Author Topic: Poly Final Drive Bushings instead of Needle Bearings  (Read 3347 times)

Offline Big_B

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Poly Final Drive Bushings instead of Needle Bearings
« on: May 27, 2019, 02:25:37 PM »
I found these poly bushing replacements for the needle bearings in our final drives. Does anyone have experience with them or reasons why they may be a bad idea?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/183706367525?_trksid=p2485308.m570.l5999&_trkparms=gh1g%3DI183706367525.N36.S1.R2.TR3



  • North Easton, MA
  • 93 K1100RS
'93 K1100RS 75K miles all stock w/Fox aftermarket shock Corbin seat.

Offline Laitch

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Re: Poly Final Drive Bushings instead of Needle Bearings
« Reply #1 on: May 27, 2019, 05:06:39 PM »
If FAG has the same type of specification table for the 10-6495a bearing that Roehling provides for Sustamid 6, a comparison would help settle matters. Sustamid already has a track record of successful use as bearing and bushing material in machinery.

The drawback here is that you need to rely on the precision of the vendor's machining without having any references for them as a company—that I could find anyway. Additionally, they have only been able to estimate the product's lifespan because its road-testing is still underway. It's encouraging that they're open about that. It also appears that this product is really new to the market. It has not created havoc with their test moto so they're saying, Feck it; let's sell some! :giggles  Right on!

Consider yourself a test pilot if you go for this. I'll be surprised if there's a cascade of user reports on this one any time soon.

 
  • Along the Ridley in Vermont.
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Offline volador

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Offline Laitch

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Re: Poly Final Drive Bushings instead of Needle Bearings
« Reply #3 on: May 27, 2019, 07:01:59 PM »
What's driving the interest about these poly bushings in both Belarus and Massachusetts is they cost generally 60% less than regular bearings. If the EI kit has a good track record, it seems like a good choice.
  • Along the Ridley in Vermont.
  • 1995 K75 89,000 miles
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Offline caveman

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Re: Poly Final Drive Bushings instead of Needle Bearings
« Reply #4 on: May 27, 2019, 11:35:16 PM »
I've met and delt with Tom at rubber chicken and he seems like a straight shooter, I'd give it a try!
  • Kennerdell, PA.
  • 87 K100RT, 88 K100LT

Offline Big_B

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Re: Poly Final Drive Bushings instead of Needle Bearings
« Reply #5 on: May 28, 2019, 02:49:39 PM »
What's driving the interest about these poly bushing in both Belarus and Massachusetts is they cost generally 60% less than regular bearings. If the EI kit has a good track record, it seems like a good choice.

You're correct the price point is driving my interest in a solution. $40 includes shipping while OEM is $50 per side, seems like a no brainer if they work. I'll see about ordering a set after I get Big Blue to fire up again. Just keep telling myself that test pilots are much cooler than guinea pigs!
  • North Easton, MA
  • 93 K1100RS
'93 K1100RS 75K miles all stock w/Fox aftermarket shock Corbin seat.

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