Topic: My K8 re-conditioning

[denward17]

Still waiting on machine shop activities.....

Decided to clean up and paint swing arm, check bushings and collar.

Collar is smooth on both ends.

Appears collar is in good shape, still had a lot of grease in there.  My measurements show 0.0008" clearance between phenolic bushings and collar, so I decided to leave for now.  I did order some Kibblewhite bronze replacement bushings, and may install those at a later date.

[grcamna2]

That looks in good shape;use some quality grease that will 'hang in there' for a long while.
I'm still wondering what the best type of grease is;possibly boat trailer wheel bearing grease? I used that before on a Suzuki swingarm that has needle bearings and it was a blue color.

[BenelliSEI]

Does your swing arm have a std. grease nipple, centre underside? Take it out and make sure hole is clear. I replace it with a 45 degree nipple and loctite it in (very small drop on threads only) facing backwards. Much easier to get the grease gun on. Once assembled, pump in grease until all the air is out and it is packed. Do this before installing shocks and rear wheel so you can arc the swing arm as you pump. Get it packed and forget about it!

[denward17]

Does your swing arm have a std. grease nipple, centre underside? Take it out and make sure hole is clear. I replace it with a 45 degree nipple and loctite it in (very small drop on threads only) facing backwards. Much easier to get the grease gun on. Once assembled, pump in grease until all the air is out and it is packed. Do this before installing shocks and rear wheel so you can arc the swing arm as you pump. Get it packed and forget about it!

yes, it already has a 45 degree nipple and has been cleaned out.  Will fill it up with grease during install...Thanks for the loctite tip.

[BenelliSEI]

It really helps to move it up and down and leave the cross bolt loose when packing it full the first time. The more you get in there the better!

[Alan F.]

I remember Hondaman said to use only one kind of grease with his swingarm bushings, I'll check my private messages maybe it's there.

Nope, can't fine it in email or private messages. I think it's in the written directions he sent when return shipping my swingarm in 2008 but who knows where they've gone to. I bought the recommended grease then but I couldn't guess what it is called.

[denward17]

Re-installed swing arm today and used a Sharpie paint pen to spiff up the alt. cover.

Should I do the circle?



UPDATE:
The sharpie pen paint is rubbing off after several days of drying, will probably clean up and use a different method.

[newday777]

Re-installed swing arm today and used a Sharpie paint pen to spiff up the alt. cover.

Should I do the circle?

They didn't come with the circle painted, though some paint theirs.

[denward17]

I think I will leave it like it is.......Thanks for the pics...

I'm struggling with my exhaust decision.........

I have a very nice set of the original pipes, but keep thinking of a 4into1 Delkevic, not sure why, but kinda want one...

[BenelliSEI]

Personally I really like the stock pipes, but it’s your bike, go with your gut!

What’s a “sharpie paint pen”? That looks really good.

[grcamna2]

Personally I really like the stock pipes, but it’s your bike, go with your gut!

What’s a “sharpie paint pen”? That looks really good.

I love the 4 into 4 stock exhaust also.

[denward17]

Personally I really like the stock pipes, but it’s your bike, go with your gut!

What’s a “sharpie paint pen”? That looks really good.

oil based paint in a pen with a felt tip...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WL2NM0K?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

[BenelliSEI]

Thanks! I’ll pick one up.

[RAFster122s]

Delkevic pipes are high quality and are far throatier than stock. You can always pick them up and try them for a while. I am betting you could easily get 1/2 of they cost back if you sold them used if you didn't like them.
The stock 4-into-4 is classic but no one who likes bikes is going to criticize you for running the Delkevic. Just clean up and prep the pipes for storage if you do pull them. It is either DonR or Erik who use Eastwood's exhaust paint designed for inside an exhaust system to help extend the life of these pipes. There are ways to give the inside of a set of used pipes a good cleaning prior to the Eastwood coating.
Then a good wax job after cleaning up the exterior and the pipes will store up nicely with no deterioration.
Humid environments can wreck pipes and cars where moisture condensate just activates any rust and acids...

David

[BenelliSEI]

I have a Hindle set on my Rickman project and what really impresses me is their weight. The whole thing weighs almost nothing!

[PeWe]

Yes,
Hindle 4-2-1 is ultra light.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

The Hindle cuts a large amount of weight and in my opinion is of better quality design than the Delkevic.

[denward17]

Installed new throttle, choke and clutch cables today....


Little more cleaning of different items.

Cut some automotive heater hose to install on frame before engine installation.

Waiting on machine shop services...
 

[Stev-o]

Personally I really like the stock pipes, but it’s your bike, go with your gut!

What’s a “sharpie paint pen”? That looks really good.

I love the 4 into 4 stock exhaust also.

+1 on the 4 into 4.  You can always buy aftermarket later...

[BenelliSEI]

Yes,
Hindle 4-2-1 is ultra light.

PeWe.... I’ll bet the entire Hindle weighs less than one stock pipe. It came attached to my last cb750F when I bought it and as I pulled it off, was super impressed.

[seanbarney41]

People poo poo weight savings, but this is the real performance improvement of a 4-1.  Very little change in engine performance, but knocking 25 pounds off a 500  pounder immediately makes a noticeable improvement.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

People poo poo weight savings, but this is the real performance improvement of a 4-1.  Very little change in engine performance, but knocking 25 pounds off a 500  pounder immediately makes a noticeable improvement.

Yes, and I notice that the bike seems to be a little more responsive on the low end.

[BenelliSEI]

Installed new throttle, choke and clutch cables today....


Little more cleaning of different items.

Cut some automotive heater hose to install on frame before engine installation.

Waiting on machine shop services...

I keep all the old hand grips I cut off, they work well to protect the frame. 3/4” pipe insulation works too.

[denward17]

Just FYI, the Sharpie paint pen is easy to use, but it appears after several days of drying, it can still be wiped off easily.

Will probably clean out and try some other method.  I did use a heat gun on it, but it just wipes off with finger pressure.

[BenelliSEI]

Just FYI, the Sharpie paint pen is easy to use, but it appears after several days of drying, it can still be wiped off easily.

Will probably clean out and try some other method.  I did use a heat gun on it, but it just wipes off with finger pressure.

Thanks for that warning. I use a good enamel paint and a tooth pick, slow and painful! I want to save the tank badges on the S/C. I wonder if I could use the pen and then clear coat??