this may be a stupid question: has anyone tried to drill and tap the shock linkage to fit grease zerk fittings? I did a search and didn't find anything and no one has talked about it here.

 

Here's one for the swingarm pivot:

https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...reasing-31526/

 

I think some of the boys on the vtr1000.org site have......

 

No but it could be done if you want to do that and drill the pins.
But not sure why ?

new seals and some Belray waterproof grease has lasted the last 10 years in mine.
Not like these bikes are being used in mud and creek crossings like an off road bike

 

If you look at how the bearings are installed you will see this won't work - at least not easily. There is only a very small distance between the seal and end of the bearing on either plus. That would make installing the fittings tough. Assuming you did manage it, the first time you pumped grease in there the seals would likely pop right out - they are only pressed in there hand tight.

It is pretty simple to disconnect the linkage to lube the pivot points. This is something that only needs done every 8-10 normally so IMHO not worth the effort to add Zerk fittings. If you ride in the really wet or other harsh environments then it possibly would.

 

thank you for that. I thought of it while removing the stock shock, everything was lubed and looked good so I cleaned everything up and regreased with BMW red grease. (some of those linkage bolts are challenging to torque).