You may want to verify a picture on the Koyo steering bearings. I read that the OEM is the one with the seal built in and regular Koyo does not have it.
Thanks for the IKP information. I had not noticed that before.
I think I'll fall back on All Balls bearings kit… OEM parts are way too expensive for this.
I read that All Balls kit come with Koyo bearings. Is it true ? For example with a cranckshaft kit :
These crank bearings from All Balls appear to be made by the same manufacturer that supplies Yamaha because KOYO-Japan and right down to the numbers on the bearing are the same as what came out of the bike. The best part is they are alot less expensive and they come with the crank seals, so if the seals are quality then this is a great deal.
I use all balls with no issue that I can attribute to the quality of the bearings. It is more about keeping grease in and water out.
That being said, you will have a hard time finding a lower shock bearing that will last under hard use in Kawi's linkage. It is very small compared to the others and gets a lot of load. However, the bearings are not crushed or deformed, they rust and the bearing grinds itself apart over time. The seals are not keeping the water out. Neither the OEM or aftermarket seals are doing their job.
My kids race KX 65's and 85's with the same linkage as the KDX, and the lower shock bearing is by far the worst. Most only get light rust if any. The trick is to keep the bikes out of deep water holes. The kids love to splash and spin the mud, but I pay the price in bearings.
We also have a CRF150, and the bearings have lasted last longer on it. I attribute that to a different seal arrangement that works better.
This is my rifle, this is my gun, the YZ to go fast, the KDX is for fun!
I have All Balls everything in the hybrid bike, which I ABUSE, but maintain. I'm on my second year. I use electric pressure washer after every ride to clean. I ride mud, sand, rocks, in water, whatever with that bike. I recently pulled my bike down for yearly service interval, all bearings were great except head bearing set. The head bearings were Koyo. All balls simply re-sells Koyo bearings. Keep in mind that sometimes All Balls or another aftermarket parts source, will source exact same thing as the OEM kawi with slightly different specs in metal quality, seal thickness, blah blah blah and sell at cheaper price. Hell, I ordered two head stem kits for same bike at same time, both All Balls. In one package had Koyo, in other package was NSK. Both are good bearings, just goes to show that the consistency is pretty much nil. This applies to the automotive world as well.