So I'm going over my newly aquired 97 ST. It has 16k on it, not too bad. It's got some things going on that need to be fixed. One was the worn rear tire, a Metzler. I ordered a Lazertec from a local shop and dropped it off it get mounted. (I know, it's a bias ply not a radial. It's V rated, okay. I live on a gravel road the the Lazertec has a better all around tread. I'm not going to be grinding footpegs or visiting 150+ mph so I'm thinking this is a good compromise) When they drift out the rear axle, ball bearings come out with it! Yikes! The right-side bearings were a mess. Oh, and it's also missing the rear caliper stop bolt! I'm glad they spotted that! I think this is probably the first time the rear tire had been off the bike. At 16k this may have been the original tire.
Needles to say, two new rear bearings are in it now. I ordered two front bearings and a replacement stop bolt. The new front bearings are going to go in "just because" after this experience. Next spring I'll probably put on a new front tire too. My question is what are the risks of not having that rear stop bolt? I'm a bit dissapointed the dealer let it out the door that way but that's another discussion. The rear brakes seem to work okay but they take more foot pressure than I think it should.
Needles to say, two new rear bearings are in it now. I ordered two front bearings and a replacement stop bolt. The new front bearings are going to go in "just because" after this experience. Next spring I'll probably put on a new front tire too. My question is what are the risks of not having that rear stop bolt? I'm a bit dissapointed the dealer let it out the door that way but that's another discussion. The rear brakes seem to work okay but they take more foot pressure than I think it should.