Powdercoating swingarm

Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2013 7:39 pm

After seeing the pictures of Nick's swingarm on his 1100R resto, I feel the need to do the same. Question is, if I leave the needle bearings and lower shock bushings in place will they get fackacked? They're all in great shape so I'd rather not remove them if it's not necessary. Thanks.
Gabe

Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2013 7:47 pm

I have heard of leaving the bearings in just make sure you flush every spot of grease. The shock mount rubbers wont survive the oven though. I just replaced both, it's simpler.

CB1100F Joined: Jun 18, 2006 Posts: 2511 Location: UK

I have had 2 swinging arms powdercoated with the bearings left in, i use a long length of 10mm threaded bar with a large OD washer on each end with a thin smear of silicon sealer between the washer and the end of the swinging arm, and remove the rubber shock mount bushes

Keith

Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2013 11:22 pm

krgood0 wrote:

I have had 2 swinging arms powdercoated with the bearings left in, i use a long length of 10mm threaded bar with a large OD washer on each end with a thin smear of silicon sealer between the washer and the end of the swinging arm, and remove the rubber shock mount bushes

Keith

That's is what i did but i made aluminium plugs in the ends to work with the threaded rod. Also check the grease fitting if there is one. I would try to put a pipe plug or something in there while out for coating, high heat can make them weep grease while in the coaters oven which screws the coating. Ask me how i know!

Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2013 2:45 am

I have personally powdercoated numerous 750F, 900F, and 1100F swingarms with the bearings AND busings left in place. The bushings hold up just fine and as long as the bearings and tube are thoroughly degreased, your powder coater won't throw a fit.

I'd be happy to do yours for you, but I think the shipping would be a killer from Canada to MA.

Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2013 1:03 pm

Guys,

I was able to leave both the bearings and the rear shock rubber bushings in place when TomK powder coated my 1100F swingarm. I've also had him do a few other bits and pieces that have rubber moulded to the base metal part... my seat hold down brackets and just recently a set of rear foot pegs from an 1100F sportkit rearset. These are the footpegs that have the rubber wear surface moulded in as a part of the footpeg.

Tom usually warns me that the rubber could get soft and he'll test it to be sure, but so far, none of my rubber bits have been harmed.

Just my experience.

Scott

Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2013 4:43 pm

Hey guys, thanks for the replys. It looks like I'll leave the bushings and bearing in place pending the feedback of the coater. Any wisdom on removing the thrust bushings at the bearings? They're NLA so if I have to remove them I really don't want to mess them up. Do the shock bushing just press out?
Gabe

Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2013 5:47 pm

Wulph wrote:

Hey guys, thanks for the replys. It looks like I'll leave the bushings and bearing in place pending the feedback of the coater. Any wisdom on removing the thrust bushings at the bearings? They're NLA so if I have to remove them I really don't want to mess them up. Do the shock bushing just press out?
Gabe

The thrust bearings are pushed out by the inner needle rollers as you knock them out. I am not sure you will be able to get them out any other way without possible damage. And as they are NLA you really do not want to risk hurting them.

IMHO if you are going the trouble and cost of taking out the swing arm to PC it, why not go one step further and put in new bearings? And then if you are really keen, fit the center shaft to the correct width and tighten the handling right up.