Am I the only one

[Elevener]

Who imagines what could go wrong and tries to replace the part before it goes bad?

[psycoreefer]

why would you replace good working parts? Couldn't the new parts go "wrong" as well. Maybe I misunderstand what your saying, I will try to improve something that is a weak point - 1st/2nd gear for example, or the clutch, if I have access to more reliable parts, and my parts are showing signs of wear or failure. I won't take off a good part and go plunk down good money at the dealer for a "new" one just because mine is 30yrs old though.\

edit, I just re-read that and I guess I think I have to add it depends on the consequences of a failure as well, I just replaced my brake lines and rebuilt my master cylinders, there was nothing wrong with the parts I had, they functioned fine but the consequence of a failure in that system is possible death and the parts are 30 yrs and 70k miles old. On the other hand my battery looks as if it could be the one that came in the bike in 79, I've been using it for 3yrs now and who knows how long the PO used it, I have no intention of replacing it though, because a failure of the battery simply leaves me looking for a jump start from a stranger.

[Elevener]

Maybe I should have said maintenance taken to far? I mean all these parts are 30 years old, so instead of cleaning wheel bearings and inspecting them, replace them all. I bought a new recifier not because I needed one, just to get a new better one. Understand? heh *smokin

[DGXSER]

In general I agree. Look at all the tech tips on "modifications". Basically the same concept.

Honestly, unless you have owned the bike its entire life, your guessing if those bearings are 30 years old. In my case, they could be only two years old since that is how long I've owned the bike. So if they do nto show signs of being worn out, why not just regrease and save the parts for when they are needed.

[RS Thornton]

I replace and upgrade..

A 30 year old bike with 30,000 or less miles makes me worry about dried grease, seals and flat spots on the bearings. These things I replace, partly because I get most of the bearings for about $10, so I would rather put down the few dollars and make sure it was good than worry that I have a cracked or damaged cage that I will find out about later, far far from home.

I do not go into the engine unless there is evidence of a problem like compression or skippy gears. I upgraded fork springs to progressives on the one I am riding, so put on new fork seals rather than put old ones back in there.

I did upgrade to OMP's regulator but wanted the better charge at lower rpm, I carry a spare ignition box and would only put it in if the one in the bike failed.

Scott

[Rasputin]

Oh Yeah!
While I have things apart I definitely do replace stuff I am not sure of. Why would someone go through the hassle of removing forks, triple trees etc to change bearings and not do the fork seals? For what they are worth it is not a big deal. Of course everything in moderation as some things just cost too much and can wait. Most decisions are made due to cost, parts availability, and mechanical experience, but some are just preventative and are worth it. Too each his own in that respect, but I ere on the side of replacing stuff before it is broken.

[tw1980]

Nope you're not the only one.My motto is"if you have to remove it,replace it"I like to work on my bike but not when I'm supposed to be riding it.I don't trust 30 year old parts.

Terry

[XS1100 Newbie]

In most cases i agree with you guys, but when it comes to bearings, the grease being hard can be remedied by cleaning and regreasing. The seals pop right off. The metal does not fatigue i don't believe just because it gets older. If it is something i can look over, and it looks good, then it can stay.

[Rasputin]

In most cases i agree with you guys, but when it comes to bearings, the grease being hard can be remedied by cleaning and regreasing. The seals pop right off. The metal does not fatigue i don't believe just because it gets older. If it is something i can look over, and it looks good, then it can stay.

Been there done that and a year later did it again. Steering head bearings to be specific. For the 19 or so bucks it cost to replace them I would not go through the work involved to do so. I wish I would have done it while I had it apart.

[jmnjrpa]

Yeah

It's called preventive maintenance but you do have to have a track record to perform it properly. Most people do not want to go into the statistics and chart out a replacement schedule but instead make a reasonable good guess while doing other work. +1 to changing all items that are prone to short life expectancy (or catastrophic failure) while you have it apart. You do have to have some idea of the working life of an item to not be just wasting money. Cost and safety must enter the equation. Upgrading is actually a side issue comprised of fixing a known defect and/or personal preference.