Tapered roller bearings are far superior to ball bearings in some applications and I think the steering stem of a motorcycle is one of those applications. For years I have removed the ball bearings typically fitted by most OEMs (they are far cheaper than roller bearings) and replaced them with tapered roller bearings. It is not a case where the new tapered bearings will improve handling (at least I have not noticed an improvement, assuming the ball bearings are in ‘like new’ condition) but that they will prevent handling from deteriorating. The issue with a ball bearing is they can ‘flat spot’ or ‘detent’; wheelies are especially hard on ball bearings and given the Super Hawk’s propensity to lift the front wheel this can be a problem. If you know the physical differences between a ball and a roller bearing you will intuitively understand why the roller bearing is so much more durable. I have roller bearings for my Super Hawk but have not installed them yet. I purchased them from a local bearing house but they are readily available in kit form from many aftermarket sources.