For folks getting some miles on their steeds I hope this info will help.
With 45,000 miles it was time to refresh both ends of the bike. The
front end: Both upper "A" arm bearings were shot and the needles fell
out when it was disassembled. Both bearings looked like they had never
been lubricated. Note-- measuring the left bearing mount bolt (camber
adjuster) carefully should allow you to install the arm and have little
or no trouble with camber adjustment after completing the work. All
other pivot bolts and bearings needed lubrication. Race tech is
rebuilding the shock.
Back end: The swing arm was a little loose, side to side motion. I
cleaned and inspected the bearings and end caps but found no
appreciable wear. I lubricated and reassembled and with about 120 lbs
of torque the swing arm is fine. All other pivot points needed
lubrication. The shock is being replaced with an Ohlins. In summation
if you have been thinking of performing this maintenance don't put it
off, the bearings are $40 a piece.
One other thing, when I replaced the chain and sprockets at 26,000 miles
the counter shaft nut was loose. I put a new washer on and torqued the
nut. Today while trying to find the neutral safety switch I noticed that
the nut was again loose. Luckily the nut was worn and not the counter
shaft. Now I have to replace the sprocket as well as the nut. This seems
like a strange problem. Any comments?? The chain and rear sprocket show
very little wear so I'm just replacing the front sprocket.
Now, I have a problem and need some help. Last winter after a
general clean up and valve adjustment the bike would not start, in
neutral, with the side stand down. I assumed that I had failed to
connect a wire and decided not to disassemble again but wait for the
winter tear down. Now is next year. After checking the side stand,
neutral and clutch switches, all seem to be OK, the bike will still not
start on the side stand in neutral. Am I crazy or is that the way it's
supposed to work??? Allan
