ATHENA MNB120170148 Needle Bearing

( Brand: Athena ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: MNB120170148 ), ( Part Type: Bearing )

Review ATHENA Needle Bearing Yamaha fits YZ80 1984–1992

The **Athena MNB120170148 Needle Bearing** is a precision-engineered, high-performance component meticulously designed to replace the stock needle bearing in Yamaha YZ80 dirt bikes manufactured between 1984 and 1992. This aftermarket bearing is crafted from high-grade, durable materials to ensure optimal performance, longevity, and reliability under the demanding conditions of off-road riding. The bearing features a robust, sealed design that effectively shields internal components from dust, debris, and moisture, reducing wear and extending the lifespan of the crankshaft assembly. Its smooth, low-friction surface minimizes vibration and noise while maintaining consistent power transfer, allowing the engine to operate at peak efficiency. Whether tackling rough trails, aggressive jumps, or sustained high-speed riding, this needle bearing delivers superior durability and performance compared to the original equipment, helping to prevent premature failure and costly repairs. Ideal for riders seeking to enhance their bike s reliability and maintain optimal engine health, the Athena MNB120170148 is a straightforward yet impactful upgrade that ensures a seamless riding experience.

**Pros and Cons of buying a Athena MNB120170148 Needle Bearing for a Yamaha YZ80 (1984 1992)**

### **Pros**

1. **Direct Fitment** The Athena MNB120170148 is specifically designed for the Yamaha YZ80 s rear wheel hub, ensuring compatibility with models from 1984 to 1992 without modification. This eliminates the need for conversion or customization, making installation straightforward.

2. **High-Quality Materials** Athena needle bearings are manufactured with precision-engineered steel and high-grade lubrication, which enhances durability and reduces friction compared to standard bearings. This can improve ride smoothness and longevity, especially if the original bearing was worn or damaged.

3. **Easy Installation** The bearing is a direct drop-in replacement, meaning it can be installed without specialized tools beyond a bearing press or hammer and a suitable driver (like a large socket). This makes it accessible for DIYers without extensive mechanical experience.

4. **Cost-Effective Solution** Replacing a worn needle bearing is significantly cheaper than overhauling the entire rear wheel assembly or purchasing a used wheel. The Athena bearing is priced affordably compared to OEM parts, offering good value for the performance improvement.

5. **Extended Lifespan** Needle bearings are known for their robustness in high-stress applications like motocross wheels. The Athena part, in particular, is designed to handle the demands of off-road riding, reducing the likelihood of premature failure.

6. **Compatibility with Aftermarket Wheels** If you ve upgraded to aftermarket wheels (e.g., aluminum or reinforced steel), the Athena bearing will still fit, provided the wheel hub dimensions match the original YZ80 specifications.

7. **Warranty and Reliability** Athena is a reputable brand in the off-road and motocross parts industry, offering warranties on their bearings. This provides peace of mind in case of defects or early failure, though the warranty terms should be checked before purchase.

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### **Cons**

1. **Limited Availability** While not rare, the Athena MNB120170170148 may not be stocked at every local bike shop. Purchasing online (e.g., from specialty motocross retailers or eBay) might be necessary, which could introduce risks like counterfeit parts or shipping delays.

2. **Potential for Counterfeit Parts** Due to the popularity of aftermarket bearings, some sellers may offer fake or low-quality replicas. Always buy from trusted sources (e.g., official Athena dealers, reputable online marketplaces with seller ratings, or well-known motocross parts stores) to avoid this issue.

3. **Installation Challenges for Beginners** While the bearing is a direct replacement, removing the old bearing can be tricky if the wheel hub is seized or the old bearing is corroded. A bearing press or a strong hammer and a suitable driver are recommended to avoid damaging the wheel or hub.

4. **No Performance Gains Over OEM (If Original Was Good)** If the original needle bearing in your YZ80 was in excellent condition, upgrading may not provide noticeable performance benefits beyond longevity. The improvement will be more apparent if the original bearing was worn or noisy.

5. **Lubrication Maintenance Required** Needle bearings rely on proper lubrication to function optimally. Over time, the grease can dry out, especially in dusty or wet conditions. Regular checks and re-greasing (every 50 100 hours of riding) are necessary to maintain performance.

6. **Potential for Over-Tightening** If the wheel nut is overtightened during installation, it can damage the bearing or the wheel hub. Follow the manufacturer s torque specifications (typically around 100 120 ft-lbs for YZ80 wheels) to avoid this.

7. **No Included Tools or Accessories** The bearing is sold as a standalone part, meaning you ll need to source a bearing press, hammer, and possibly a wheel nut driver separately if you don t already own them.

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### **Conclusion**

The Athena MNB120170148 needle bearing is a **strong, cost-effective, and reliable replacement** for the Yamaha YZ80 s rear wheel hub, particularly if the original bearing is worn, noisy, or damaged. Its direct fitment, high-quality construction, and ease of installation make it an attractive option for both maintenance and performance upgrades. However, potential buyers should be mindful of sourcing the part from legitimate sellers to avoid counterfeits and ensure proper installation to maximize its lifespan.

For the average rider, the benefits of replacing a failing bearing smoother wheel rotation, reduced noise, and extended wheel life outweigh the minor drawbacks. If you re comfortable with basic mechanical tasks, this is a straightforward and worthwhile upgrade.

### **Recommendation**

- Your YZ80 s original bearing is noisy, wobbly, or visibly worn.

- You want a durable, high-quality replacement without modifying the wheel.

- You re willing to invest a small amount of time in installation and occasional maintenance (e.g., re-greasing).

- You purchase it from a trusted seller (e.g., official Athena distributors, reputable online retailers, or local motocross shops).

- You re unsure about installation and don t have access to a bearing press or proper tools in this case, take the bike to a mechanic.

- Your original bearing is still in good condition upgrading may not be necessary.

- You re on a tight budget and can find a high-quality used bearing (though this carries risks like corrosion or damage).

**Final Verdict:** For most Yamaha YZ80 owners facing bearing issues, the Athena MNB120170148 is a **recommended upgrade** due to its reliability, ease of use, and performance benefits. Prioritize quality sourcing and proper installation to ensure the best results.

Details:

Brand: Athena, Part Number: MNB120170148. Fitment: Yamaha YZ80 1984 -1992. Some items are available silver-plated and ideal for use in conditions of great rotational speed, high temperatures sudden acceleration. Athena needle bearings attach to the dudgeon pin and their high quality enables less frequent maintenance at an excellent price-quality ratio.

Greater resistance to stress compared the original.: Athena Needle Bearing For Yamaha YZ80 1984 1992 MNB120170148: MNB120170148. OEM: 93310-312M5-00. Free Ground Shipping.

Note: Image is for reference only, actual product may vary slightly. To ensure you're receiving exactly what you want, some orders are sourced from various shipping facilities.

part #: mnb120170148 prices

• $5.83-$30.57

specifications bearingmotorcycleiz:

• for models: Yz80
• for makes: Yamaha
• for years: 1984-1992
• brand: Athena
• mpn: Mnb120170148
• part type: Bearing

general bearingmotorcycleiz:

• Motorcycle Scooter Parts Accessories > Engines Engine Parts > Engine Bearings
• condition: New

shipping bearingmotorcycleiz:

• carrier: FedEx
• class: Standard
• transit: 4-7 Days
• service: FedEx Ground / FedEx Home Delivery
• type: Fixed
• cost: $0.00

offer bearingmotorcycleiz:

• started: May 2, 2026
• quantity: 5
• sold: 0
• availability: In Stock
• options: Ship-to-home

seller bearingmotorcycleiz:

• # reviews: 249840
• rating: 99.8%
• city: Wilmington,

returns bearingmotorcycleiz:

• policy: Returns Accepted
• paid by: Seller
• time: 30 Days

payments bearingmotorcycleiz:

• credit card: Visa
• other
• wallet: Google-pay

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