Bearing Grease & Rear Sprockets

[PaulG]

Just wondering on some input regarding grease.  I'm in the midst of replacing the drive chain (with a DID Xring), and took of the swing arm and linkage while I'm at it to do a bearing inspection.  All the bearings were replaced with OEM ones in 2008, and I used a Castrol multi-purpose to pack them.  I've only put about 25K km or 15K mi on them since.

I've only just taken it apart and the grease hasn't hardened.  When I first bought the bike all the grease had hardened like toffee on a winter's day (i.e. no maintenance for 15 yrs). - and required a hammer to get the spindles out.  This time they slid out with ease.

What would be best to clean them out (soaking or parts washer), and with what (kerosene, varsol, actual "de-greaser")?

When repacking should I go with the same grease or go synthetic.  If organic - is the Castrol I'm using OK, or is it the Budweiser of greases?  If synthetic - is any name brand OK or are their any favourites out there?

I've started looking up rear sprockets and didn't realize the plethora of selection out there, (most of my previous bikes being shafts).  Just wondering if there was a particular brand/style that suits the FJ as opposed to others.  My set-up is stock (except for the 17T front sprocket), and I mostly tour/commute as opposed to sport riding (way too many cops in Ontario that have nothing better to do than give out tickets).  I'll also be installing the Scott Automatic Chain Oiler on reassembly.

Now I have to make some space in the basement to work on this.  Best excuse yet to clean out the dungeon.

Thanks

[aviationfred]

I would think any major name brand organic, or synthetic grease will perform adequately.

Currently I use Lucas extra heavy duty grease. I have also used this in the wheel hub bearings on my trailer with great results.

I have also used Royal Purple synthetic grease with good results.

Here is what RPM sells and I have heard good things about it.

http://rpmracingca.com/products.asp?cat=39&filter=grease

As for cleaning the old grease and grime out. Kerosene works well.

I run a 18/38 tooth set up on mine. I mostly commute/tour on mine.

Fred

[yamaha fj rider]

I like the synthetic grease. Riding / racing dirt bikes in the desert. i used to service the swing arm and linkage about every ten rides. You could feel when the bike needed service, just not as smooth. Using belray grease at the time. A friend convinced me to try Amsoil synthetic grease. Ten rides still smooth, fifteen and still good. I serviced it anyway. There used to be a major change after servicing. Next ride felt the same. Wow that stuff works. I have gone over twenty rides still smooth. I now use nothing but synthetic grease. Excluding air filter bases.

Kurt

[PaulG]

Have my new drive chain and was wondering about the endless type versus the master link type.  The Yamaha dealer sold me a DID 530VX 110ZB with a master link.

The one on the bike has no master link - but I don't know if/when it was changed by the PO's.  I've over 100,000km now on the bike (I've put about 30K on it since I've owned it) so I don't think its the original.

Just wondering if this is an issue with improvements in materials/technology over 20 yrs, and whether I should return it for an endless one?  Do they still make them?

[FJmonkey]

Endless is my choice for the FJ now. I purchased the rivet kit from Cycle Gear and use the best chain I can afford (EK-ZZZ). When I installed my new chain I discovered that my master link clip was missing.  The link and plate were stuck and by providence or guardian angle did not fall out. Prior to that I never had an issue with master links.... I burn through a rear tire about every 3500 miles so I don't need to adjust the chain between tire changes. I now have over 10k miles on the chain, still looks and performs like new.