Trapped moisture

[Hook#3287]

I didn't want to hijack Bruces excellent report/love story about Ali.

I'm in the corner that says the failure of the pinion cup/spline is a factor of trapped moisture. As Bruce said,

 "My 'holes' had been clogged for sometime allowing moisture to quickly build up after each pinion cup and drive shaft replacement or greasing job that was performed... resulting in another failure in increasing frequencies. Riding through mud, new asphalt, any thing that can cause gunk or other material to be thrown up against the swing arm and/or clog those holes, will result in an eventual failure due to moisture accumulation."

What I don't understand is why Honda forgot this when they designed our bikes.

I just purchased and stripped down a Honda 1994 Fourtrax 300 w/4 wheel drive.

Every differential case has a nipple and hose on the top, with the hoses going up to under the steering assembly.

I realize these ATV's are designed for running in the water, but our bikes get wet also and the swingarm shaft is very low to the ground.  

Why the designers didn't make better accommodations for moisture dissipation, I'll never understand.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I think you'll like the 300 Fourtrax Bill. I have an '89 that has been bulletproof.
I too don't understand their theory on the Valkyrie swing arm. It seems like a sealed unit would be superior. I've never understood why they have that plastic fiberous plate on the bottom.

[Hook#3287]

I had 2 1986 TRX350's that I sold when I bought my Tourer.  I didn't use them and they took up alot of garage space.

I'm now leasing about 50+ acres near my house and it's covered with trails.  I'll be able to drive out my driveway, cross the road and I'm there.