Front wheel bearing - ceramic?

[samw5]

Just wondering if anyone ever experience with ceramic wheel bearings. I know that it's been done, just not sure about the real benefits if any (besides a bigger hole in my pocket).

The standard front wheel bearings are 6005DU (NSK was the brand on mine, I'm assuming that I could pick any other manufacturer here and it wouldn't matter... NSK bearing are made in China BTW).
Size is 47mm OD, 25mm ID, 12mm width.

[TheFrog]

Being in the aerospace industry, I've built a few engines and drivetrains with ceramic bearings, for race cars as well. They are stronger and lighter and have a much reduced coefficient of friction. IMO, it's not useful on road or track bikes unless you're paid to win races. But then again, I feel the sae way about carbon fibre panels.

[samw5]

Originally Posted by TheFrog

Being in the aerospace industry, I've built a few engines and drivetrains with ceramic bearings, for race cars as well. They are stronger and lighter and have a much reduced coefficient of friction. IMO, it's not useful on road or track bikes unless you're paid to win races. But then again, I feel the sae way about carbon fibre panels.

What about durability? Are they able to carry more load? I'm assuming since the COF is reduced they would last longer than SS kinds. But ya I suppose price doesn't really tally up...
3X more for ceramic.

[TheFrog]

I've only used them in motors, not in wheels.

In a turbine, they last very long but don't suffer hits like they would in a wheel.

I'm just guessing but i'd say that a a good ceramic bearing should outlast a steel equivalent at about 4:1

[point45]

Originally Posted by samw5

What about durability? Are they able to carry more load? I'm assuming since the COF is reduced they would last longer than SS kinds. But ya I suppose price doesn't really tally up...
3X more for ceramic.

Ceramic bearings will carry more load without deformation, and last longer due to the increased hardness (x5-20 longer) and lower coefficent of friction. These are the main advantages for use in a wheel bearing.

Performance wise for the street, not worth it.

[Sagaris]

Originally Posted by samw5

Just wondering if anyone ever experience with ceramic wheel bearings. I know that it's been done, just not sure about the real benefits if any (besides a bigger hole in my pocket).

The standard front wheel bearings are 6005DU (NSK was the brand on mine, I'm assuming that I could pick any other manufacturer here and it wouldn't matter... NSK bearing are made in China BTW).
Size is 47mm OD, 25mm ID, 12mm width.

NSK bearings are also manufactured in Great Britain, I have a friend who worked in the high precision department at the Newark on Trent plant, just a mile or so up the road from where I live. He has mentioned several times over the years that Ducati was buying bearings from the Newark plant.