Tire change - what should maintenance should I do with the wheels off?

[KPAX]

Hi Guys,

These 404's are bumming me out. I bought a new set of Bridgestone Exedra Max bias belted but my 404's were literally 80% tread life (but old, manufacture date is 2011), so I decided to wear them down a bit more. I have put 2,000 kms on them and hit my threshold - they have to come off.

This morning I pulled my front and rear wheels and dropped them off at the motorcycle shop ($10 install for next day service - yay).

Question:
- Where do I buy Molybdenum Disulfate grease? It says I should use this for the gear drive on the rear wheel.
- Should I be greasing anywhere else?

Thanks

[triton28]

I bought several tubes of Honda Lube 60 a few years ago as it contains 60 % molybdenum paste so that is what I use.
I have heard that this has been discontinued but it may be just a rumour so you could check with a Honda dealer.
Some others use grease containing molybdenum, usually available at any auto parts store, but I can not comment on the suitability of that for splines, not having used it.
McMaster-Carr also sell a good quality molybdenum grease: DuPont Molykote G4700. Not cheap but good grease.

[KPAX]

Great info, thanks

[Nails]

my 404's were literally 80% tread life

Setting aside the old part ... I understand that 404's generally work fine on most other bikes ... if you happen have another bike that could use tires. No personal experience, just what I read.

[KPAX]

I bought several tubes of Honda Lube 60 a few years ago as it contains 60 % molybdenum paste so that is what I use.
I have heard that this has been discontinued but it may be just a rumour so you could check with a Honda dealer.
Some others use grease containing molybdenum, usually available at any auto parts store, but I can not comment on the suitability of that for splines, not having used it.
McMaster-Carr also sell a good quality molybdenum grease: DuPont Molykote G4700. Not cheap but good grease.

I went to the Honda dealer they said "Honda Moly 77" is the direct replacement for the Honda 60. When I got back to the parkinglot I googled it and saw many negative reviews, especially from the ST1300 forums. They say it has less Molybdenum Disulfide content as compared to the old Honda 60.

[Nails]

They say it has less Molybdenum Disulfide content as compared to the old Honda 60.

Dunno, but I think it's possible to overdo it with the MoS2. The lower concentration isn't necessarily a bad thing.

I've used the same 5% moly grease for all bearings, these final drive splines, and anything else that has a lot of pressure between parts. I first bought it when I replaced the axle bearings in my pickup, like decades ago. More recently, I used it up on everything. So next time it'll be a fresh can. My second ... kinda like that antique bottle of worchestershire sauce in my refrigerator.

I haven't felt any urge to get more fussy about it than that.

I suggest buying some "axle bearing grease" at your closest car parts store, and check that it has about 5% MoS2. Maybe pick a name brand -- god knows a can of it can last a long, long time.

[KPAX]

You could be right. The service manual says to use molybdenum disulfide grease it does not specify a percentage.

[ekap1200]

Hi Guys,

These 404's are bumming me out. I bought a new set of Bridgestone Exedra Max bias belted but my 404's were literally 80% tread life (but old, manufacture date is 2011), so I decided to wear them down a bit more. I have put 2,000 kms on them and hit my threshold - they have to come off.

This morning I pulled my front and rear wheels and dropped them off at the motorcycle shop ($10 install for next day service - yay).

Question:
- Where do I buy Molybdenum Disulfate grease? It says I should use this for the gear drive on the rear wheel.
- Should I be greasing anywhere else?

Thanks

Should I be greasing anywhere else? That depends on the mileage of the bike. /The female spline is the one that will wear out. the male IS the outboard side of the RING gear and is quite hardened.
Do you see any gear oil up at the boot of the driveline . There are O-rings that couple the driveshaft to the final drive, they tend to wear out if they were not greased properly.
What's the history of the bike , ie. how long have you had it, and how many miles does it have ?
Gene Kap.

[GrandpaDenny]

Let's not forget about the driveshaft splines!

Ten bucks for a tire change. Damn I'm jealous. Best I can get around here is $40 and wait. Does that include balancing?

[cushman eagle]

Do you have a history on the age of the wheel bearings?
I changed mine with the last tire changes,at 71,000 miles when I put the front E-4,and at 70,000 when put the rear E-4 on.
I used the OEM bearings do to reports on this forum on after market.
I have also lubed my front driveshaft spline twice since I bought the bike with 22,000 on it ,now at 89,800.