Opinions on final drive splines

[jmann]

If these photos open do the splines look like there is life left or am I riding on a ticking time bomb?
I am most concerned with the splines of the pumpkin hub.

http://vrcc.photostash.com/vrcc_29903/DCAO0092.JPG]
http://vrcc.photostash.com/vrcc_29903/DCAO0094.JPG

[Valkpilot]

Actually, those are pretty nice.

[hubcapsc]

I think your parts should last a long time with proper care... they're
visibly worn, but not trashed...

-Mike

[jmann]

Thanks for the quick feedback. The hub side is worn but I don't think dangerous. The problem is I don't really know when it happened. I bought the bike with 28K and she now has 52K. I have had the tire off twice for new rubber, the last time going darkside. I never really did my due diligence on spline inspection nor was I aware of the PROPER tightening sequence the first time I had it off. I do know the first time I had it apart she was a little reddish and somewhat dry. I peruse this site daily since my valkyrie addiction due to the wealth of info here so now I understand what has to be done correctly. I just didn't know if assembling the parts for a new final drive were in order or if I had time. I plan on the moly paste for the final drive hub parts and grease for the shaft and pinion cup. Thanks for the quick response. Back out to the garage.

[Hoser]

Wish mine looked that good.  Hoser

[olddog1946]

When I pulled mine apart two weeks or so ago to replace the bad left bearing I had the same amount of wear on those final drive splines. (this occurred in less than 2000 miles and an unknown time of riding with a bad bearing)...SO- be sure and check those bearings and replace them if there is any doubt.

[SPOFF]

That amount of wear can be attributed by not following the proper tightening sequence. (Don't ask how I know this.) I rode splines are worn as yours for 40,000 miles. They eventually wore to less than 50% of the teeth. Then came the day I felt it skip a tooth. I pulled in the clutch coasted through a u-turn and babied it home. I knew if I got a second skip I'd be pushing the bike home. 

[jmann]

I put mine back together last nite and tightened in the following order:
Installed pumpkin and drive shaft and left the 4 bolts several turns loose.
Installed axle and tire and torqued. Had the swing arm suspended by the LEFT shock only. Right side was removed.
Rotated the tire a few times. Tightened the four final drive bolts.

Was this the proper sequence to hopefully squeeze a few more miles out of the drive gears? Is it better to start shopping for a used final drive or buy the parts and rebuild?

[eric in md]

yep sounds like you did it right to me.     i would just make sure you to the final drive service ever 10k should be fine for a long time