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Author Topic: NEWBIE GOING TO DARK SIDE/ BAD UJOINT AFTER 15000  (Read 1841 times)

scuubbs

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NEWBIE GOING TO DARK SIDE/ BAD UJOINT AFTER 15000
« on: March 17, 2008, 05:35:40 AM »

Hello Everyone, I am new to this forum and new to the Valk's (had one for 6 months). I am just finishing up installing a new u-joint and decided that while I had the tire off I would go ahead and switch over to the darkside. I bought the Goodyear Assurance triple tread in a 205x60x16. I have not tried it yet (today or tomorrow) but will post what I think. I really got a lot of laughs and strange looks when I got the tire put on and balanced. Everybody thought I was nuts. I sure hope you guy's are right.

I was really surprised at the amount of damage to the u-joint after only 15500 miles. I got it just before it went. very lucky. I did not see any more damage, splines all looked good, and bearings nice and tight. I can only assume the u-joint was defective or incorrectly installed? Anyone else have early u-joint failure?

Bob
Forest Corners, Florida
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Daniel Meyer

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Re: NEWBIE GOING TO DARK SIDE/ BAD UJOINT AFTER 15000
« Reply #1 on: March 17, 2008, 05:48:45 AM »

What year was the Valk?

I've seen several U-joint failures...most have been in the early machines. Honda superceeded the part number...and the casting looks different in the newer one.

Confusing the issue though...the old u-joint was still available for a while...so nobody's really sure if it was an improvement or not.

I've a 2001 and I've been slamming it around for over 100,000 miles with no damage...though I do have a spare in the garage.

Good luck on the Darkside...I've found the Assurance to run best around 34-36 psi.

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scuubbs

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Re: NEWBIE GOING TO DARK SIDE/ BAD UJOINT AFTER 15000
« Reply #2 on: March 17, 2008, 07:13:16 AM »

I have a 2000 Interstate and love it. I am hoping that I have one of the good u-joints now. I have not read any of your books yet but you are already an inspriation for me and the old lady to start making some longer trips on our bikes. I did do the Alcan highway back in the 70's but we used an old one ton ford an a fifth wheel trailer. I can only imagine doing it on a bike........Bob
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CRAIG

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Re: NEWBIE GOING TO DARK SIDE/ BAD UJOINT AFTER 15000
« Reply #3 on: May 05, 2009, 08:49:54 AM »

anyinfo on instalation on gl1500 ...1995 ....thanks craig ....
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Jack

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Re: NEWBIE GOING TO DARK SIDE/ BAD UJOINT AFTER 15000
« Reply #4 on: December 03, 2009, 01:27:15 PM »

I have a 2000 Interstate and love it. I am hoping that I have one of the good u-joints now. I have not read any of your books yet but you are already an inspriation for me and the old lady to start making some longer trips on our bikes. I did do the Alcan highway back in the 70's but we used an old one ton ford an a fifth wheel trailer. I can only imagine doing it on a bike........Bob

Try his books.  They are great!  I keep mine next to my chair so I can re-read as i like.
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