"08" suspension bearing failure.

[kxpegger]

http://contour.com/stories/08-kawasaki-450f-bearing-failure

[Friar-Tuck]

 Thanks for taking the time to record and post Pegger!
  Piccy is worth a thousand words!
  Tuck\o/

[kxpegger]

Friar,

It just may be my turn in the barrel. I must admit that I have hammered the bike out here in the desert. My best one was a 30ft vertical drop off of a cliff about a 1 1/2 years ago... another one of my smooth moves! Landing was a perfect 10 but I did sustain some long term injury for awhile but not bad enough to keep me off my bikes.

I'm going to measure the ID and OD's to see if the Suzuki bearings will fit. If I remember right the Honda used full caged bearings in that area but I'm not sure which style would be better. Both of my Zooks have been hammered pretty good also but no problems yet with their style of bearings.

When I took things apart there was plenty of grease left so I don't think lubrication was the issue. For now I'm just going to replace with Kawasaki OEM's and like you said keep an eye things a little more often.

Thanks, I try to help when I can!

[kxpegger]

I cannot address what older Kawasaki models used only my "08" 450F chassis 500AF. It uses whats called a drawn cup closed end needle bearing with non-removable rollers. The outer race is stamped around the roller bearing end pins. Also the bearing is designed to be pressed in only one way to avoid damage.



http://www.timken.com/en-us/solutions/automotive/aftermarket/lightduty/TechTips/Documents/Vol5Iss1_Needle_Bearing_Installation_Part2of3.pdf