Yet more steering questions...

[uclabiker06]

Okay, so I managed to remove the triple clamps for powder coating. I assume the shaft is not supposed to be powder coated along with the bottom triple. So do I remove the shaft along with the bearings from the bottom triple?  Doesn't look like it is supposed to be removed.  Any advice appreciated.   

[A.duc.H.duc.]

Okay, so I managed to remove the triple clamps for powder coating. I assume the shaft is not supposed to be powder coated along with the bottom triple. So do I remove the shaft along with the bearings from the bottom triple?  Doesn't look like it is supposed to be removed.  Any advice appreciated.   

Remove the bearing from the shaft, then mask of the shaft.

Plan on replacing your bearings, as you will most likely trash the current bearing getting it off.

[uclabiker06]

Okay thanks.  I was thinking of replacing the bearings with tapered Speedymoto bearings but I don't know if it will be worth the hassle to replace the outer rings on the steering tube.   I don't really think the tapered bearings will offer noticeable improvement from the OEM ball ones.  Since I don't have a bearing puller I think I am going to give it to my local shop to remove and seat on the new ones properly onto the shaft after powder coated.  That way I can just slide it back in and not mess with replacement of the outer races.  Kind of a wussy route but I just didn't find any real advantages to tapered bearings and I don't want to risk ruining the seats.