Types of motorcycle bearings

Wheel bearings

Motorcycle rear wheel bearings and front wheel bearings are in the centre of each hub. These bearings allow the wheels to rotate around the fixed wheel spindle. All wheel bearings share the same components. However, high-speed wheel bearings are available for super sports motorcycles whose wheels turn a lot faster. High-speed wheel bearings are machined to higher tolerances to cope with faster rotational speeds.

Steering head bearings

Depending on the load requirements, steering head bearings are either a ball or roller type. Steering head bearings consist of an upper and lower set. They sit at the top and bottom of the steering head and stay in place via triple clamps. The lower clamp has a spindle that passes through the steering head and the motorcycle steering stem nut holds this in position. Compared to stock components, aftermarket steering head bearings offer an upgrade in longevity. They also can take greater load settings.

Crankshaft bearings

The crankshaft is the powerhouse of any engine and lies at the heart of the machine. The crank's rotating mass and the configuration of its conrods can dictate how the engine develops power and how it feels. For instance, a light crank means a faster revving engine. Meanwhile, positioning the conrods on the crank can make a vertical twin sound like a V-twin. To keep the crankshaft running true takes an exceptional heavy-duty bearing. For single and twin-cylinder engines, these crankshaft bearings are also called big-end or main bearings. They fit at each end of the crankshaft. The number of bearings can increase with the number of conrods.

Shock absorber bearings

For most bikes featuring a mono-shock system, the motorcycle bearings are located at either end of the shock absorber. Bearings at each end give the shock a full range of movement as the suspension compresses and expands.

Swing arm bearings

Whether a motorcycle has one or two shock absorbers, the point where the swing arm joins the frame needs to pivot freely. To do this, requires bearings. Swing arm bearings can be ball, needle roller or tapered roller-type bearings. The type depends on the motorcycle brand and model. All swing arms use at least two bearings at either side of the swing arm pivot.

Why replace your motorcycle bearings?

Although engines vary depending on cubic capacity and their number of cylinders, the average motorcycle has 20-30 bearings. These essential components are responsible for keeping the engine moving, the wheels turning and the suspension pivoting. Unfortunately, like all moving parts, they wear after time. Worn bearings result in deteriorating handling or excessive engine vibration. Always check your motorcycle bearings for play and keep them lubricated where applicable.

All motorcycle bearings are brand and model specific. So, use XLMOTOs drop-down menu to ensure you get the correct replacement bearings for your bike.