Mosshead

odds and ends, bearings and grease

December 28th, 2005

Got the front wheel off the other day, knocked out the bearings and inspected them. The grease looks brand new and overall they look in good shape. I have no idea if the previous owner had already replaced them or if they really are just in remarkable good shape.

Joe showed me how to test the wiggle room of the bearings. I think these sorts of diagnostics require a fair amount of experience. I wouldn’t necessarily differentiate “good wiggle” from “very bad wiggle”. I’m not sure the flange is supposed to be bent back that way, either. Doesn’t seem like it should.

I went to order new oil seals from MikesXS but strangely, Mike’s seems to only offer 1 of the 2 oil seals I need… which causes me to question if my wheels are from 1972 or some other year? How to tell?? So, the search begins - how to identify the year of the wheel.

In the meantime, I need to order new sprockets - the ones on there are pretty rough.

The gear ratio on the bike right now is 17:35 which from all reports should translate to a noticeable vibration at high speeds. From what I’ve read, a 17:32 ratio will improve the higher rpm vibrations. I just hope that bringing the ratio down like that won’t introduce vibration to mid-range rpms.

I researched whether I should consider a drive belt conversion. While I didn’t really learn any specifics, my gut tells me it’s just as much maintenance as a chain, and the chain is a known quantity so I’ll stick to that unless someone convinces me otherwise. So, after I’ve changed the gear ration, how do I figure out how many links should be in the chain? {sigh} more research

I read on new xs650 garage that the 2 into 1 exhaust that came with my bike seems to provide better power at high ranges, but the 2 into 2 exhaust is better for mid-range rpms. Hmm. The exhaust is fairly rusted so if it doesn’t clean up well (ie, cleaning the rust off leaves behind pin holes) I’ll have to think about what to replace it with. I like the look of the 2-1, especially black chromed.

So, that was this afternoon. Not much accomplished, but plenty learned.

Entry Filed under: i like bikes