NB: These instructions are given for guidance only and cannot engage the author's liability in the event of misinterpretation, failure to assess the vehicle's actual condition and/or non-conformity, unsuitable mechanical practice or the use of inappropriate tools.
Replacing the swingarm needle-bushing kit. This kit replaces the original system on bikes already fitted with such a setup. It also advantageously replaces the older systems (silentblocks or bronze bushes), provided you insert between the two bushes a steel spacer of 137 × 24 × 16 mm and add a grease nipple to swingarms not yet fitted with one.
Removing the old bushes / bearings / silentblocks
Sometimes difficult (tight fit, corrosion). First remove the central part (burn off the rubber of silentblocks with a blowtorch), then carefully cut (Dremel) one side of the outer cage without damaging the swingarm body. Peel off the rest with a small chisel and remove it. A more effective method: lay a few small arc-weld beads inside the cage — the thermal shrinkage frees it and it drives out with a bronze drift. Then clean the housing carefully (soft rotary brush) and check for any rough edges.
Fitting the new bushes
- Warm the swingarm bores slightly (without damaging the paint), grease them lightly with copper grease.
- Fit one of the two cages, grease all the parts and the inside of the swingarm (bearing grease), then assemble the parts in order. The two curved washers hold the central spacer in position to ease insertion of the axle.
- Once in place, the two inner bushes protrude about 3 mm from the ends of the swingarm; the two Nylon washers take up this gap and act as dust covers between frame and swingarm.
- Fit the swingarm, tighten the axle nuts to the specified torque (80 Nm), check it swings freely and without play, then fill the swingarm with grease via the nipple.