New bike, what to do?

[The1970's]

Well my bike isn't that new, I've had it about 5 months and been riding it how it is. However, I'm getting ready to install new steering stem bearings and was wondering what else I should do while I'm at it. Now its kinda a case of "Well while i'm at it why not rebuild the bike". So here's my thoughts so far on what to do:

Wheel bearings
Fork seals/oil
Chain & Sprockets
Clutch cable
Swing arm bushings
Rear shocks


What I'm looking for is some guidance on whether or not these things are a good idea or suggestions on what else to do. I've heard the wheel bearings are hard to do and seem to last forever so I'm not sure. I'm just looking to get a nice running bike I can ride for another 20,000 miles.

[Steve]

Nice start to the list, but add tires and brake lines, too.

.

[gsrick]

Well my bike isn't that new, I've had it about 5 months and been riding it how it is. However, I'm getting ready to install new steering stem bearings and was wondering what else I should do while I'm at it. Now its kinda a case of "Well while i'm at it why not rebuild the bike". So here's my thoughts so far on what to do:

Wheel bearings
Fork seals/oil
Chain & Sprockets
Clutch cable
Swing arm bushings
Rear shocks


What I'm looking for is some guidance on whether or not these things are a good idea or suggestions on what else to do. I've heard the wheel bearings are hard to do and seem to last forever so I'm not sure. I'm just looking to get a nice running bike I can ride for another 20,000 miles.

Wheel bearing are not hard to do. I'm sure there are videos that show what needs to be done, but basically you need a long tool, such as a punch or long socket extension, a socket that is the same diameter of the outer diameter of said bearing and a hammer. The punch or extension will be inserted into the axel hole to knock the opposite bearing out from the inside. the first one can be tricky as there is a spacer sleeve that you have to move aside to catch the edge of the bearing and hit it with the hammer until it out. Repeat for the other side. Then come the socket to tap the new bearing back in, unless you have a press. Just make sure it is going in even. The good thing about using a hammer instead of a press, is you can hear a difference in the sound when it bottoms out in the hole. A press is quiet and you may damage the bearing or wheel if you get too much pressure once it bottoms out. NOTE: Don't forget to put the spacer back in before you install the second bearing.

[alke46]

What bike is it? Year and model is helpful information. And we all love pics of said bike.

[sam000lee]

Fork springs up front and an SH775 R/R to sort out your charging. Carb clean with new O-rings and air filter inspection/replacement, and intake and airbox boots if your old ones are dry.

[Gorminrider]

Keep riding it how it is, if it's good. Replace as required-just keep a close eye on those things you list....ie: check them.

PS these suzukis are notable for having proper bearings in the swingarm...but greasing them up is a good task...likewise other greasables. I've found more than once that getting over excited leads me to take things apart only to discover they are fine and so I'm just massaging the bike.

Taking the rear shocks out of their springs is always a catch though. Uneven stiction in the piston will lead to shopping for new every time...

[gsrick]

Good point. too many people get in over their heads and what was a rideable bike is now a pile of parts in the corner of the garage collecting dust and whatever the family stacks on top of it.

[The1970's]

What bike is it? Year and model is helpful information. And we all love pics of said bike.

Sorry I forgot to mention it's a 1978 GS750. I started a project thread here when I bought the thing but I love riding it so much I never started the project.

Good point. too many people get in over their heads and what was a rideable bike is now a pile of parts in the corner of the garage collecting dust and whatever the family stacks on top of it.

This is what I'm worried about and my reason for posting. I don't want to take something apart that rarely ever needs replacing on these bikes.


One other thing to note in response to the others is that I've pretty much gone over the running gear on the bike. Now I am mostly looking into the chassis/suspension. During the steering bearing replacement I also plan on going over the wiring in the cluster and rest of the bike because I've had some gremlins in the past. I also would rather replace the whole shock/spring assembly than just the shocks themselves. Found a set for $110. Worth it to me

[storm 64]

[QUOTE=The1970's;2427013]Sorry I forgot to mention it's a 1978 GS750. I started a project thread here when I bought the thing but I love riding it so much I never started the project.

That's got to be the quote of the year !!! ☺

[GSXR7ED]

I agree Norm, I've said that myself...having an intention then changing your mind.


Ed

[alke46]

Thanks for the pic. That's a good looking bike. As others have said, just ride the snot out of it and it will let you know when it needs something.

[The1970's]

For the 530 chain conversion my math comes out to me needed 115.2 links to match the factory size. Do most people order a 115 or a 116 link chain?

[Big T]

Chain comes as 120 links and you cut to size

[The1970's]

Hey guys so I've got most of the work done but ran into a problem and could use some help.

I got the bike together with new wheel bearings front and rear, new steering bearings, took off the swing arm and cleaned/greased the bearing there. Checked all the valves and what shims I have but have to order shims so I put it back together to take it for a test ride. I rolled the bike out and everything was as normal, it rode great (the steering bearings made a HUGE difference) and I didn't notice any strange noises while riding.

Here's the problem. Rode for about 15-20 miles and pulled into my driveway, went to roll the bike in the garage and I hear a squeaking or squealing coming from the rear wheel. It's not very loud but definitly noticeable. I put it up on the center stand to investigate, it seems to be coming from the left hand side of the wheel. I lubed the chain and seal that goes in the sprocket and the noise didn't change. Although if I spin the wheel relatively quickly by hand it goes away until it slows back down again. The wheel bearings where from all balls and are the sealed type, so I did not grease them but I did grease the axle when I put it in. Any ideas?

[roeme]

Sounds like too much side load has been put on the bearings (Overtightened axle, bearing improperly seated, ...)

Happened to me once. When you get a crunchy sound, the bearing's dead.