Ride quality

I've noticed since I got my XJ650, it's been pretty harsh over bumps. My passengers hate it. What really got me, is I took my friend's Kawasaki Ninja for a spin last night, and it felt like a cadillac compared to my Maxim. Any particular reasons that my bike would ride like a pickup? When I hit a big bump, the rear end about rebounds off the around, and almost knocks my fillings out. the front suspension seems to be taking the bumps ok, but the rears... not so much. I tried adjusting them, but then it bottoms out too quick with a passenger on the back. Would bad shocks make it ride like it has no suspension at all? Or do they just ride bad in general?

 

I have just replaced my swinging arm bearing, the old bearings were shot and the adjuster on the bearings was tightened way to much making the swinging arm movement stiff. New bearings and adjusters fitted and adjusted correctly, the ride is now much better and small potholes that would jar your bones are now pretty well soaked up.

 

I looked into it, and I think you may be right on target. I noticed a clunk in my rear end when accelerating every now and then, and it's the swingarm bearing. I noticed a slight click in the front too when braking hard. Looks like she needs new bearings everywhere.

 

Here you go!:


SWINGARM PARTS:


sa2) Over the years, the swingarm Bearings and pivot shaft parts take a beating....when was the last time you (or anyone you know) ever lubricated them or even checked them for wear and play? Well, wear they do, and then they start moving around under load and cornering, leading to vibrations, wandering during straight-line riding, and other unnecessary, unneeded, unwanted, and undesirable (not to mention unsafe) characteristics and conditions. Wow, that a lot of "un's". Oh well.

We've got all the major and minor parts that you'll need to refresh, restore, rejuvenate, renew, and other properly rebuild your oft-neglected swingarm system.


XJ650, XJ700, XJ750, XJ900RK, and XJ1100 models:

Unlike the XJ550 models, XJ650 through XJ1100 models use dual short pivot Shafts, associated Lockwashers and Nuts, a spacer Collar, an Oil Seal, and a Bearing on each side of the swingarm. A round black or shiny chrome end cap or Cover hides the inner workings from public view. Here are the pieces you'll need, working your way from the outside inwards:


HCP1521 OEM swingarm decorative FRAME CAP - COVER. Bright polished chrome discs snap into the hole in the frame. Use on both sides on all XJ650, XJ700, XJ750, XJ900RK and XJ1100 models. NOTE: XJ650 Midnight Maxim and XJ750 Midnight Maxim models used this same cover, but finished in gold, while 1982-83 XJ750 Seca models and XJ900RK models used a black version of this cap. Each:
$ 14.00

HCP1523 OEM swingarm decorative FRAME CAP - COVER. Gloss black painted discs snap into the hole in the frame. Fits on both sides on all XJ650, XJ700, XJ750, XJ900RK and XJ1100 models. NOTE: these black covers are only correct for 1982-83 XJ750 Seca models and XJ900RK models. Each:
$ 14.00



HCP3974 OEM swingarm pivot stud NUT. Use 1 on the right side pivot stud on all XJ650, XJ700, XJ750, and XJ900RK and use 2 (both left and right sides) on all XJ1100 models. Each:
$ 8.00

HCP2245 OEM swingarm left side PIVOT SHAFT - BOLT. Fits all XJ650, XJ700, XJ750, and XJ900RK. Use 1 per bike.
$ 11.00

HCP2248 OEM swingarm PIVOT SHAFT - STUD. Use 1 on the right side of all XJ650, XJ700, XJ750, and XJ900RK and use 2 (both left and right sides) on all XJ1100 models. Each:
$ 14.00

HCP2225 OEM swingarm left side pivot shaft bolt LOCK WASHER. Fits all XJ650, XJ700, XJ750, and XJ900RK. Use 1 per bike.
$ 4.50

HCP2228 OEM swingarm pivot shaft stud or bolt SPACER COLLAR. Fits all XJ650, XJ700, XJ750, XJ900RK, and XJ1100 models. Use 2 per bike. Each:
$ 6.00

HCP2227 OEM swingarm pivot shaft stud or bolt OIL SEAL. Fits all XJ650, XJ700, XJ750, XJ900RK, and XJ1100 models. Use 2 per bike. Each:
$ 6.00


HCP2226 OEM swingarm pivot shaft stud or bolt ROLLER BEARING. Fits all XJ650, XJ700, XJ750, XJ900RK, and XJ1100 models. Use 2 per bike. Each:
$ 18.00

HCP2226SET2 OEM swingarm pivot shaft stud or bolt ROLLER BEARINGS, set of 2:
$ 34.00



HCP1691 Aftermarket swingarm pivot shaft stud or bolt ROLLER BEARING. Fits all XJ650, XJ700, XJ750, XJ900RK, and XJ1100 models. Set of 2:
$ 29.00



wb2) Original and aftermarket wheel and axle parts, bearings, and seals will restore that like-new ride and feel to your machine.

Our premium quality front and rear wheel Bearings & Seals Kits provide you with the highest-performance sealed replacement bearings available. These premium grade, high-speed bearings feature low-drag and double-lip seals on both sides to provide superior exclusion of water and dirt, while also greatly enhancing grease retention. Note that most original wheel bearings were exposed on one or both sides, thus making these bearings are great improvement over stock.

The type "TC" elastomer wheel seals that come in these kits are designed to keep out dirt and moisture, the killer of bearings. The rubber-coated outside diameter creates an optimum seal at the hub.

Note that if you plan to replace the bearing yourself, that removal of pressed-in bearings such as these can be rather difficult without special tools. We have an 8-piece bearing removal tool kit to help make this job easier listed further below.

Finally, ALWAYS replace at least the wheel axle "castle nut" COTTER PINS whenever they have been removed.



Front Wheel Bearing & Seals Kits:

HCP1915 Aftermarket complete front wheel BEARINGS AND SEALS KIT, for all XJ550, XJ650, XJ700, XJ750, and XJ900RK models. Two bearings and two seals......note that XJ700 models only came with one seal originally, and owners of these models will need to discard the unnecessary left side (small) seal that comes with this kit.
$ 17.95


Front Wheel Axle Shaft and Related Hardware:


HCP1781 OEM front wheel AXLE SHAFT, for all XJ700 models. Does not include any accessory parts (washers, spacers, collars, etc.).
$ 24.95


HCP1806 OEM front wheel axle shaft CASTLE NUT, for all XJ550, XJ650, XJ750, and XJ1100 models.
$ 4.25

HCP1807 OEM front wheel axle shaft CASTLE NUT, for all XJ900RK models.
$ 4.95


HCP1805 OEM front wheel axle shaft castle nut WASHER, for all XJ550, XJ650, XJ750, XJ900RK, and XJ1100 models.
$ 2.50


HCP1803 OEM front wheel axle shaft castle nut COTTER PIN, for all XJ550, XJ650, XJ700, XJ750, and XJ1100 models.
$ 1.75



HCP1783 OEM front wheel axle shaft COLLAR, for all XJ550 Maxim models, XJ650 Maxim and Midnight Maxim, and all XJ750 models. This is the approximately 1" long tube that is fitted on the right side of the wheel hub.
$ 5.95

HCP1785 OEM front wheel axle shaft COLLAR, for all XJ550 Seca models, XJ650RJ Seca and XJ650 Turbo models, all XJ700 models, and XJ900RK models. This is the approximately 1" long tube that is fitted on the right side of the wheel hub.
$ 5.95




HCP1791 OEM front wheel axle shaft SPACER TUBE, for all XJ550 models, XJ650 models, all XJ700 models, all XJ750 models, and XJ900RK models. This is the approximately 6" long tube that is fitted through the length of the wheel hub.
$ 6.95

HCP1792 OEM front wheel axle shaft SPACER TUBE, for all XJ1100 models. This is the approximately 6" long tube that is fitted through the length of the wheel hub.
$ 6.95



HCP1794 OEM front wheel axle shaft SPACER FLANGE, for all XJ550 models, XJ650 models, all XJ700 models, all XJ750 models, and XJ900RK models. This is incredibly thin flanged shimming washer on the left side of the wheel, behind the bearing. A necessary part and one that is easily damaged during bearing removal or forgotten during replacement.
$ 2.95


REAR SUSPENSION:


Rear Wheel Bearings, Seals, and Kits:


HCP1918 Aftermarket complete rear wheel BEARINGS AND SEALS KIT, for all XJ650, XJ700, and XJ750 models. Three bearings only, as no "bearing seals" were used on these models.
$ 12.95


Clutch Hub O-Rings:

And while you've got the rear wheel off to replace the bearings, it's a great idea to inspect and replace those rear wheel clutch hub O-rings, Oil Seals, and clutch hub rubber Dampers as needed. NOTE: some models used either one, two, or three O-rings.

HCP2327 OEM rear wheel clutch hub O-RING, for all XJ650, XJ700 non-X, XJ750, and XJ900RK models. Use one per bike.
$ 6.50



Rear Wheel Axle Shafts and Hardware:


HCP4799 OEM rear wheel AXLE SHAFT, for all XJ650, all XJ700, and all XJ750 models. Does not include any accessory parts (washers, spacers, collars, etc.).
$ 84.95

HCP4810 OEM rear wheel AXLE SHAFT, for all XJ900RK models. Does not include any accessory parts (washers, spacers, collars, etc.).
$ 64.95



HCP4801 OEM rear wheel axle shaft CASTLE NUT, for all XJ550, XJ650, XJ700, XJ750, and XJ900RK models.
$ 6.25

HCP4808 OEM rear wheel axle shaft CASTLE NUT, for all XJ1100 models.
$ 12.95


HCP1805 OEM rear wheel axle shaft castle nut WASHER, for all XJ550 models.
$ 2.50

HCP2328 OEM rear wheel axle shaft castle nut WASHER, for all XJ650, al XJ700, all XJ750, and XJ900RK models.
$ 3.50

HCP4807 OEM rear wheel axle shaft castle nut WASHER, for all XJ1100 models.
$ 2.95



HCP1803 OEM rear wheel axle shaft castle nut COTTER PIN, for all XJ550, XJ650, XJ700, XJ750, and XJ900RK models.
$ 1.75

HCP4928 OEM rear wheel axle shaft castle nut COTTER PIN, for all XJ1100 models.
$ 2.50




HCP4815 OEM rear wheel axle shaft COLLAR, for all XJ550 models. This is the 1" long tube that is fitted on the right side of the brake backing plate (all models except XJ900RK) and on the far right end of the axle shaft (XJ900RK models).
$ 8.95

HCP4803 OEM rear wheel axle shaft COLLAR, for all XJ650, all XJ700, all XJ750, and XJ900RK models. This is the 1" long tube that is fitted on the right side of the brake backing plate (all models except XJ900RK) and on the far right end of the axle shaft (XJ900RK models).
$ 4.95

HCP4813 OEM rear wheel axle shaft COLLAR, for all XJ900RK models. This is the 1" long tube that is fitted on the right side of the XJ900RK models, just outside of the oil seal.
$ 6.95



HCP4752 OEM rear wheel axle shaft SPACER TUBE, for all XJ550 Maxim and XJ900RK models. This is the approximately 2-1/2" long tube that is fitted through the length of the wheel hub.
$ 6.95



HCP1795 OEM rear wheel axle shaft SPACER FLANGE, for all XJ550, XJ650, XJ700, XJ750, and XJ900RK models. This is the incredibly thin flanged shimming washer on the right side of the spacer tube, behind the right side wheel bearing. A necessary part and one that is easily damaged during bearing removal or forgotten during replacement.
$ 2.95



Wheel Bearing Removal Tool Kit:

HCP7850 Aftermarket wheel bearing BEARING REMOVAL TOOL SET, heavy-duty set of the proper sized split collar drivers and two drift rods. Very high quality, versatile tool to have in your box, as removing the pressed-in front wheel bearings can be quite a challenge without these tools being available
$ 59.00

 

Leave us not forget that a lot of people probably still have their original stock shocks, and on the twin-shock bikes they were KYB, known back in their day as "kill yer butt." Both my SR500s were IMMEDIATELY fitted with aftermarket shocks/springs when brand new, I didn't wait for the OEs to wear out. If you're still running the original KYB units, replace your shocks and springs, especially if they have over 12,000 miles on them (that's their life span.) I've got Progressive 12-Series on my '81 Seca, and a set on order for the '83. Believe me, it's worth it.

 

bigfitz i know what you mean, have new rear shocks with progressive springs and while they stopped the wallowy feeling from worn out shocks it was still rock hard. Turned out the adjusting nut on the right hand side was siezed in place and someone had just tightened the bearings right up to eliminate any play. Still had up and down movement on the swinging arm but it was very still. now with new bearings and pivots in place and adjusted correctly the shocks can do their job, with much relief for my old bones.