Wheel bearings again

[DAVINCI]

James, are these the OEM NTN or KOYO made bearings or are they knock-offs?

[James England]

James, are these the OEM NTN or KOYO made bearings or are they knock-offs?

They're not OEM. I presume by "knock-off" you mean pattern parts (as opposed to the meaning over here, stolen)? I put one in the wheel of my own bike and it's been fine so far. OEM ones are few and far between although I've seen one once or twice on eBay....if your existing bearing packs in, I think there'd be quite a long wait to get an OEM bearing..

[DAVINCI]

Oh, OK, yeah "pattern parts". That would explain the lower cost. Thanks.

[Nubian]

Knock offs over here mean copies of an original.

They're not OEM. I presume by "knock-off" you mean pattern parts (as opposed to the meaning over here, stolen)? I put one in the wheel of my own bike and it's been fine so far. OEM ones are few and far between although I've seen one once or twice on eBay....if your existing bearing packs in, I think there'd be quite a long wait to get an OEM bearing..

[James England]

Oh, OK, yeah "pattern parts". That would explain the lower cost. Thanks.

I thought, you thought they were stolen....

But, since OEM are unobtanium, I presume you mean "price lower than those at which NOS OEM's are usually sold"? Even then, given the scarcity (somewhat alleviated by the efforts of a certain England), I've only ever seen those on eBay. My OEM bearing was loose when I inspected it and I'm relieved to have got any make of replacement for it, to be frank. Anything's better than my bike off the road or the siamese twin roller bearing option!

[DAVINCI]

Ha!, no I didn't think they were stolen BUT I have seen those OEM nos ones go for north of $70. There are a few around, I know Speed and Sport in Bloomsburg, PA has a few at $89

A couple of years ago I was able to do a group buy and bring in 20 of the NTN NA5904's but we couldn't get them for less than 40-something each and had to wait for the slow boat from Japan, took 3 months IIRC. Apparently they do run some now and then, but it's a crap shoot.

[cywelchjr]

Hi Folks

Success. I've managed to get 30 more rear wheel bearings, as I'd hoped for. They will be shipped to me from Japan on Monday and should be here at the end of next week, beginning of following week. That's if UK Customs don't interfere with it.
I'll confirm arrival and then be able to get bearings out to those people who want some.

I'd like to get in line for one this time. I want to make sure I have a spare on hand for future needs.

[James England]

On the way Monday

The bearings are due for despatch to me on Monday, apparently. Air shipping, so I should have them soon. Please, everyone, keep your fingers crossed that UK Customs don't start messing with the package like last time. If there's no import duty, they'll be cheaper. I've extended a collective thank-you to Hakubun Hirokawa-San of Tsudanuma! Arigato gozaimash1ta

[James England]

Further update

Hi Folks.

A quick update. The box of bearings (33 of them, I think) were collected yesterday and are now in transit to me. It's DHL Worldwide so, hopefully, they will be here late this week or early next week.I have the list of people who've PM'd me (or posted in this thread) and will start at the beginning (in sent order) until they run out. Fair? That's assuming they get here OK, of course.

If anyone wants one saving, please PM me if you haven't already done so....

[Do Lee]

I would like to get 2 bearings. I need on to replace the worn out one on my MNS I'm restoring.
The 2nd one for my everyday rider.

[James England]

I would like to get 2 bearings. I need on to replace the worn out one on my MNS I'm restoring.
The 2nd one for my everyday rider.

OK, got that. I checked tracking this morning and they are on the way to me. They might be here by the end of this week, depending on customs behaviour. Got you on the list and I'll PM you when they get here