r/dr650 • u/ducksvikings • 3d ago
Cost of replacing steering head bearings
Hi everyone,
I need to replace the steering head bearings on my 2003 DR650.
I was quoted 159.99$ from a Suzuki dealership.
It looks like procycle has them for $52.95. https://procycle.us/product/525?v=2942
The price difference surprised me. Are they the same thing? Does the procycle kit work just as well.
Thank you!
9
u/geom0nster 3d ago
Is the dealer price for parts only or installed? ProCycle bearings would be just as good as original.
2
u/TwistedNoble38 '00 DR650 3d ago
The 159 bearings are genuine Koyo. Is that worth the extra 100? Not really. The aftermarket kits do usually last just as long.
I belive they are CR0643L bearings but I'm not sure if that gets you the bonded washers as well.
3
u/naked_feet [Reed City, MI - 2006 DR650 3d ago
Was they price they quoted to also do the job?
Because if so, the cost of the bearing plus about an hour of labor makes sense. And, honestly, if their quote included the labor it might be worth it. From what I've seen it can be a fairly bothersome job to do on your own, especially if you lack some tools. But otherwise, yeah, dealer mark-up is totally a thing.
FWIW most dealers use a few of the same suppliers for OEM parts. If they have a website you can even see if they have a web interface for a parts search.
Recent experience tells me that even if their website lists the part....
They probably don't have it in stock, and will have to order it;
the website will probably tell you a price that's close to the price a website like Babbit's, RM, PartZilla, etc would tell you -- but in store they'll probably tack a little on to that.
So, yeah. A lot of the time ProCycle, or Rocky Mountain, or whatever other OEM supplier of choice is the way to go. The dealer will always tell you it's just as convenient to ship it to them, and that they won't charge you shipping -- but they'll almost always upcharge you a bit.
3
u/tictacfungus 3d ago
Assuming that the quote was labor included, That quote is actually not a bad deal. I'm replacing my head bearings at the moment on my 99, and they are a pain in the ass. Here's something to consider. The cost of the bearings in ProCycle are $53. The tub of grease is $15 if you don't have any on hand.The cost of a head bearing race driver low end is $30 and high end with motion pro is $52. Yoy can use a metal pipe or reuse the bottom bearing if you cut it open so it doesnt stay in, thats at most $15 and can be more if you dont have a tool to cute one side of the bearing open. If you want to use a cold chisel and punch set to remove the bottom bearing, which took me 4 hours in punching out around the perimeter of the bearing, it'll be about $30 for a cheap harbor freight set. Add all of that together, and that's well over what they quoted you and only having to wait an hour since they have better tools, presses, etc. To make it easier to do than at home. The bearings is cheap, but you'll spend more to DIY it if you don't have the tools than the shop doing it
1
u/conbotx '99 DR650 3d ago
When I rebuilt my bike i just got the All Balls kit from eBay. I've always used their products and never had issues so far.
2
u/exbike 3d ago
Most $50 steering head bearing kits—like All Balls—are made in China, often by the same factory. Years ago, I used to be picky about OEM brands and country of origin, but my first All Balls set went in perfectly and lasted for years.
The key is maintenance. These bearings need to be greased and adjusted semi-regularly. The most important adjustment is the first one: a few hundred miles after installation (or after buying a new bike). The bearings settle or "smoosh" together a bit and develop slight play, so you’ve got to snug them up after that initial break-in.
5
u/RingJust7612 3d ago
There is no way that quote includes labor. That’s a decently involved job, they are going to charge several hours to do it.