Topic: swing arm bearings, are they worth it?

[jaguar]

rebuilding my 76 CB750F into a cafe. 
saw then neddle bearing kit for the swing arm on the dynoman site for like 70 bucks.  is it worth it?  what does it do?
thanks

[number13]

I think the general consensus is that the
needle bearings work, but the cheaper
bronze replacements work just as well and '
are closer to Honda spec.
Go with the bronze.

[Roach Carver]

hondaman does a complete overhaul of your swingarm with new bushings and re- truing the axle. I would contact him.

[jaguar]

where do they sell the bronze bushings?  what was stock?  whats the idea behind the bearings?

[Steve F]

The stock bearings were molded nylon or similar plastic.  I just made a new set out of Delrin, and there's NO play anymore, probably good for another 30K mikes.  Bronze if good, but still needs regular maintenance if not more.  Probably won't last any longer considering the type of service they see, just my opinion.  Needle bearings is overkill.
The idea of the swingarm bearings is to keep the rear wheel where it belongs, and not wagging about, especially in turns.

[MRieck]

 I've used needles for years....absolutely no complaints. Ask Andy 750.....he rode my bike 2 days ago. I didn't hear him complain.

[canyon750]

Do NOT use the plastic swingarm bearings!  Unless i was doing something incredibly wrong they are difficult to install and can be damaged very easily going in.  The bronze units are a dream to install and the ride on my 76' 750F almost feels like a new bike.   

[jonbuoy]

Is there an agreement as to which is better - needle or Bronze?  I was going to order bronze from M3 Racing but if needle is better I'll go that way.

[jaguar]

im cool with over kill.  i want the bike to be bomb proof when im done. 
also i do plan to ride the wheels off this thing so maybe the bearings are the way to go

[bill440cars]

where do they sell the bronze bushings?  what was stock?  whats the idea behind the bearings?

        If you have HondaMan redo your swingarm, he'll make the bronze bushings as part of the deal. When he's through with it, it'll be "Like New". Unless you're totally decided on the needle bearings, talk to Mark (HondaMan) and get his assessment. Not saying ANYTHINGagainst those who have the needle bearings, just saying to check ALL the angles.

                                Later on, Bill  

[Jinxracing]

The stock bearings were molded nylon or similar plastic.  I just made a new set out of Delrin, and there's NO play anymore, probably good for another 30K mikes.  Bronze if good, but still needs regular maintenance if not more.  Probably won't last any longer considering the type of service they see, just my opinion.  Needle bearings is overkill.
The idea of the swingarm bearings is to keep the rear wheel where it belongs, and not wagging about, especially in turns.

Steve, if you don't mind could you post a few months from now as to the state of those Delrin bushings? My experience with Acetal/Delrin in the past made me decide to plan for a different material (oil-impregnated bronze). I'd think Delrin would be too brittle but I'd love to hear about it if they last...much easier to maching than bronze. 

[Steve F]

The stock bearings were molded nylon or similar plastic.  I just made a new set out of Delrin, and there's NO play anymore, probably good for another 30K mikes.  Bronze if good, but still needs regular maintenance if not more.  Probably won't last any longer considering the type of service they see, just my opinion.  Needle bearings is overkill.
The idea of the swingarm bearings is to keep the rear wheel where it belongs, and not wagging about, especially in turns.

Steve, if you don't mind could you post a few months from now as to the state of those Delrin bushings? My experience with Acetal/Delrin in the past made me decide to plan for a different material (oil-impregnated bronze). I'd think Delrin would be too brittle but I'd love to hear about it if they last...much easier to maching than bronze. 

I should say I didn't "JUST" make them, by rather I installed them this spring, and I'll check on them soon to see how things are holding up.  Oil-ite bronze was my next choice, if the delrin was too fragile, but I had no issues with the Delrin, and I held the I.D./O.D. tolerances really tight to get the almost interference fit that I wanted.  I also took a triangle file, and put a small groove on the I.D. to get grease to travel down after assembly....it was that close of a fit.

[jaguar]

i would also assume that some bearing kits are better then others....anyone got some thought on that?

[ken74-550K0]

I would strongly recommend going with Honda Man.  I had him install and fit a set of swing arm bushings for my 550 and the handling difference was a dramatic improvement.  For the price, you can't beat the quality and service you are going to get from Mark.

[jevfro]

The stock bearings were molded nylon or similar plastic.  I just made a new set out of Delrin, and there's NO play anymore, probably good for another 30K mikes.  Bronze if good, but still needs regular maintenance if not more.  Probably won't last any longer considering the type of service they see, just my opinion.  Needle bearings is overkill.
The idea of the swingarm bearings is to keep the rear wheel where it belongs, and not wagging about, especially in turns.

Steve, if you don't mind could you post a few months from now as to the state of those Delrin bushings? My experience with Acetal/Delrin in the past made me decide to plan for a different material (oil-impregnated bronze). I'd think Delrin would be too brittle but I'd love to hear about it if they last...much easier to maching than bronze. 

I should say I didn't "JUST" make them, by rather I installed them this spring, and I'll check on them soon to see how things are holding up.  Oil-ite bronze was my next choice, if the delrin was too fragile, but I had no issues with the Delrin, and I held the I.D./O.D. tolerances really tight to get the almost interference fit that I wanted.  I also took a triangle file, and put a small groove on the I.D. to get grease to travel down after assembly....it was that close of a fit.

Where do you get Delrin? Did you machine it on a lathe to get the fit you wanted?

[Steve F]

The stock bearings were molded nylon or similar plastic.  I just made a new set out of Delrin, and there's NO play anymore, probably good for another 30K mikes.  Bronze if good, but still needs regular maintenance if not more.  Probably won't last any longer considering the type of service they see, just my opinion.  Needle bearings is overkill.
The idea of the swingarm bearings is to keep the rear wheel where it belongs, and not wagging about, especially in turns.

Steve, if you don't mind could you post a few months from now as to the state of those Delrin bushings? My experience with Acetal/Delrin in the past made me decide to plan for a different material (oil-impregnated bronze). I'd think Delrin would be too brittle but I'd love to hear about it if they last...much easier to maching than bronze. 

I should say I didn't "JUST" make them, by rather I installed them this spring, and I'll check on them soon to see how things are holding up.  Oil-ite bronze was my next choice, if the delrin was too fragile, but I had no issues with the Delrin, and I held the I.D./O.D. tolerances really tight to get the almost interference fit that I wanted.  I also took a triangle file, and put a small groove on the I.D. to get grease to travel down after assembly....it was that close of a fit.

Where do you get Delrin? Did you machine it on a lathe to get the fit you wanted?

Delrin is available in small quantities from McMaster-Carr or from local plastics suppliers like Atlas Fiber with minimum orders etc.  I turned them on a lathe, using a bore micrometer, and finished them to snug slip fit on the spindle and swing arm bores. 
They MUST slip into the swing arm with minimal tapping with a plastic mallet, or the I.D. will close up...hence the close tolerances.  I'm happy with the results.

[Jinxracing]

In addition to the sources Steve listed, you can also beg "samples" from most plastic suppliers if a small quantity is all you need. I sourced a lot of machining stock that way back when I first got my lathe.