1997 Front Wheel bearings

[texasbill]

I bought a 1997 Valkyrie and I am not having any issues at all...it is a dream. I have learned that the bearings for the front tire are smaller than bearings for the models that were made after 1997.  Is this something that I should look into converting into the bigger bearings?  The bike has 19k miles and I am not having issues, but a few people have cautioned me on the wheels with smaller bearings.  Could someone give me some information regarding this?

[Joe Hummer]

Personally, I would keep a set of bearings on hand and replace them as soon as I thought there was an issue with the ones in there.  You should be fine, they just may wear out faster than the larger bearings.  Can't tell you how soon...that depends on your riding style and the care you give her. 

Joe

[MP]

They are smaller, but never heard that 97's fail at any higher rate than others.  I think they just switched so that the front and the left rear bearings are the same.

MP

[Sasha47VSSS]

The is no reason to replace the 1997 model bearing with new. The lifetime of a bearing is easily calculated so Honda did so. For reasons only Honda know, the side of the bearing has changed but never heard that this was due to deficiency of the smaller bearing on a 1997 model.
Do not change anything that doesn't require it!