Center stand and spring bearings stuck

[alexdecker]

Finally got it off! Hacksawed them. Unfortunately, made a small cut to far into the actual swingarm on one of the bushings. Hoping it won't make a difference when I get a new one fitted.

I removed the pivot collar as well, but I can't for the life of me figure out how to get the bushings out (the ones that are meant to be replaced with bronze bushes afterwards). Does anyone have any good tips?

[Bryanj]

Its the hacksaw again im afraid

[alexdecker]

Its the hacksaw again im afraid

Seriously, so many things have been stuck on this bike. Is it always like this, taking it apart? Damn hacksaw…

[Bryanj]

It was the only way bback in the 70's as well, best bit is the steel collar wears more than the plastic bushes!

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

If your swing arm bushes are like the 400 a weird plastic/nylon type material like mine were they should  came out quite easily  after some heat.

I left mine in when the arm was powder coated as I did not intend to change them. When I got my rear swing arm back from the powder coater they pulled out with my fingers - I suspect the heat from the powder coating process had broken the rust seal that was holding them in place.

Might be worth using a plumbers blow torch if you have one or an electric heat gun (paint stripping type) to just warm them up without melting them so they break free.

I fitted the brass type bushes  - put bushes  in the freezer for a couple of days then just tapped them in place with a small hammer then the last bit (5 mm or so) using threaded bar & washers.

[Kelly E]

I use 3 double D shaped washers that will drop into the swingarm. Turn them once inside the tube. Then a big drift and they hammer right out.

[alexdecker]

This is the state of my rear swingarm collar. Will this be fit for more duty, or should I go for a needle bearing conversion and get another (as that seems to be the only way to actually get a hold of a new collar these days)?

[Sesman]

I’m not expert, but that looks fooked to me?

[Oddjob]

That’s mullered I’m afraid, my needle bearing kit arrived today, lovely bit of kit, 2 needle rollers, 2 special end caps and a hard chromed spacing collar. For the price of a new Honda collar, pair of new bushes and possibly new end caps it’s a no brainer for me which to choose.

[Bryanj]

Thats the later collar which is more difficult to find but you can use the earlier collar if you use the long bolt with the greaser at each end

[Oddjob]

One thing to be aware of if considering the Tourmax needle roller conversion is that the 500 swinging arm bolt is essentially useless. The 500 bolt uses 2 grease nipples, one on either end, the idea was it pushed grease down the inside of the bolt and through holes about 2 inches down, this was then forced through holes in the collar and between the collar and the bush, this gave the lubricantion it needed but in practice it seemed to be a bit hit and miss.

The Tourmax collar hasn’t got any holes in it, so to get grease to the needle rollers would be a big problem. You need the grease to be external to the collar like the 550 has, the 550 has a central grease nipple located on the underside of the arm and it in essence fills the entire tube up with grease. This is ideal for the Tourmax system, but you can drill the 500 arm and fit a central grease nipple if your considering this kit. 

[alexdecker]

One thing to be aware of if considering the Tourmax needle roller conversion is that the 500 swinging arm bolt is essentially useless. The 500 bolt uses 2 grease nipples, one on either end, the idea was it pushed grease down the inside of the bolt and through holes about 2 inches down, this was then forced through holes in the collar and between the collar and the bush, this gave the lubricantion it needed but in practice it seemed to be a bit hit and miss.

The Tourmax collar hasn’t got any holes in it, so to get grease to the needle rollers would be a big problem. You need the grease to be external to the collar like the 550 has, the 550 has a central grease nipple located on the underside of the arm and it in essence fills the entire tube up with grease. This is ideal for the Tourmax system, but you can drill the 500 arm and fit a central grease nipple if your considering this kit.

I do have the central grease nipple on the underside of the arm, so a needle bearing conversion should pose no problem then

Is Tourmax the preferred brand for this conversion? When I look them up on eBay, there are plenty of options. Are there any preferred brands?

[Oddjob]

Only ever seen Tourmax, which other makes are there. Post links if you can so I can compare.

Tourmax is a Japanese manufacturer so should be good quality. Mine certainly looks like it is.