Suspension Lubrication

[Bixxer Bob]

Girly bottom bushes are the same.... 

[nickjtc]

Bottom bushes........nipples....... where is this thread going??  :icon_wink:

[JayDub]

Bottom bushes........nipples....... where is this thread going??  :icon_wink:

just you watch... Sin will be along soon 

[fishnbiker]

Time to think about taking it all apart next winter. Easy job if the bike is cleaned. You very likely will need new bearings there, & the others will probably be a little rough too. Seals also. Jobbers or bearing specialty shops should be able to get most parts much cheaper than the dealers. Check out the chain sliders for replacement at that time too. Might as well get all new grease nipples too.

If using blocks under the engine, you can adjust pressure on the swing arm (for removal/fitting) by using a few boards or a small jack under the rear wheel to raise & lower the wheel. You will need the centre stand free to remove its pivot bolt.

I usually take mine apart every second year for inspection & full washing of the old grease, alternating with the forks & steering head bearings. Heavy use in muddy gravel backroads necessitated a higher level of maintenance.

Now on the second set of suspension bearings, (probably needed from over-greasing & popping some seals) changed out at 86,000km in 2008. Now at 135,000+ & in semi retirement ... pavement only now.

Make sure the area is well washed before hand. Grease & mud mixed make for a messy shop. This would be the one time a pressure washer might be recommended as you will be disassembling soon after.

[Beernard]

Hi All.
I have already posted this photo as part of my thread on "Link-pipe". It may be useful here, too, for someone who encounters my same problem.
I could not separate the linkpipe to remove it. Therefore I could not withdraw the suspension link to frame mounting bolt. I found that you can:
- undo the lower shock mount and the dog-bone mount
- pull the shock to one side
- slide the suspension link upwards beside the shock itself
- pull the exhaust link-pipe as a unit
Hope this is useful.