KTM Superduke 990R - New Tyres and Sprocket Carrier Bearings

Four years too late...

The old Superduke of Bridgey's has been somewhat neglected lately. And when I say lately, just the last four years or so. It's still pretty clean, don't get me wrong, but legend has it Boudicea was using the same tyres on her chariots. 

Now I wouldn't have bothered putting up this post for a pair of new Pirelli Rosso II's but, what was concerning, was the state of the sprocket carrier bearings. Well, one in particular.

The Superduke has some great engineering plusses, one of which is the two bearings fitted to the sprocket carrier. Four bearings in all to let the wheel spin in the manner to which it's become accustomed. Imagine the rigidity, the ability to keep that wheel inline no matter what angles it's trying to put down the power.

As much as I like to take the piss, it's a bloody good idea.

But during a routine tyre change, it became obvious that all was not well in the bearing department, and the sprocket carrier was extremely notchy. The two spacers that go in from both sides were rusty and I wondered if the water had been held in there and got past the seals.

The two spacers on the piece of wood need to be knocked out first. Then the bearings can be hit out, one from each side taking note of the small spacer in between.

A closer look at the bearings with seals removed showed the carnage. The cage had broken up and it came to a premature end. The cause? Possibly overtightened chain at some stage.

After a good clean-up, two new bearings were fitted and everything was good again. A good reminder to always turn the bearings by hand whenever you take the wheels out, any notchiness and it's time for replacement. 

If you're very careful when removing the seals with a pick, you may be able to clean them out and regrease them, as long as they are smooth and quiet, but for the cost of new bearings, it is advisable to replace them when in doubt.

Anyway, it's certainly nice to see the old girl back out and fighting fit.

Balancing Motorcycle Wheels At Home.

Getting Balance In My Life.
Because I fit my own tyres, I knocked up a contraption to balance wheels ages ago, but it involved a couple of lengths of wood which needed to be supported high enough to get a wheel off the ground. All this took up space and was a pain to set up, even if it did the job ok.

What I wanted was the nifty little self-standing static balancer I'd seen online. A quick perusal of eBay had one snapped up and delivered for less than seventy of the finest Aussie dollars. And, what's more, it arrived two days later! In Australia that's pretty much unheard of.

Just a quick look at the box and you can already feel the quality can't you? 

"This twin purpose wheel balancing stand and stand..." I'm lost. And "twin purpose" means? Well, according to the destructions, either a biker or motorcyclist can use it. 

Alright, sarcasm over, let's have a little decko and see if it actually works.

KTM690 SMC-R — Review, Test and Smiles.

For the good lord said unto them... "Tell me what it is you want." 

And the fools they cried, "We want power. Great power, over people." 

But the wise, more importantly, asked of power from a different source. A device that could invoke feelings like no other. A mechanical device, designed by the hands and minds of humans... an engine. An engine that could deliver oodles of power from low revs, and induce wheelies at the slightest provocation. And the diligent were patient, and they duly received.

Four-stroke singles. Word.
Unheard horsepower from a mid-sized single is a great feat. For years they were  dull, docile, heavy lumps that were dependable but, essentially, boring. Then they got quick, lightweight, scared the shit out of us, but were slightly unreliable. Because great power comes at great expense...

In time though, we got it all. Including 10,000km service intervals from a single cylinder midsize, pushing out around 66BHP. Stone the crows cobber, I think we're onto something.

The 690 SMC-R.

With great power comes great responsibility. 

Ducatis, Diavels, Dawn & Dusk.

I hate plans...
Always have, the best New Year's parties I've had have all been unplanned. And I live my life that way for this very reason.

I prefer to choose whether I go to a track day at 1.00am on the morning of the track day, just in case something better comes up. 😉

So, the other day, when I was out testing, playing and working on Smithy's Panigale, I fully intended to go for breakfast at the Metz, in Canungra, and then go home. But the best made plans...

KTM Duke 390 - First Ride Of The Uncrashable.

Less is more, much more.
He's been trying to get me to ride the 390 for ages. I'm a bit busy. 
He said its cornering speed is unreal and fast guys on ZX636R's and GSXR1000's are getting left behind (miles behind). Yeah, but I'm working on the GSX. 
He finally convinced me to ride all of the Yamaha MT range. Ok, now I'm in the mood.

I haven't come back from a ride shaking for a while. That was fun, a hell of a lot of fun. 

KTM Superduke R - Brake Fluid Flush.

Talking of Hygroscopic...
A year-old, a slight leak, and the fluid's getting darker. The big Katoom's front master cylinder reservoir has been leaking for ages. Shame on you Brembo for that design, and the KTM dealer for not fixing it at first service. Maybe it's how they sell more of their KTM-branded sweat bands.