Article [13] ST1300 - Maintenance - Fitting Wheel Bearings - What the manuals don't tell.

[Andrew Shadow]

I use standard automotive wheel bearing grease. Many will advise using marine bearing grease contending that it has superior waterproofing. Maybe, but any quality brand name automotive wheel bearing grease is already waterproof. Waterproof is good enough for me so I don't concern myself about that, especially since these bearing are in a location where exposure to water is not a big threat.

 

[Sadlsor]

Waterproof is good enough for me so I don't concern myself about that, especially since these bearing are in a location where exposure to water is not a big threat.

Yeah, agreed.
My big adventure bike, though, may require a different evaluation.

 

[Andrew Shadow]

Yeah, agreed.
My big adventure bike, though, may require a different evaluation.

Unless you are a believer in the degree of waterproofness, waterproof is waterproof.

Automotive wheel bearing grease is subjected to much more pressure, abuse, and neglect than the bearings in a motorcycle and it protects the bearings just fine.

 

[Sadlsor]

Unless you are a believer in the degree of waterproofness, waterproof is waterproof.

Automotive wheel bearing grease is subjected to much more pressure, abuse, and neglect than the bearings in a motorcycle and it protects the bearings just fine.

Could be, I'm not arguing.
My only point is, I'll do derp creek crossings on the GSA, whereas I won't do ANY creek crossings on the ST.

 

[Andrew Shadow]

Could be, I'm not arguing.
My only point is, I'll do derp creek crossings on the GSA, whereas I won't do ANY creek crossings on the ST.

The source of the water is irrelevant. What is relevant is whether the grease is waterproof or not. So the question is whether marine wheel bearing grease is any more waterproof and protective than automotive waterproof wheel bearing grease? I know that it is usually more expensive. Your money, your call.