Honda-SOHC

Hi Folks,

Just to finish this thread.....

The OE swing arm collar is not available in the UK, so I would bite the bullet and install the Tourmax Upgrade kit.

Given that this kit has no obvious weather seals, (the OE seals are discarded) I decided to drill the S/A in the centre nearest the lower pressing weld line.  I tapped the hole to M6-1 and screwed in a 90º grease nipple.  With two aluminium washers, I could tighten the nipple to point where it was easy to connect my grease gun (slight to the r/h side of the tyre from underneath)

Whilst the S/A was still on the bench, I pumped CVJ Moly grease through the nipple until it squished out of the two needle bearings.  I then added the two end bearings and installed the S/S in the frame torqued down to the FSM value.  I then pumped more grease in until it came though the end bearings. I figured that CVJ grease is very sticky and water resistant and very strong under compression and ideal for this job.

The finished job is excellent.  The S/A has no slop and swings up/down with no effort at all.

If I ever get caught in the rain, then a pump of grease will expel any moisture, if any at all. CVJ grease is never likely wear out...especially when you consider its intended use.

Things to note.  If you assemble the needle bearings on the shaft, you can feel a small bit of slop which was a little worrying, but whilst I was researching needle bearings, I discovered that they will always be slightly sloppy because they must be installed in the correct size tube which forces them down to the operational size.  This is so.  No measurable side play at all at the wheel end of the S/A.

This Upgrade Kit is suitable for the CB450K, CB350F and CB250G5/6, CB500T as well the CJ variants (according to their website).  I ordered from motorcycleproducts.co.uk

Before I fly home tomorrow can you measure the oe collar and the Tourmax version and post the lengths please

Hello Ken,

As requested.

The overall length of both assemblies is similar.  The Tourmax being about 1mm shorter. I guess the frame will flex to cover that when the through-bolt is tightened.  The rebated section passes through the end bearing to contact the frame.

Cheers,

Jerry

Just sitting here hoping to get fed shortly:
333 is the CB350 Four part and according to CMS 52141-333-000 also fits some CB400 fours.

But notice that some CB400 fours call up 52141-369-000.
The 333 version shows holes for grease to come through, the 369 does not show the holes as probably doesn't need them as the grease is fed from S/A nipple.
Maybe otherwise the same.

Hi.  The 333 is listed in my CB360 parts list although I have seen other references to the 369 part too.

My CB360 swing arm does not have nipple, or like the 450/750, a nipple on the end of the through bolt.  I have a post running on the Twins Forum about this and the Tourmax replacement kit.

I hope you enjoyed your meal!

Cheers,

Jerry

Wow!.  Thank you for the quick responses. OK, so the end bearings which are very smooth operating are in themselves resistant to water ingress?  Are they some sort of PTFE sandwich? The IKO needle bearings and the end thrust bearings look like they are made from Stainless Steel

The CB360 does not have a grease nipple so that would require a complete dismantling of the rear end every time greasing is required.  It's is little wonder that they were common failure point.

Maybe I can fit a grease nipple in the middle somehow.  The two halves of the swing arm pressings wrap around and welded to the tube that makes up the pivot, so I would have to drill on the front side.  I have checked and there is not enough space between the tube and the back of the motor to get a grease gun on.  I would have to drill through the pressing and tube near where they are welded together.  That would place it underneath and more accessible.

Will the end bearings allow grease through I wonder.

I was going to use CVJ moly grease as I have a tub of that.  It is supposed to be resistant to water, so that should help.

Any further comments are welcomed.

Cheers,

Jerry

Hi folks,

SORTED

Tourmax Upgrade Kit fitted along with drilling, tapping and fitting a grease nipple.

The Part is 52141-333-000 which seems to be shared with the CB360, CB350Four and CB450K

It seems these are unobtanium.

It seems that the usual suspects are all out of stock.

Fingers crossed,

Jerry

Ted,

I use semi in my CB360 and CB750 K1 as well and indeed my 2005 CB1300 and that is very new at 18 years old..haha!  No problems yet.  "Semi" is vague prefix on oils.  The actual content is undeclared, on the bottle at least, but might be found on a relevant website.

Currently using "3M" Part Synthetic from Halfords.  JASO and MA2 rated.  Good price, £27.99 for 5 litre bottle.  Ok so far.  CBX is takes over 4l for an oil and filter change, so 5l is useful in that respect.

Cheers,

Jerry

It's this one Jerry http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,14515.0.html there's some intriguing and very in depth record from Jensen in running his 450 over extended period.

I do think the twins generally are in the same category with regard to oil, yes.

Nigel,

That was a long read and some of the stuff went in, but some went through!

The thread is quite old from 2017.  Just wonder what the outcome was....or did I miss a link.

I do know that when I tried a 10/40 on my CBX many years ago.  I had to drain it fairly quickly as to use someone's quote, it was making a bid for freedom out of every seal/gasket.  Returned to dino and it all dried up.  Some comment on using it with new seals and gaskets only makes sense on rebuild though.

Cheers,

Jerry

Ash,

Oh dear we have drifted off the thread haven't we.

I don't suppose any one will be interested in my faulty memory.  I did have four CB250s, but maybe only the K3 for a very short while.  I vaguely remember a gold one.

Thank you for the refresh.

Cheers,
Jerry