GS650 grease point

[Guest]

Hi,
my father just recently got a 1983 yamaha xs650 and I saw that there where grease nipples on the swing arm. That got me wondering: Are there any grease points on the GS family? mine is a GS650GL with the SHAFT DRIVE (probably very important). I know about the final drive gear oil but my shop manual doesn't talk anywhere about grease. Just want to make sure im not skipping over some important maintenance!




L.Leblanc
1982GS650GL

 

[salty_monk]

There aren't any as stock but some people have been known to tap one into the swingarm for greasing the pivot.

 

[Steve]

Your swingarm pivots are tapered roller bearings. Quite a bit more durable than the needle bearings in the chain-driven bikes. At some time during the ownership of each of my bikes (all shafties, if you notice my signature), I have had the swingarm bearings out for inspection and re-packing. Have never had to do it again on any of them, so I would just pack them well, then ignore them.

.

 

[Guest]

There aren't any as stock but some people have been known to tap one into the swingarm for greasing the pivot.

Would that be a good idea? I know its a high stress point.

 

[Gorminrider]

Hi,
my father just recently got a 1983 yamaha xs650 and I saw that there where grease nipples on the swing arm. That got me wondering: Are there any grease points on the GS family? mine is a GS650GL with the SHAFT DRIVE (probably very important). I know about the final drive gear oil but my shop manual doesn't talk anywhere about grease. Just want to make sure im not skipping over some important maintenance!L.Leblanc
1982GS650GL

I think there are grease points on the XS650 because they use bushings at the swing arm, not sealed roller bearings like a Suzuki. But, many Suzukis (and the XS650 too, I guess)can use regreasing at the steering stem bearings.

 

[bwringer]

As Steve said, shaft drive GS Suzukis use ridiculously stout tapered bearings in the swingarm. Poke some grease at them once every 50 years or so and you'll be fine. No need to drill holes or add grease zerks.

Chain drive GS Suzukis use needle bearings in the swingarm. These are far more delicate and should be checked for play at each tire change. These really need be greased every few years, especially if you've ridden in the rain much. They come from the factory with only the faintest whisper of ear wax. Water entry around the seals and corrosion is what kills these. People have been known to add grease zerks to the swingarms and pivots in clever locations; just make sure you're not filling the ENTIRE swingarm with grease or anything silly like that.