Jazg,
It easy to keep your linkages alive if you follow my number one rule: DON"T PRESSURE WASH THEM. What is common is that guys pressure wash their bike and give the linkage a good washing. Water is forced throught the seals and then the bike is put away until next ride. The water sits there and eventually starts to rust the bearings. end of sermon...One more thing: route the carb overflow lines away from the linkages so the fuel doesn't wash the grease out.
What I use to lube my linkages is a mixture of Belray waterproof grease and some anti-seize, mixed about 50/50. Also when lubing the linkages don't forget the swingarm bearings. They get the same abuse and need the same attension. Wash out the bearing well and regrease. Any bearing needles with flat sides must be replaced as they will slide instead of spinning. On my sons XR100 I drilled the linkage body and put in 3 grease nipples. Wasn't that hard and now I dont have to dissemble it. I have an XR200 that is stock like that. Hope this helps. Cam.
