steering head and swingarm grease

[SkooterG]

Take this for what it's worth: A trusted wrench at a mom-n-pop Yamaha shop told me that when it comes to the head and swingarm bearings, it's best not to mess with what is not broken. He said, only service them if there is a problem.

I have yet to service my head or swingarm bearings in 137k miles.

Maybe I'll get to them by 200k.

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

As much as it pains me to say it, I tend to agree with 'SkooterG' on this. Although, there's certainly nothing wrong with dismantling and re-assembling your motorcycle (if you're competent). It might just be a time waster?

My experience with ball type steering head bearings and tapered roller style has shown that both dimple races (brinnell) -- with the ball-type, ultimately, being a slightly worse offender (but, by that time, you probably wouldn't want to ride the bike). The problems stem from improper set-up -- initial adjustment and lubrication -- imo.

I think you must ask: "Why did MamaYama choose to build the bike with ball-type steering head bearings?" 'Cause the could save a little money? I don't think so. I choose to think (in the FJR's case) they use that style (in my mind's eye -- I see both types sitting next to each other on a factory shelf) for "handling" reasons. Tapered roller style tends, imo, to 'drag' more in that very important handlebar-to-fronttire feel.

I think, if my steering head bearings ever needed replacement (which I don't anticipate for a very long time -- if ever?), I would want to replace them with the same kind Yamaha used.

JMO, YMMV ....

 

[JimLor]

I didn't take the short bus to school, but sometimes I do read quickly and miss things. Severals posts talk about removing the centerstand as the pain in this procedure. Yet, looking at Mark Johnson's site on serviceing the swingarm, his bike is resting on the centerstand! Is it different for the Gen II, or is there some other reason folks are removing their centerstand? BTW, bike in the article is an 03.

 

[FJRMGM]

Yet, looking at Mark Johnson's site on serviceing the swingarm, his bike is resting on the centerstand! Is it different for the Gen II, or is there some other reason folks are removing their centerstand? BTW, bike in the article is an 03.

You are correct - servicing the swingarm is easy and doesn't require removing the centerstand.

Its lubing the pivot points on the rear shock that sucks - the front/top pivot bolt cannot be removed without taking off the centerstand - just for one lousy bolt.

The pencil is pointing to the "problem child" bolt in this picture.

 

[JimLor]

Got it - thanks.

 

[twowheelnut]

Take this for what it's worth: A trusted wrench at a mom-n-pop Yamaha shop told me that when it comes to the head and swingarm bearings, it's best not to mess with what is not broken. He said, only service them if there is a problem.
I have yet to service my head or swingarm bearings in 137k miles.

Maybe I'll get to them by 200k.

Normally, I might tend to agree, skoot, but given Yamaha's propensity for going light on lubricants I thought I should be taking a peek to see what's for. I'm glad I did, because except for the steering head (which had a barely acceptable coating of grease) the swing arm and associated bearing surface where damn near 'bone dry'.

Further, the opportunity to clean the gunk from the hidden surfaces gives my inner maid a happy feeling.

 

[Bounce]

Yet, looking at Mark Johnson's site on serviceing the swingarm, his bike is resting on the centerstand!

+1 what others have said. I document the center stand but not the pivot points as the front one requires removal of the center stand. Now that I have a Handy lit, that will be somewhat easier.

 

[wheatonFJR]

Take this for what it's worth: A trusted wrench at a mom-n-pop Yamaha shop told me that when it comes to the head and swingarm bearings, it's best not to mess with what is not broken. He said, only service them if there is a problem.
I have yet to service my head or swingarm bearings in 137k miles.

Maybe I'll get to them by 200k.

Normally, I might tend to agree, skoot, but given Yamaha's propensity for going light on lubricants I thought I should be taking a peek to see what's for. I'm glad I did, because except for the steering head (which had a barely acceptable coating of grease) the swing arm and associated bearing surface where damn near 'bone dry'.

Further, the opportunity to clean the gunk from the hidden surfaces gives my inner maid a happy feeling.

"squeeky clean"

 

[dbvolfan]

I just hit 21k and have done neither.Dealer at 16k (who owns 2 FJR's himself) said he wouldnt recommend repacking the bearings at 16k miles unless I do a lot of riding in the rain or they are loose in some way. Why take something apart that aint broke.

check your Yamaha recommended service intervals. If it says to it, do it. If the dealer is going counter to Yamaha's recommendations, start questioning why. Maybe he doesn't like doing warranty work. Yamaha's notorious for under-lubing many of their bits and pieces during the assembly process.

I figure I'll do the rear swingarm when I get my valves checked at 26k miles because I'll have the tire off for replacement anyway...looks like it could be a PIA, simply because you have to suspend the bike.

please remind us of your "relaxed" service intervals when you decide to sell your bike.

Bounce...so you wont be in line to buy my beautiful '05 when I get ready to sell it in 2012 or so?

Seriously, I am really anal about maintenance and have done everything in the manual except those two items (excel worksheets and receipts to boot!) . I plan to do the swingarm/head bearings at the next tire change in ~2-3k miles but like Skooter said, my dealer said at the 16k mile check he would recommend against repacking the head bearings if they weren't broke....cant imagine he didnt want the money as the shop was slow at the time and he hasnt had any issues taking all the money I am willing to fork over to him.

Lets not forget that this is the same service manual that suggests we replace all internal components of the brake and clutch master cyliders every 2 years and I am sure we have ALL done that.

 

[Bounce]

Bounce...so you wont be in line to buy my beautiful '05 when I get ready to sell it in 2012 or so?

i'll probably still have my 2003 then.

 

[Powerman]

My first street bike in the 70's was a used Honda 500/4. The swing arm was so hammered from the Florida salt air and rain I had to rebuild it. A case of beer to the machine shop at Homestead AFB scored me custom made replacement shaft and bushings.

I have installed grease fittings and machined grooves on the shafts/pins on others. The FJR may get that also.

Yes, it's overkill, but it keeps me out of trouble. It's cold outside, the garage is nice and warm.

Besides, I must be a little off to lurk around here. Where's those zirconium washers?

 

[FJRay]

My first street bike in the 70's was a used Honda 500/4. The swing arm was so hammered from the Florida salt air and rain I had to rebuild it. A case of beer to the machine shop at Homestead AFB scored me custom made replacement shaft and bushings.
I have installed grease fittings and machined grooves on the shafts/pins on others. The FJR may get that also.

Yes, it's overkill, but it keeps me out of trouble. It's cold outside, the garage is nice and warm.

Besides, I must be a little off to lurk around here. Where's those zirconium washers?

The FJR uses caged needle bearings and not plain bushings.If you start drilling holes in things you will probably not be happy.

 

[painman]

Take this for what it's worth: A trusted wrench at a mom-n-pop Yamaha shop told me that when it comes to the head and swingarm bearings, it's best not to mess with what is not broken. He said, only service them if there is a problem.
I have yet to service my head or swingarm bearings in 137k miles.

Maybe I'll get to them by 200k.

+1, Gunny and all that....what Greg said. PM. <><

 

[Bustanut joker]

Further, the opportunity to clean the gunk from the hidden surfaces gives my inner maid a happy feeling.

suppose it makes your 'Mangina' tingle too. :haha: :grin:

:jester: