The replacement HD bearings were made in the Cech Republic. That's eastern Europe.

 

I think what's happening is that H-D is buying from whatever source gives the cheapest price instead of one place. Probably come from multiple places. One thing for sure, they don't use premium bearings like Timken etc.

 

There is something amiss with this....

No way is HD having custom wheel bearings made for their bikes.

 

I think your 07 used the 25mm bearing. They are not the same as a 1" bearing.

 

Harley probably buys these from a major bearing manufacturer that has a factory in Check Republic or China or all over the Fn world, They sell 700,000 plus bikes a year x 4 bearings. That would easily qualify for a custom bearing if they wanted it. I believe there is a quality bearing made that will fit it is just a matter of finding it. I am going to call ALL ***** tomorrow and see what they say. Had a good conversation with one of their engineers last week about their starter clutches.

 

Subscribed, have to change my rear bearing soon, quality matters more than price, of there's a better bearing I'm for it.

 

Finding the correct size bearing is simple, the newer bikes using a 25mm single row bearing is a (6)205. This size will fit just fine, but as some are finding out, there is more to bearings than just the ID, OD, and width. Most run of the mill 205 bearings stocked at a bearing supply, no matter the brand or country of manufacture, will likely be a C3 clearance spec. This spec is common for electric motors and is looser than standard to allow for heat buildup in that application. Not exactly what I am interested in using for the relatively slow turning wheels on a heavy bike.
The issue is finding the HD spec for their wheel bearings and using an appropriate, or better, substitute. I am reasonably sure HD doesn't have a secret bearing formula or facility, so the first person that finds and posts this info gets a gold star.