Ceramic transmission bearings
 

I wanted to inform the members of the availability of some ceramic bearings for the transmission of the VTR. AS I plan the forthcoming rebuild of my VTR, I am looking at possibilities for rediucing friction (hence my decision to go with DLC coated tappets, piston pins and valve stems). My search led me to look at the possibility fo getting ceramic bearings for the transmission (a practice used by many in the big iron, like Busas, ZX-14s,...) I contacted Dave at Worldwide Bearings (a renowned specialist in this very field, with a keen knowledge of motorcycle applications). The result of my search has been the availability of two ceramic hybrid bearings for my VTR. The part numbers and coast are the following:

91004-MAT-000 BEARING (28X62X16), Worldwide bearings p/n CB-DG286216 ($125.00)

Clutch 91009-MAS-003 BEARING (16003) $45.00

While not cheap, they are more durable and much freer rolling than steel bearings (I have similar bearings in my wheels and they are incredible).

YOurs to use as you see fit.....

P.S. MIne are now ordered :)

Do you need to split the cases to install the clutch bearing?
I'll email you friday about the parts...

I would imagine so, but I am looking at having the engine totally rebuilt with all wear items (including the bearings) replaced. As per Roger Ditchfield, I will also be replacing the valve springs, shift forks, clutch basket and cam chains. I want it to be good as new (better, actually) and ready to run reliably for thousands and thousands of miles. Together with a crank balancing to smooth out vibration (thereby reducing stress on all parts, including the bearings), it should be a relatively cool running (from reduced drag and friction) and razor sharp responsive (to say nothing of wickedly torquey and powerful)....

micky, What about a slipper clutch. Yoyodyne makes one for the CBR929-954 and RC51, not sure about Morawaki?

OCMD emphasis on the OC ;)

I hope I never get the bug as badly has you got it.

well, some waste their money on beer (total waste IMO), others on cigarettes,.... Others pay waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more (than my bike will ever receive) for chromed-up turds known as Harleys..... My "utterly disposable" income goes on the VTR. To each his own....

No one builds a slipper for the VTR to my knowledge...

If you dont mind me asking, what wheels do you have? Are they stock? What are the part #'s and cost for the ceramic wheel bearings? Thanks

The wheels are cast magnesium PVMs (originally made for a CBR900RR, athough they are interchangeable with VTR wheels). As for the bearings, the front wheel uses two 6004 bearings, the rear three 6204 bearings (same as stock wheels except that he stock wheels utilise a 63/22 bearing in the sprocket carrier instead of a 6204).

FWIW, I bought the wheel bearings through eBay froma place in California (VXB Bearings) for a decent price. Hope that helps.

P.S. I have two leftover 6204s (still in package) that I can let you have for a decent price. If interested send me a PM.

has anyone ever tried an rc51 clutch on a superhawk?
looking at the service manuals and measurements leads me to think it may work.

Thanks for the info. I'd like to do the ceramic bearings in the wheels, but I have been debating getting 6 spoke wheels first. Would the bearings you have work in the 6 spokers that some of the people have on their bikes? I have to do a search to find out what those 6 spokers are from, although you might already know.

I have wondered the same thing (re: RC51 clutch). I do know, however, that they use a different no. of clutch plates if that has any bearing on it (no pun intended)...

yes, the bearings would work. AS for the wheels, there is a lot of info on the site about this very issue, but most opt for CBR900RR rear wheels and CBR600F3 in the front. Both are perfect fits (no other part swaps or customizing req'd)