All is well with the final drive.

[John Schmidt]

Having logged a bit over 12k since the last service, I was becoming nervous about the condition of the splines and associated driveline parts. Once apart, I found there was no reason to worry...everthing was pristine and still well lubed. I also pulled the u-joint and decided to replace it. When I ran a screwdriver between the yokes and would twist it I got a little movement. It may have lasted quite a while longer, then again....it may not have. Since I had a new one I installed it, those splines were also in fine shape, as are both ends of the driveshaft. The grease in the cup appeared to be a little wet which leads me to believe I was getting some rear end oil in there as well. Looks like I'll continue with the same process and method of lubing the shaft and splines. One thing I did notice is the thrust washer, it is in good shape but not as thick as a new one. That is why I feel it's always a good idea to replace it when servicing the final drive. After all, the cost is peanuts compared to the cost of possible damage, and since you already have it apart why not replace it with new. I know some talk about reusing the same one time after time, not a smart move in my view. Cheap insurance.

Over the next few days I'll be doing some badly needed cleaning of everything hidden by the bags, as well as degreasing the various parts prior to applying new lube. Since I have a couple new double row bearings and a cut down spacer, I think I'll go ahead and do that mod. I'm still running the special Polyurethane dampers that Gary used to make, installed them at least 30k miles ago. Found out I do need new upper shock bushings for my Progressive 412's, wondering if Daryl sells those. All in all, I was quite pleased with the condition of the entire assembly.

[wiggydotcom]

Having logged a bit over 12k since the last service, I was becoming nervous about the condition of the splines and associated driveline parts. Once apart, I found there was no reason to worry...everthing was pristine and still well lubed. I also pulled the u-joint and decided to replace it. When I ran a screwdriver between the yokes and would twist it I got a little movement. It may have lasted quite a while longer, then again....it may not have. Since I had a new one I installed it, those splines were also in fine shape, as are both ends of the driveshaft. The grease in the cup appeared to be a little wet which leads me to believe I was getting some rear end oil in there as well. Looks like I'll continue with the same process and method of lubing the shaft and splines. One thing I did notice is the thrust washer, it is in good shape but not as thick as a new one. That is why I feel it's always a good idea to replace it when servicing the final drive. After all, the cost is peanuts compared to the cost of possible damage, and since you already have it apart why not replace it with new. I know some talk about reusing the same one time after time, not a smart move in my view. Cheap insurance.

Over the next few days I'll be doing some badly needed cleaning of everything hidden by the bags, as well as degreasing the various parts prior to applying new lube. Since I have a couple new double row bearings and a cut down spacer, I think I'll go ahead and do that mod. I'm still running the special Polyurethane dampers that Gary used to make, installed them at least 30k miles ago. Found out I do need new upper shock bushings for my Progressive 412's, wondering if Daryl sells those. All in all, I was quite pleased with the condition of the entire assembly.

Glad your bike is in good shape, John. It's better to do the PM work than reactive maintenance. How many miles do you have on your bike?

[John Schmidt]

Only 43k. Last year was rather short due to my health issue in July. Didn't get back on the bike until mid-October, but that's all better now. The real issue is my wife's health, for the last few years I haven't been able to take trips since I can't leave her alone for an extended period. She used to be able to travel and I'd take her up to her sis in Ohio, trailer the bike up and leave the car and trailer at her sis's place and head for InZane or wherever. Haven't been able to do that either the last three years. So, I'm pretty much restricted to using it around town, meeting other riders on lunch rides, etc., which doesn't rack up the miles very fast. But I still ride when I get the chance and keep the maintenance up to date. Maybe by the time another 10-12K miles pass, I won't be able to ride anyway. Time will tell.

[jimmytee]

  I was just wondering if, here was any updates on the project bike?

[Valk6 (diaz)]

...... Since I have a couple new double row bearings and a cut down spacer, I think I'll go ahead and do that mod. .......... Found out I do need new upper shock bushings for my Progressive 412's

I'm in the process of doing the bearing mod (tire change, and brakes), and found my 412's bushings needing replacement .... called Progressive and order all 4 bushings for less than $3 each.   

[John Schmidt]

I was just wondering if, here was any updates on the project bike?

Not much Jimmy, life has a way of getting in the way...to be redundant.    I did get the Valk front end mounted and forks finally polished good. Don't know if I posted that pic or not so here's what it looks like. I'm in the process of creating mounts for the Valk tank I'm mounting on it.

[Dr Bobs Patient]

Wow I thought I was looking at my garage!  Glad to see someone else with multiple projects going on simultaneously!

[BonS]

Is that an optical illusion or it that bike floating in mid air? You're a magician, John!

[jimmytee]

I was just wondering if, here was any updates on the project bike?

Not much Jimmy, life has a way of getting in the way...to be redundant.    I did get the Valk front end mounted and forks finally polished good. Don't know if I posted that pic or not so here's what it looks like. I'm in the process of creating mounts for the Valk tank I'm mounting on it.

I know what ya mean. Looking promising.

[John Schmidt]

Well, I got the rear end back together this afternoon. I had planned to do the double row left bearing mod so had picked up two new bearings...one for the mod and one for a spare. Good thing I bought two, the right side was going bad. I had already installed the left side and was cleaning things up a bit and ran my thumb inside the bearing to clean the inner race. When I turned it I thought I felt something, so turned off the radio and dried everything off so I could turn it without interference. Sure enough, one little click every 360 deg.  And when I turned it the opposite direction, it really acted up so out came the bearing extractor again. So, now I have two new double row bearings and a new u-joint in place, spinning the wheel it sure is smooth. Seems to have less slack in the driveline but might be wishful thinking. Waiting on new bushings and metal inserts from Progressive so that's gives me some time to do some badly needed cleaning but everything else should be good for another 12k. One thing I changed was the Moly paste I used. It's from Loctite and has a higher % of moly than the stuff Honda sells. I simply put a glob in my palm and mix in a small amount of moly grease, same thing I've always done, then "schmooie" it on(to borrow a scientific term from Ratdog I believe).  Some good moly based grease on the driveshaft ends and both ends of the new u-joint.

Must have been living right because the driveshaft went in without a hitch, so decided to see if my luck would carry over to mounting the wheel. Sure enough, second try the flange engaged the final drive but not all the way. I pressed the axle in all the way into the left swingarm without the spacer and brake mount. That supports the wheel while you press it the rest of the way into the final, I then back out the axle just enough to install the spacer and brake bracket. Sucker sure spins nice and smooth, can't wait to get back out on the road and enjoy the fruit of my labor. I want to thank my friend Jeff Parker(FloridaValkrider) for his time and patience. He helped me tear it down last week and the extra hands were quite welcome, I was not on top of my game that day.

[Jess from VA]

What about the dreaded boot John?   

[ragincajun]

The thrust washer, is that one of the O-Rings to change out on the drive service?

[pancho]

Is that an optical illusion or it that bike floating in mid air? You're a magician, John!

I see it too     That thing is floating... Whatcha got goin there Stuffy????