Linkage zerks

[RM_Rider14]

Am I blind or does the K5 not have them?  If not if taking the linkage apart the only way to grease it up?

  TIA-

[cutting torch]

None on my ''87 KX500, or my'92 KX250, or my'08KLX450, or my buddy's '07KLX300. My '83 KX125 didn't have zerks either.

I know it's green, but it ain't a John Deere!

torch

[DoldGuy]

RM,

They don't come with them but can be installed. I put them in my 93 KX250 back in the day but was a PITA to get to the Zerks, also had to remove set screws in the swingarm pivot to install the zerk fittings remove the chain slider to get to the set screws, so you can see it was just as easy to remove the linkage & swingarm. There was a company about 15 or so years ago that made the linkage bolts with zerks installed, but were a bit pricey.

DoldGuy

[RM_Rider14]

Thanks fellas, linkage coming apart tonight then.

  Hey Torch, leaving early Sat' morning to ride 717 with two buddies.  Hows 'bout it?  If it's raining I'm gonna hold off and hit LHC or VDR Sunday.  Either Way, it'd be great to ride with ya.

  B-

[Polar-Bus]

Kawasaki has never put zerks on any KX.

I've tried to some sucess, but the major issue is Kawi uses case hardened inner bushings that can't be drilled. So you add zerks, but you will only get lubrication to the outer portion of the bushings.

[Goat]

Kawasaki has never put zerks on any KX.

My 85 KX500 had zerks on the rear linkage bolts.

[ktmdude]

Synergy makes a lowering bushing for ktm (no linkage) but it also makes a "z bolt" for the bushing kit. It is a bolt drilled and tapped with a zerk fitting. I don't know if they make non ktm parts, but if there was enough demand they may start making stuff for us kxers. I know that they make fork seals for most bikes. But I think that they focus on ktm for the most part.

[maddoggy]

you could take your bolt to a trusted machine shop and have the head end center drilled half way and one side cross drilled. i wouldn't size bigger than maybe 1/8" and have them drill the outer 3/8" deep and have them tap it for a zerk. not sure that this would work but sounds like a worthwhile try. polar-bus stated the reason why an external zerk on the linkage would most likely not work.

[Roostmad1]

Synergy makes a lowering bushing for ktm (no linkage) but it also makes a "z bolt" for the bushing kit. It is a bolt drilled and tapped with a zerk fitting. I don't know if they make non ktm parts, but if there was enough demand they may start making stuff for us kxers. I know that they make fork seals for most bikes. But I think that they focus on ktm for the most part.

zerk is that what you call "grease nipples" in the US?learn something new everyday!!,i think its better talking the linkage apart and regreasing it properly

[demographic]

I remember reading about someone with a KDX who put grease nipples onto the swingarm of his bike.
The swingarm spindle is hollow and they blokes off one end, put a grease nipple on the other end, drilled through (using a very small drill) the swing arm where the bearing sleeves are then drilled thought the very hard bearing sleeves so the grease that came through the spindle and out of the holes could get through to the bearings.

I've seen the same sort of thing on an old Maico and liked the idea (IIRC the Maico also had grease nipples on the linkage) but never got round to doing it on my KX yet.

I'll give it a go at some point.

[KXcam22]

My sons XR200 comes with grease nipples.  I modded our XR100 and added grease nipples to the linkage, swingarm and steering head.  It could be easily done to the KX linkages.  If the linkage is a 2-bearing type with a gap in the middle you can drill an tap the linkage.  It is a long one-bearing type (swingarm etc) you have to drill the bolt instead.  Tip: take a photo of the linkage in place. Then you can see what angle to put the greas nipple at. Nothing worse than proudly installing your modded linkage, only to find that you can't actually get a greas gun on it due to interference from other parts. Cam.

[Goat]

Nice job Cam. May be doing that to my K5 this winter when I replace my bearings.

[demographic]

I found the thread on Dirtridernet about linkage zerks, I don't know if the pictures on the thread will show up to non members but its well worth a look if they do.

http://www.dirtrider.net/forums3/showthread.php?p=872355#post872355

[Purpletj]

Thats a very nice write-up. thanks for sharing.

[Polar-Bus]

Kawasaki has never put zerks on any KX.

My 85 KX500 had zerks on the rear linkage bolts.

Now you just jogged my cob-webbed brain. I seem to now remember My '84 KX125 had 2 zerks on the dogbone as well....  GOOD memory !