Handling

[Corvus]

Looks to me like those bushes are keeping the rear wheel in line. Or not, as the case may be!

[slparry]

I may be wrong but I think if they're too tight the steering angle is not consistent as they're binding and holding the rear at varying heights which alters the steering angle. Maybe

I guess that as they heat up it just gets tighter exacerbating the problem hence why a teeny free play cold is desirable ..... maybe.

[slparry]

This is interesting. I changed my bearings for the bronze bushes recently. I adjusted the pin as accurately as I could, then did not ride the bike for a while. When I later began riding, I thought the poor handling was down to me having forgotten how to ride, the tyre pressures or the 'new' Maxxis tyres. Tyre pressures were re-checked and more miles ridden in the hope my learning would catch up. A chat with a pal who had also recently replaced those bearings with OE reminded me to check the play. Released the pin and carefully reset the play. Instant driveability again. I suddenly could ride again. Or, more likely, those bearings have now bedded in and the end float is just right. The bike felt as though it had to be ridden upright, any more than a slight lean it seemed to fall. Now it has the usual easy, neutral feel, taking lean without any inflection, from one side right over to the other.

That's the exact feeling mine was giving, a sort of nervousness if lent over slightly

[Corvus]

I may be wrong but I think if they're too tight the steering angle is not consistent as they're binding and holding the rear at varying heights which alters the steering angle. Maybe

I guess that as they heat up it just gets tighter exacerbating the problem hence why a teeny free play cold is desirable ..... maybe.

Are they eccentric?

How are they lub'd?

[slparry]

I may be wrong but I think if they're too tight the steering angle is not consistent as they're binding and holding the rear at varying heights which alters the steering angle. Maybe

I guess that as they heat up it just gets tighter exacerbating the problem hence why a teeny free play cold is desirable ..... maybe.

Are they eccentric?

How are they lub'd?

tapered bearings, greased I believe

[oyster]

And that is another thing; when my pal took the back end apart on his bike, the splined drive shaft was seized (had to be replaced) and all the bearings - swing arm and paralever were dry, hence he replaced the paralever bearings. When I was reading up on the Peclican site, it would appear that the BMW assembly line did not include a greaser, so many comments on dry drive shafts and not much better for the bearings.

[Corvus]

I may be wrong but I think if they're too tight the steering angle is not consistent as they're binding and holding the rear at varying heights which alters the steering angle. Maybe

I guess that as they heat up it just gets tighter exacerbating the problem hence why a teeny free play cold is desirable ..... maybe.

Are they eccentric?

How are they lub'd?

tapered bearings, greased I believe

Ah. Now I see what you mean. If slack, the wheel can go out of alignment in any plane. Plus they'll take over tightening preload abuse.

[madshep]

As a heads up guys I've fixed it. The paralever bearing was a gnats whisker too tight, backed it off a bit so there's a whisper of detectable play there and normal loony tunes is resumed .. phew I was worried it was going to get expensive or summat

As a newbie, can someone please explain how I can do this / check it etc.

Many thanks