Finally got all the bearings and seals in the mail yesterday and the NSR is back on the road. Apparently, the rear bearing had been going for some time. Occasionally I would hear a strange grinding noise but could never figure out where it was coming from. I know now. There wasn't much left to the larger bearing out back. A few ball bearing were untouched but many of them were ground down to dust. Quite a chore digging the race out too (thank goodness I own a dremel).
Anyway, I have spare bearings (almost unobtanium in the U.S.) if anyone ever is in need.
Don