Buying used - how do you check....

Hammer 663s
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Hammer 663s
Edited Date/Time 6/7/2020 4:19pm
linkage and swingarm bearings? I swear 90% of the used bikes I've bought had one or more of the linkage bearings ruined. My neighbor just picked up an 18 FC350 that looked decent, rode fine, 60 hours on the meter. When I took off th shock for service, I found that the swingarm bearings and 2 of the 4 linkage bearings are trashed.

Amazed that people are either so clueless or so lazy that they won't service these bearings. Yeah, it's a long nasty job but so satisfying in the end.

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crowe176
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crowe176 6/7/2020 12:44pm
6/7/2020 12:44pm
Should pretty much expect to do all that when you buy a used bike.
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CarlinoJoeVideo
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CarlinoJoeVideo 6/7/2020 12:45pm
6/7/2020 12:45pm
The only real way is to pull the pivot bolts and look.

The way I do it, is to try and take some money off the asking price and be ready to replace things like that.
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eric513anderson 6/7/2020 12:46pm
6/7/2020 12:46pm
If it’s sitting on a box stand check the swingarm for up & down play in those bearings. As far as the linkage goes like others said I’d just replace it all anyways
CarlinoJoeVideo
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CarlinoJoeVideo 6/7/2020 1:09pm
6/7/2020 1:09pm
eric513anderson wrote:
If it’s sitting on a box stand check the swingarm for up & down play in those bearings. As far as the linkage goes like others...
If it’s sitting on a box stand check the swingarm for up & down play in those bearings. As far as the linkage goes like others said I’d just replace it all anyways
But I’ve had new bikes with some play. I guess you can check for excessive movement.

On my 2016 KTM I’ve replaced pivot bolts, cleaned and regressed everything and it still moved while on the stand.

With new/used bikes, I just go through them and start my own maintenance schedule.

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Hammer 663s
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Hammer 663s 6/7/2020 1:38pm
6/7/2020 1:38pm
eric513anderson wrote:
If it’s sitting on a box stand check the swingarm for up & down play in those bearings. As far as the linkage goes like others...
If it’s sitting on a box stand check the swingarm for up & down play in those bearings. As far as the linkage goes like others said I’d just replace it all anyways
It didn’t seem to have any play. I suppose all the rust took up any slack. Wink Well they are all out with replacements on the way. I always regrease these each winter and they last forever.

Btw the fresh grease is from the 2 I fixed before I found the others were ruined. Start with the bad ones first next time!


Rickyisms
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Rickyisms 6/7/2020 2:08pm
6/7/2020 2:08pm
eric513anderson wrote:
If it’s sitting on a box stand check the swingarm for up & down play in those bearings. As far as the linkage goes like others...
If it’s sitting on a box stand check the swingarm for up & down play in those bearings. As far as the linkage goes like others said I’d just replace it all anyways
CarlinoJoeVideo wrote:
But I’ve had new bikes with some play. I guess you can check for excessive movement. On my 2016 KTM I’ve replaced pivot bolts, cleaned and...
But I’ve had new bikes with some play. I guess you can check for excessive movement.

On my 2016 KTM I’ve replaced pivot bolts, cleaned and regressed everything and it still moved while on the stand.

With new/used bikes, I just go through them and start my own maintenance schedule.

Same here on my 16s. Done the swingarm and linkage so many times and always have play no matter what.
kkawboy14
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kkawboy14 6/7/2020 2:09pm
6/7/2020 2:09pm Edited Date/Time 6/7/2020 2:10pm
If you were buying a used bike and pulled the bolts to look and found they were bad.....would you then refuse to purchase the bike? Offer them less money if they are bad?

You said it yourself, “it’s a long nasty job”!
Hammer 663s
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Hammer 663s 6/7/2020 2:14pm
6/7/2020 2:14pm
kkawboy14 wrote:
If you were buying a used bike and pulled the bolts to look and found they were bad.....would you then refuse to purchase the bike? Offer...
If you were buying a used bike and pulled the bolts to look and found they were bad.....would you then refuse to purchase the bike? Offer them less money if they are bad?

You said it yourself, “it’s a long nasty job”!
Yup, I’d drop $250 from my offer right there. $125 for parts and 4 hours labor at least. Glad we got this Fc at $300 under ask.
kkawboy14
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kkawboy14 6/7/2020 2:22pm
6/7/2020 2:22pm
kkawboy14 wrote:
If you were buying a used bike and pulled the bolts to look and found they were bad.....would you then refuse to purchase the bike? Offer...
If you were buying a used bike and pulled the bolts to look and found they were bad.....would you then refuse to purchase the bike? Offer them less money if they are bad?

You said it yourself, “it’s a long nasty job”!
Hammer 663s wrote:
Yup, I’d drop $250 from my offer right there. $125 for parts and 4 hours labor at least. Glad we got this Fc at $300 under...
Yup, I’d drop $250 from my offer right there. $125 for parts and 4 hours labor at least. Glad we got this Fc at $300 under ask.
I just would automatically offer them less but man I’m over buying used stuff. Just nothing like a crisp new bike!
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Hammer 663s
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Hammer 663s 6/7/2020 2:31pm
6/7/2020 2:31pm
kkawboy14 wrote:
I just would automatically offer them less but man I’m over buying used stuff. Just nothing like a crisp new bike!
Yeah I way prefer new but this was a buy for my 14 year old neighbor. I had to lean on his Dad hard just for a good used bike. His Dad doesn’t ride and knows nothing about bikes.

I will say buying from a Vet is often a good thing. Usually well maintained and setup, low hours and not ridden hard. Like all of my bikes!!! Smile
kkawboy14
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kkawboy14 6/7/2020 3:03pm
6/7/2020 3:03pm
kkawboy14 wrote:
I just would automatically offer them less but man I’m over buying used stuff. Just nothing like a crisp new bike!
Hammer 663s wrote:
Yeah I way prefer new but this was a buy for my 14 year old neighbor. I had to lean on his Dad hard just for...
Yeah I way prefer new but this was a buy for my 14 year old neighbor. I had to lean on his Dad hard just for a good used bike. His Dad doesn’t ride and knows nothing about bikes.

I will say buying from a Vet is often a good thing. Usually well maintained and setup, low hours and not ridden hard. Like all of my bikes!!! Smile
Nice!
Pirate421
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Pirate421 6/7/2020 3:06pm
6/7/2020 3:06pm
This is the big importance of tearing your bike down as soon as you get it home. I got my new 2020 on Friday and before I rode it I took it apart and greased everything. Every bolt was dry the bearings had a very light coat of grease and now it’s good for the summer. My wife always says I’m crazy for taking new bikes apart but it really is an essential task that will save you down the road.
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Samuel
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Samuel 6/7/2020 3:21pm
6/7/2020 3:21pm
I bought a bike last month. 2013 ktm 250sx. The lower and upper shock bearings were the worst. Linkage wasn't great either. But I'm getting it dialed in nice. Will be good when all my parts finally show up. This is the lower shock bearing.
Hammer 663s
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Hammer 663s 6/7/2020 3:22pm
6/7/2020 3:22pm Edited Date/Time 6/7/2020 3:23pm
Pirate421 wrote:
This is the big importance of tearing your bike down as soon as you get it home. I got my new 2020 on Friday and before...
This is the big importance of tearing your bike down as soon as you get it home. I got my new 2020 on Friday and before I rode it I took it apart and greased everything. Every bolt was dry the bearings had a very light coat of grease and now it’s good for the summer. My wife always says I’m crazy for taking new bikes apart but it really is an essential task that will save you down the road.
Yup. In the last 2 years I bought an 18 FC350 for me, and my boy an 18 KX85, both our first new bikes ever, and I did that right away, plus fresh coolant and brake fluid. Then the bearings get done again every winter. I even pull the wheel bearings and seals and clean/regrease them. My stuff is always in good shape. Time in the shop is time for me to recharge and feel like I got something done.
bvm111
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bvm111 6/7/2020 3:24pm
6/7/2020 3:24pm
i just finished greasing my new 20 450 SXF FE this afternoon... i was impressed with quantity in the head bearings but, as pirate said above all the linkage and swingarm bearings were lightly greased. They are now all fully packed with Motorex 2000 grease... i learned the hard way with maxima bearing grease! I wouldn’t even grease my air filter with Maxima grease, and i’m a lifelong maxima guy!
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Hammer 663s
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Hammer 663s 6/7/2020 3:30pm
6/7/2020 3:30pm
kkawboy14 wrote:
I just would automatically offer them less but man I’m over buying used stuff. Just nothing like a crisp new bike!
Hammer 663s wrote:
Yeah I way prefer new but this was a buy for my 14 year old neighbor. I had to lean on his Dad hard just for...
Yeah I way prefer new but this was a buy for my 14 year old neighbor. I had to lean on his Dad hard just for a good used bike. His Dad doesn’t ride and knows nothing about bikes.

I will say buying from a Vet is often a good thing. Usually well maintained and setup, low hours and not ridden hard. Like all of my bikes!!! Smile
kkawboy14 wrote:
Nice!
The neighborhood parents call me the Pied Piper of motorcycles. There's always bikes in the garage and drive, and neighborhood kids around. It's really interesting how much a magnet a dirt bike is to every kid that goes by, girl or boy. I've taught several to ride, and some now have their own bikes, and ride with me and my boy.

Teach a kid to ride dirt bikes and they'll never have money for drugs. The parents laugh at first but after a year they get it. Smile

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Hammer 663s
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Hammer 663s 6/7/2020 3:33pm
6/7/2020 3:33pm
bvm111 wrote:
i just finished greasing my new 20 450 SXF FE this afternoon... i was impressed with quantity in the head bearings but, as pirate said above...
i just finished greasing my new 20 450 SXF FE this afternoon... i was impressed with quantity in the head bearings but, as pirate said above all the linkage and swingarm bearings were lightly greased. They are now all fully packed with Motorex 2000 grease... i learned the hard way with maxima bearing grease! I wouldn’t even grease my air filter with Maxima grease, and i’m a lifelong maxima guy!
Really? I use Maxima, and I've never had an issue. But I also don't ride a lot of mud or sand, and since I do it every winter it really doesn't have time to go bad.
109
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109 6/7/2020 3:38pm
6/7/2020 3:38pm
Hammer 663s wrote:
Yeah I way prefer new but this was a buy for my 14 year old neighbor. I had to lean on his Dad hard just for...
Yeah I way prefer new but this was a buy for my 14 year old neighbor. I had to lean on his Dad hard just for a good used bike. His Dad doesn’t ride and knows nothing about bikes.

I will say buying from a Vet is often a good thing. Usually well maintained and setup, low hours and not ridden hard. Like all of my bikes!!! Smile
kkawboy14 wrote:
Nice!
Hammer 663s wrote:
The neighborhood parents call me the Pied Piper of motorcycles. There's always bikes in the garage and drive, and neighborhood kids around. It's really interesting how...
The neighborhood parents call me the Pied Piper of motorcycles. There's always bikes in the garage and drive, and neighborhood kids around. It's really interesting how much a magnet a dirt bike is to every kid that goes by, girl or boy. I've taught several to ride, and some now have their own bikes, and ride with me and my boy.

Teach a kid to ride dirt bikes and they'll never have money for drugs. The parents laugh at first but after a year they get it. Smile

Hammer
Need more people like you around

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Pirate421
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Pirate421 6/7/2020 3:47pm
6/7/2020 3:47pm
bvm111 wrote:
i just finished greasing my new 20 450 SXF FE this afternoon... i was impressed with quantity in the head bearings but, as pirate said above...
i just finished greasing my new 20 450 SXF FE this afternoon... i was impressed with quantity in the head bearings but, as pirate said above all the linkage and swingarm bearings were lightly greased. They are now all fully packed with Motorex 2000 grease... i learned the hard way with maxima bearing grease! I wouldn’t even grease my air filter with Maxima grease, and i’m a lifelong maxima guy!
I’ve always been a big fan or bel ray waterproof grease. Maxima has always seemed to be pretty liquid and doesn’t hold up as well.
Hammer 663s
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Hammer 663s 6/7/2020 3:47pm
6/7/2020 3:47pm
109 wrote:
Need more people like you around
Thank you, and I agree. Me and my neighbors boy are in the shop now, watching SLC on tv. He's polishing his header on the bench grinder now that he's done cleaning all the bearing seating surfaces on the FC350. He's learning a skill he can use his entire life. There's a 10 year old girl who wants to learn too, and we plan to get her out on the TTR in a few weeks.

As we all know, this sport takes incredible commitment, fitness, focus, and effort. Plus you need to know electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical systems. What parent wouldn't want their kid to learn all that?
Hammer 663s
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Hammer 663s 6/7/2020 3:52pm
6/7/2020 3:52pm
Samuel wrote:
I bought a bike last month. 2013 ktm 250sx. The lower and upper shock bearings were the worst. Linkage wasn't great either. But I'm getting it...
I bought a bike last month. 2013 ktm 250sx. The lower and upper shock bearings were the worst. Linkage wasn't great either. But I'm getting it dialed in nice. Will be good when all my parts finally show up. This is the lower shock bearing.
That's how the swingarm, the dogbone, and one of the knuckle bearings looked on this FC. And it's only 2 years old!!! I can see it in a 7 year old bike. How the hell does the suspension even move with that amount of friction? The forces are incredible. It will be interesting to see how much better the FC works once the suspension can move with minimal friction.
Zerofear66
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Zerofear66 6/7/2020 4:03pm
6/7/2020 4:03pm
Samuel wrote:
I bought a bike last month. 2013 ktm 250sx. The lower and upper shock bearings were the worst. Linkage wasn't great either. But I'm getting it...
I bought a bike last month. 2013 ktm 250sx. The lower and upper shock bearings were the worst. Linkage wasn't great either. But I'm getting it dialed in nice. Will be good when all my parts finally show up. This is the lower shock bearing.
Dam
That's horrible. It's definitely my least favorite job.
But always satisfying when finished.
bvm111
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bvm111 6/7/2020 4:03pm
6/7/2020 4:03pm
bvm111 wrote:
i just finished greasing my new 20 450 SXF FE this afternoon... i was impressed with quantity in the head bearings but, as pirate said above...
i just finished greasing my new 20 450 SXF FE this afternoon... i was impressed with quantity in the head bearings but, as pirate said above all the linkage and swingarm bearings were lightly greased. They are now all fully packed with Motorex 2000 grease... i learned the hard way with maxima bearing grease! I wouldn’t even grease my air filter with Maxima grease, and i’m a lifelong maxima guy!
Hammer 663s wrote:
Really? I use Maxima, and I've never had an issue. But I also don't ride a lot of mud or sand, and since I do it...
Really? I use Maxima, and I've never had an issue. But I also don't ride a lot of mud or sand, and since I do it every winter it really doesn't have time to go bad.
I just replaced all the bearings in my 06 KX250 that has less than 50hrs total on the bike and i usually service my bearings about every 3 months give or take. I had just service mine along with the shock and packed the bearings well with maxima as i usually do and 3 rides later i notice a lot of slop and clanking from the linkage. disassemble again and my upper and lower shock bearings looked dry as well as the swing arm bearings with a lot of play.

A good friend recommended the Motorex and just on feel alone you can tell it’s persistent, can’t even wipe it off my tools at the end without contact cleaner. l have used both bel ray and maxima without any issues for 30 years so i was really disappointed how the maxima washed out and seemed to ruin the bearings.
Hammer 663s
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Hammer 663s 6/7/2020 4:19pm
6/7/2020 4:19pm
bvm111 wrote:
I just replaced all the bearings in my 06 KX250 that has less than 50hrs total on the bike and i usually service my bearings about...
I just replaced all the bearings in my 06 KX250 that has less than 50hrs total on the bike and i usually service my bearings about every 3 months give or take. I had just service mine along with the shock and packed the bearings well with maxima as i usually do and 3 rides later i notice a lot of slop and clanking from the linkage. disassemble again and my upper and lower shock bearings looked dry as well as the swing arm bearings with a lot of play.

A good friend recommended the Motorex and just on feel alone you can tell it’s persistent, can’t even wipe it off my tools at the end without contact cleaner. l have used both bel ray and maxima without any issues for 30 years so i was really disappointed how the maxima washed out and seemed to ruin the bearings.
Huh. Well, in 10+ years of Maxima and dozens of bearing regreases I've never had this happen. Operator error on that job? Or a bad batch of grease?

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