Topic: Swingarm bearings kit.

[Dirtdevil]

Ive got a 75 750k, and the swingarm bushings AND collar are far beyond limits. I cannot find a new or serviceable collar anywhere, so I have decided to just go with one of the needle bearing kits. The kits are around $120 and come with a collar. But, my question is this: When using these kits, do you still use the stock dust caps and felts?! I know that the kit comes with thrust washers which look as though they may also contain bearings themselves, but there is no information what else is needed. Anyone done this before?

[Dunk]

I used the bearing kit in mine. You retain the dust caps, not sure about the felts. I do recall that with the design of roller bearings on the shaft and between the dust caps and outer bits and I think a sleeve of some sort, the bearings are not greasable externally (factory zerks are useless). I'm due for my first rear tire change since restoration, when I do that I will remove the swingarm and grease the bearings.

[Stev-o]

Why not just use bronze bushings?

[Nic]

He said the collar is forked n can't find one. I bought a new collar from somewhere, can't remember where, my old one is good but I'm in Oz.
Found this one in the US. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Honda-NOS-CB750-750-500-550-CB500-CB550-Swingarm-Collar-52141-300-000/221578392947?epid=1723675393&hash=item339719f573:g:MtoAAOxyRNJSfmeu

[PeWe]

I installed a needle bearing kit on my K6 early 80’s.
Needle bearings in swingarm, on each side the dust protection ( metal washers thar are bent. Then use the bolt, put it tigether and tighten it. Do not forget to grease the bearings a lot.
Bearings looked OK when restoring bike 40.000 km later. This time a K2 swingarm I fiund testired with needle bearings. Same procedure.
I’ll use needle bearings    in my K2 build too. This time with the older bolt with grease nipples. I think it will work as before.

[Dirtdevil]

Dunk and PeWe, Thanks for the info! Steve-O, as Nic said, the collar is worn beyond limits. I was planning on using either OE bushings and the stock collar, or the bronze bushings but I figure that the bearing kit is only $100 and it comes with everything I need. Trouble is, I bought this bike from a co-worker who assured me that, other than being dirty and needing a fuel system clean out, there would be no other troubles. This was NOT the case! I am finding unpleasant surprises all over the place and now I am WAY over my original budget, which is often the case with these types of things. I’ve had needle bearings on quite a few bikes and had no problems with them.
My other issue is this: when I removed the nut from the swingarm bolt, it took the last two or three threads with it! SO not I’ve gotta find a swingarm pivot bold as well! 

[calj737]

14mmx1.5 pitch. How long is yours? And does it have 3/4" of thread at either end? I may have an extra stock one sitting around. Confirm those measurements and post back here, or PM me. I'll see what I can dig up.

[PeWe]

I can't resist to make the needle bearing installation clearer when at it. I have a new kit I'll install in my K2 build.
As you can see the kit has the 2 needle bearings, tube resting inside the needles where the long Honda swingarm bolt goes thru.
Plus mentioned washers.
The only thing you need is the bike (frame, swing arm with std bolt) All other old stuff for swingarm install not to be used. Really easy.
Only thing to keep an eye on is the needle rollers that can fall out if nothing inside them keeping them in place as the tube.
Tap bearings carefully in place. Make sure that the swingarm surface inside is OK first, grind all old scars inside that most likely will be there,

[Dunk]

Why not just use bronze bushings?

In my case I couldn't find a source for the bushings in stock, I got what was available and am pleased with it. I was inclined to use bushings for a swingarm application but if these hold up I'd have no problem going the bearing route again.

[Nic]

I put bearings in my Z900 and it's going great, only 5,000Ks so far, very easy install.

[Dirtdevil]

Calj, Mine is only threaded at one end. I believe that they are the same from 1971-1976, but I could be mistaken. Either way, I thank you! I picked one up for about $27 on ebay this morning. I am eager to get this thing back on wheels.
PeWe, Thanks for the info, it is very reassuring!
I was having a hard time finding the bushings and I’ve dealt with needle bearings in the past and had good luck so it just made sense. I really appreciate all of the input from everyone, looks like I came to the right place.