I am in Samarkand and the steering bearing on my 2007 F650GS is starting to go sour. It gets that little spot dead center where it sticks a bit. I had the same problem in South America in 2009 and rode for 4000 km with no problems. But I do not want to repeat as I have far to go.


I need a source for the bearings in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan or Kyrgyzstan. They are a BMW part, but also have a generic auto part bearing number. There is no motorcycle culture here in Samarkand. So I doubt I could find a shop and repairs. But I have been wrong a lot.


This is the BMW part number and part of the discussion from the BMW Chain Gang group.I found the common auto part number for the bearing on the Chain Gang website for F650s.

"•Steering head bearings (two) 31 42 1 240 571 (320/28X 28x52x16) Note: This number may have been changed to 07 11 9 985 070
•Spacer (protective cap, two) 31 42 1 234 509
•High temperature bearing grease

Note 1: Most auto parts stores sell the appropriate bearings (ask for two BR32 bearings). If you are careful, you can re-use the "spacer" (metal cap that covers the bearings). However, driving the bearings out with a machinist punch may perforate these caps. Lastly, bearing replacement can be done without the special BMW socket, though the socket no doubt makes it easier. Scott ID, #1244"

Note 2: See the Parts and Fiches FAQ for alternative part numbers

This is the link to the page http://faq.f650.com/GSFAQs/GSSteeringHeadBearingReplacementFAQ.htm



Any suggestions and help is appreciated. I will ride to Osh tomorrow and be there on the 13th.


Fritz

Just a heads up- as far as the F650 headstock bearing replacement is concerned-
Almost everytime, the large black locking nut/adjusting ring gets jammed onto the bearing and cannot be separated - I tried to, almost to destruction, on a hydraulic press-
If you place an order for the parts I would suggest to you that you include that one too to save a lot of tears later...

Bertrand,


I am looking at the BMW prints for the bearing and surrounding parts. You do not happen to have the BMW part number do you?


I will also check on the Chain Gang FAQ.


Fritz

When are you supposed to leave Kyrgyzstan?
I will fly to Bishkek from Italy on july 26th...but I think it's too late for you...

Otherwise you can try to cantact Patrik from Muztoo in Osh, or Ali in Bishkek...

I live in Sokuluk, just outside of Bishkek. If you want someone to do this work for you Ali would probably be the best on this side of the mountains. If you want to do the work yourself, I have a garage and tools. If you want I can try and find the bearings you need. Just let me know how I can help.
Mac

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Go to this LINK Fritz- I do not have your bike model/year etc but this website will show you what you need.

I am back in Bishkek on the 27th if you need me to bring any parts out from the UK?

Wesley - I hope my message gets to you in time. I sent a private email. The short version is I am in Osh and will be in Bishkek on the 27th. I no longer need the bearings, but the air filter must be replaced. I built one for the short term.
Fritz

I replied to your post (maybe to late) after i logged in with a address to buy and send the stuff to and i would take it out however i take it that it was to late as no air filters arrived

Fritz has new bearings ordered from us in Germany, changed from our russian magician Kolia! Should be on his way.......
CHeers.

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