Looking for rear wheel bearings for my Valk

[simon]

I have read most all the topics on changing the rear wheel bearings that I can find on this site. However, I would like to know where I can buy the best bearings available for my bike. If anyone out there can give me a site and part numbers for the bearings I would greatly appreciate the info. I am considering doing the double row bearing mod for the left side. I am putting new rubber on the rear so I thought I'd kill two birds with one stone. Thanks in Advance for the info.

[sandy]

Depending on where you live, find a bearing supply house and get a bearing from them. I replaced my rears with non OEM bearings at 43K. 113K now with no more problems. Get the bearing #s from shop talk section.

[X Ring]

Simon, I buy mine at Motion Industries.  Do a search for their website and see if they have a store near them.  I use SKF bearings the right side is 3204-2RS and the left is 6204-2RS.  If you decide to do the double row bearing mod then you'll need 2 3204 bearings.

Marty

[simon]

X-Ring, Thanks for the info on where to find the rear wheel bearings. I live in Nashville, Tn. and there is a Motion Industries here. I tried searching thier web site for the SKF 3204-2RS but it would subsitute some other size. I'm not slick enough to know if that size will work so I guess I'll just pop the bearings out of the wheel and take them to Motion and compare. Thanks Again, Simon

[X Ring]

Simon, you don't need to.  Those ARE the sizes.  Just give the guy at the counter those numbers and you'll get the correct bearings. 

Marty

[simon]

Hello Marty,
  Finally made it to Motion Industries today to pick up a set of double row bearing for the rear wheal mod and tire change. I hope they are the right ones. The numbers on the boxes read "3204 A-2RS1/C3. I told them I wanted 3204-2RS and that's what they gave me. The total cost for two sets was $99.68 + tax. I have some o-rings coming today and I have Honda's moly grease to do the job. Is that all I need other than cutting down the outer spacer? By the way, do you or anybody know the numbers for the front bearing and how many miles from new do they wear out. I only have around 28 grand on the bike.
   I just de-smogged the bike and richened up the carbs a little. Piece of cake and it runs great.
         Thanks in advance, Simon

[Ricky-D]

Bearings should be a forever item with proper maintenance. In the case of sealed bearings the same applies.

Why would they wear out?

They don't!

***

[Hoser]

Nothing lasts forever.  They do wear out, I have changed 3 of the four, and I did not do it until I needed to.   ??? hoser

[roboto65]

Bearings should be a forever item with proper maintenance. In the case of sealed bearings the same applies.

Why would they wear out?

They don't!

Nothing last forever heck if that was the case my engine should last forever with proper "maintenance"
and I bet the stresses on a bearings are way more than a piston moving side to side since they are supporting a 900lb bike and my Fat BUTT    ..

[MP]

Bearings should be a forever item with proper maintenance. In the case of sealed bearings the same applies.

Why would they wear out?

They don't!

***

That is one of the dumbest things I have ever heard.  I guess all of the riders who have had a bearing fail, were really just mistaken.  And, the bearing on my baler that I changes today, because the balls were falling out of it, was really just because of my bad eyesight, and nothing was wrong with the bearing!

You have ZERO credibility left with me!

MP

[2qmedic]

Anything ever manufactured will wear out. Bearings included. Even in the military, with the aircraft  maintained as precisely as they are. They still wear out parts, small parts, big parts, every part on the aircraft will have its own life span, just like on a Valkyrie.

Proper maintenance helps the operational ability and longevity of the item/system. That being said, sealed beaings should be just that and remained sealed, no maintenance necessary. Self maintenance on sealedbearings will lend itself to contaminates and the improper amount of lubrication. Either too little, or too much. Too much and when the grease gets hot and expands, it doesn't have anywhere to expand and can cause the seal to become unseated.....now there is an open path way for contamination.

Yes, everything wears out...

[Jess from VA]

Yes, everything wears out...

Everything, and everyone.

Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.....

[X Ring]

Hello Marty,
  Finally made it to Motion Industries today to pick up a set of double row bearing for the rear wheal mod and tire change. I hope they are the right ones. The numbers on the boxes read "3204 A-2RS1/C3. I told them I wanted 3204-2RS and that's what they gave me. The total cost for two sets was $99.68 + tax. I have some o-rings coming today and I have Honda's moly grease to do the job. Is that all I need other than cutting down the outer spacer? By the way, do you or anybody know the numbers for the front bearing and how many miles from new do they wear out. I only have around 28 grand on the bike.
   I just de-smogged the bike and richened up the carbs a little. Piece of cake and it runs great.
         Thanks in advance, Simon

Simon, Good Job!     Those are the correct bearings and that's about the price I paid.  Honda used two different front wheel bearings.  The '97s used the 6004-2RS bearings.  '98s and later used the 6204-2RS bearings.  Both front bearings will cost you about $25.

Marty

[NITRO]

I know that the bearings fail at different mileage, but my Standard had 48K on it and I never changed a bearing. I would think that 28K is relatively low mileage on the bearings. Peace of mind, though, I get it.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Bearings should be a forever item with proper maintenance. In the case of sealed bearings the same applies.

Why would they wear out?

They don't!

***

Yeah right.....I know several that have had problems on rides...I've replaced ( 3 ) left rear on my own bikes.Next time I'm going double row on the left with the spacer mod.

[2qmedic]

Double bearing mod...I did.
Sure gives you peace of mind knowing that there is a more substanial bearing back there!!!

[Ricky-D]

There are Valkyrie riders with tens of thousands of miles on their bikes and never have a bearing problem, never have had a problem and never will have a problem.

All we ever read on this forum is from riders that have bearing problems and blame their problems on the bearing manufacturer or on Honda for bad engineering.

The curious thing is that all these riders experiencing bearing problems are repeat poster that admit there are more that just a single bad bearing event, happening not once but multiple times.

Who's kidding who? What are the chances of getting one bad bearing after another? Whether it's the dealer or the rider himself, the problem here is handling error and assembly error. You'd think after a couple of times they'd get a professional to do the work!

More than anything however is the stupidity of some when it comes to caring for their bikes. The constant well intentioned application of those pressure washers to improper places like at the wheel bearing areas of the bikes causes the largest reason for bearing replacement due to failure from water intrusion. 

Blaming problems on some obscure rationalization and/or on someone or something else smacks of juvenile attitudes and aptitude.

Raise your hand if this is you!

***

[Chrisj CMA]

There are Valkyrie riders with tens of thousands of miles on their bikes and never have a bearing problem, never have had a problem and never will have a problem.

All we ever read on this forum is from riders that have bearing problems and blame their problems on the bearing manufacturer or on Honda for bad engineering.

The curious thing is that all these riders experiencing bearing problems are repeat poster that admit there are more that just a single bad bearing event, happening not once but multiple times.

Who's kidding who? What are the chances of getting one bad bearing after another? Whether it's the dealer or the rider himself, the problem here is handling error and assembly error. You'd think after a couple of times they'd get a professional to do the work!

More than anything however is the stupidity of some when it comes to caring for their bikes. The constant well intentioned application of those pressure washers to improper places like at the wheel bearing areas of the bikes causes the largest reason for bearing replacement due to failure from water intrusion. 

Blaming problems on some obscure rationalization and/or on someone or something else smacks of juvenile attitudes and aptitude.

Raise your hand if this is you!

***

I suppose you have been blessed not to ever have a bearing go out.  Wheel bearings on motorcycles go out they sometimes need changing.  I know riders that own other brands of bikes and they too have had a bearing go out.  While I agree with you that some failures are caused by improper assebly/handling.....its the "professionals" that are most to blame.  EVERY wheel that I have seen come back from Honda Dealers in this area had the bearings not seated all the way so they were pushed in by the spacer during assembly hense chancing early failure due to side loading.

I would start carrying a set of bearings with you now since you made that daring proclimation that you will never have a problem.  The people that built the titanic said that God himself couldnt sink it..........we all know how that story ended........you too my friend will be handed a plate of humble pie if you keep riding.  But I suppose I will quite my juvenile attittude now

[2qmedic]

Quote from: Ricky-D on August 06, 2010, 01:48:20 PM
Bearings should be a forever item with proper maintenance. In the case of sealed bearings the same applies.

Why would they wear out?

They don't!

***

More than anything however is the stupidity of some when it comes to caring for their bikes. The constant well intentioned application of those pressure washers to improper places like at the wheel bearing areas of the bikes causes the largest reason for bearing replacement due to failure from water intrusion.  

Well now, let's see now;
The wheel bearings in one of my past pickup trucks,
A/C fan bearings in a surburban, rear A/C fan also,
A/C compresser clutch bearings in a Honda Civic & Saturn,
idler pully bearings,
A/C fan on Honda Civic,
A friend of mine, idler pully bearings frooze up on him,
water pump bearings on vehicles,
the well water pump bearings,
alternater bearings,
ceiling fan bearings............
stove exhaust fan bearings............
house hold fan bearings........
Wow,  :oI never realized that I had used high pressure water on these bearings and had not maintained them properly!!!
Good thing my wife didn't catch me with the pressure washer in side the house, I would have never ridden the Valkyrie again!!!
WAIT, I DON"T EVEN HAVE A PRESSURE WASHER!!! OR USE ONE!!!

[simon]

Hey, I agree with Ricky-D about staying away from your wheel bearings when power washing your dirty bike. That's one of the first things I was told, years ago, when I started riding. I believe the pressure will enter a sealed bearing as quick as a no-sealed one with a power washer. Heck, I try to stay away from power washing my bike unless it is extremly dirty to keep the water out of places it should not be but if I do I will use pressured air to blow it dry. Thanks, Simon

[Ricky-D]

Hey, I agree with Ricky-D about staying away from your wheel bearings when power washing your dirty bike. That's one of the first things I was told, years ago, when I started riding. I believe the pressure will enter a sealed bearing as quick as a no-sealed one with a power washer. Heck, I try to stay away from power washing my bike unless it is extremly dirty to keep the water out of places it should not be but if I do I will use pressured air to blow it dry. Thanks, Simon

Thank you Simon!

For the rest of you, you can put your hands down now. We know who you are!

***

[X Ring]

The left rear wheel bearing is hard enough to get to with a pressure washer with everything in the way, dust seal, external spacer, rotor mounting flange.  Then if you've got a Tourer/Interstate or have added hardbags to a Standard it's even harder.  I don't know of anyone that uses a pressure washer on anything other than a dirt bike.  Not saying it doesn't happen, I just don't know anyone who does.  It's not smart anyway as the electrical system would be easily compromised. 

Marty

[Chrisj CMA]

The left rear wheel bearing is hard enough to get to with a pressure washer with everything in the way, dust seal, external spacer, rotor mounting flange.  Then if you've got a Tourer/Interstate or have added hardbags to a Standard it's even harder.  I don't know of anyone that uses a pressure washer on anything other than a dirt bike.  Not saying it doesn't happen, I just don't know anyone who does.  It's not smart anyway as the electrical system would be easily compromised. 

Marty

Ya, thats right Marty.......I have had my bike 8 years almost and I think I have put a hose to it maybe three or four times.  I have it barely turned on and just use it to gently rinse off the mean green when things get really dirty like after a road trip especially to Daytona where lots of salt gets on it from the salt air, or Cheaha........man things get dirty up there.

[X Ring]

ChrisJ, don't you live about an hour north of the coast?  The amount of cleaning I have to do has gone down considerably since I moved 50 miles north.  Now my biggest concern is oak pollen in spring.

Marty   

[Chrisj CMA]

ChrisJ, don't you live about an hour north of the coast?  The amount of cleaning I have to do has gone down considerably since I moved 50 miles north.  Now my biggest concern is oak pollen in spring.

Marty   

well a good half and hour north of the coast.  Our roads are really clean here.....even when it rains the bike doesnt get very dirty.  I most of the time can get away with the wet towel dry towel routine.  Sometimes I use a small container of water or the hose to rinse off the swing arm and the rear fender area where dirt collects.....but not very often at all

[Hoser]

Well, geez, I have never power washed my bike, and I still replaced 3 of the 4 wheel bearings in the 70  thousand plus miles I have ridden it.  It was not preventive maintenance, they all needed replaced, the last one while I was enroute to IZ10.  Iwish I had replaced it on the last tire change, would have saved me 250 bux.  A good price imho, considering I had the rear gears greased while the wheel was off.  Kudos to 2 brothers Honda in La Crosse, only held me up 3 hours, and he tightened the 4 drive shaft nuts last.  Oh I forgot, I don't have to do that either, according to some folks.  Has someone been power washing my bike while I was sleeping?    Hoser

[2qmedic]

BTW what happened to the orignal subject?

Quote from: Ricky-D on August 06, 2010, 01:48:20 PM
Bearings should be a forever item with proper maintenance. In the case of sealed bearings the same applies.

Why would they wear out?

They don't!

***

More than anything however is the stupidity of some when it comes to caring for their bikes. The constant well intentioned application of those pressure washers to improper places like at the wheel bearing areas of the bikes causes the largest reason for bearing replacement due to failure from water intrusion.

It's funny how the subject seems to have changed. No one disagrees on using a pressure washer is not good. But to say it is the single biggest cause of bearing failures??? and that bearings should not wear out???

I agree, power washing pointed at the bearings is just not a good thing. But like it has been said, I don't know anyone who uses a pressure washer on their bike, Valkyrie or any other make.
I just use slow running water...
but, no matter how ya look at it, they don't last forever, bearings will wear out. Period.

BTW-It would be a good thing to realize that your calling alot of very knowledgeable people stupid.

[5_19]

I posted a few months back about some vibration I felt in the handlebars. Finally figured it out, the left rear bearing was going out all this time. It got really bad when I got back from InZaneX after 4374 smiles. I rode about guessing 6000-6500 miles since that first post.
Of those 6000 or so miles 1500 miles where in the rain. It appears that the left rear seal is not up to par. As you can see from the pictures the inside of the real is rusty and so is the left side of the bearing. The other side of the bearing is shiny-er, suggesting that the problem started with a bad seal.
 
RIGHT side of left rear seal and bearing

LEFT side of same bearing and seal.

My Conclusion: if you ride in the rain with a bad seal you are going to have bearing failure, If you never ride in the rain or get your bike wet you are not going to have many problems with your bearings.
Personally I take bearing failure anytime. Let ride. ~TJ 

[X Ring]

That's the attitude TJ.   

Marty

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

BTW what happened to the orignal subject?

Quote from: Ricky-D on August 06, 2010, 01:48:20 PM
Bearings should be a forever item with proper maintenance. In the case of sealed bearings the same applies.

Why would they wear out?

They don't!

***

More than anything however is the stupidity of some when it comes to caring for their bikes. The constant well intentioned application of those pressure washers to improper places like at the wheel bearing areas of the bikes causes the largest reason for bearing replacement due to failure from water intrusion.

It's funny how the subject seems to have changed. No one disagrees on using a pressure washer is not good. But to say it is the single biggest cause of bearing failures??? and that bearings should not wear out???

I agree, power washing pointed at the bearings is just not a good thing. But like it has been said, I don't know anyone who uses a pressure washer on their bike, Valkyrie or any other make.
I just use slow running water...
but, no matter how ya look at it, they don't last forever, bearings will wear out. Period.

BTW-It would be a good thing to realize that your calling alot of very knowledgeable people stupid.

He's done nothing here IMO but trash what credibility he ever had if any...Every thread he post to is so matter of fact...You know the type they think they know everything but in reality they don't know s**t.

[Hoser]

Tell us how you REALLY feel, Joe!      Hoser 

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

I agree with Joe, some people have a very high opinion of their opinion. I've NEVER  power washed my valk and I've had two bearing fail left front and left rear. I believe it is the side stand angle causing stess on these bearings so I bought a chock to keep the bike up-right while parked in the garage. Only time will tale.

[98valk]

if anybody kept their old bearings use pdf to determine cause of failure. One such failure is exceeding the load rating of the bearings. Wondering what load rated bearings do GL1500s use? never heard of them having a high failure rate.

http://www.bardenbearings.com/scan%20pdf/Bearing%20Failure%20Brochure.pdf


"The inside of a bearing can be a hot place. When a bearing is cooling off, the contracting metal, air and lubricant can create a vacuum that is hopefully held by the seals. If the seals are worn and can’t hold the vacuum, the bearing or sealed hub unit will suck in outside air, debris and water. In some parts of the country that use salt on the roads, it is almost as bad as ocean water on wheel bearings." http://www.brakeandfrontend.com/Article/38401/Wheel_Bear.aspx

I coat the outside of the seals with amsoil waterproof marine grease to help alleviate the above.

ceramic bearing are suppose to be the answer, but at twice the cost. However a few HP is picked up due to the lower friction which might translate into .25-.5 better mpg.
http://machinedesign.com/article/ceramic-bearings-save-energy-extend-life-1005

[2qmedic]

Marty, you bring up a good point here about the seal. Your mech back at the honda shop probably did know this.

This is something I have seen in the past and thought I would share it as a FYI if anyone is interested.

It is improtant to lube the sealing surface prior to installation. (IE. the inner lips where it meets the axle). If not lubed anytime the shaft is removed, then the seal will wear out quickly from lack of lubrication.

What CA Exhaust said it the same as what I do, coat the sealing surface and then apply some grease around the surface of the bearing so that it has a coating of grease also. 

BTW, CA Exhaust---I use Green Grease, a marine, higt temp, high pressure grease. Just courious as to what type you are referring too if I may ask?

[98valk]

BTW, CA Exhaust---I use Green Grease, a marine, higt temp, high pressure grease. Just courious as to what type you are referring too if I may ask?

well it seams they changed the name to just water resistant grease.

http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/gwr.aspx

Water Washout and Sprayoff Protection
AMSOIL Synthetic Water Resistant Grease derives its superior wet-duty performance from its peerless cohesiveness and adhesiveness. It holds together when exposed to water and clings tenaciously to metal surfaces when wet. Components remain protected during prolonged exposure to standing water or exposure to pressurized water.

[2qmedic]

This is de stuff that I have been using.

http://www.greengrease.net/


One thing is for sure, Amoil is good stuff too!!!

[roboto65]

Ceramics would be great but they do not do well with shock so say you hit a bump they may shatter but I bet they might work something out soon !!! Would be awesome though..

[Mildew]

Ya'all make me feel good about never washing my bike. I do ride in the rain though. So far, no sign of bearing problems at 54k