Replacement Steering Head Bearings

[Gnarbunkle99]

At my 36K service I got an advisory for imminent steering head bearings replacement. Seems short of kilometers to be having to replace them but the Brake tech ductile iron disks and Brembo gear give me superlative braking. I noted that the '08 has a strengthened steering head to off-set the radial mounted front brakes.
Looks like it was a good move for the '08.
I'm sure the older models have replaced their's a couple of times. I remember reading a thread on this several years ago.
Are the standard head bearings rollers or balls? Are rollers available as a replacement?
I'll do this job myself so are their any little surprises likely to manifest themselves after I get the whole front end taken down
After market bearings, any suggestions from the original ('99) gurus?

I've been noticing her handling with a bit of a hinge in her lately.


Thanks guys.



Max

My experience with head bearings on other bikes is that OEM is a cheap ball bearing, aftermarket part shops or bearing suppliers will be able to get a superior taper roller bearing that wont brinell the races on the first heavy wheelie landing. It can end up being a nightmare trying to get that lower inner race off the yoke so be warned if you havn't got the tools or experience then have a garage nearby, or a stuck lower race may just ruin your day.