Steering head bearings

[dgorms]

What's the general consensus on steering head bearings for an R-5? Mine are shot.

[SoCal250]

For years the common go-to has always been the tapered set from All Balls Racing, however there are complaints that even when properly installed there is a resulting gap because they are slightly thicker.
Economy sells caged bearing sets if you want to stick with balls. I bought some a while back but haven't installed them yet.
And lastly the OEM balls & races are still available but they're super expensive! Each ball is about $6 and there are 38 of them.

[pidjones]

You can go with tapered roller for the lowers, which receive most of the abuse and notchyness. You can stay with balls for the uppers.

[irk_miller]

For years the common go-to has always been the tapered set from All Balls Racing, however there are complaints that even when properly installed there is a resulting gap because they are slightly thicker.
Economy sells caged bearing sets if you want to stick with balls. I bought some a while back but haven't installed them yet.
And lastly the OEM balls & races are still available but they're super expensive! Each ball is about $6 and there are 38 of them.

I get them at McMaster-Carr.  A pack of 100 is just under $6.  HVC sells a pack of 38 for $15.50.