am building my leading link front end for the rig. I'm curious though, what do most factory built leading links use for the swingarm pivot? Bushing? Oiltite? Brass? Roller bearings? Needle cage bearings?
My old /2's had Tapered Roller's for pivots. The custom set I made for my '75 Wing, Mid-Links, was done close to the same way.
I understand that Motorvation used a brass or some such in theirs, back in the 70's, that wore out too quick and pulled theirs from the market due to law-suits over defective product. They looked good but just didn't cut it in the long haul. The folks that own Motorvation today arn't even aware that the old company made Leading Links.
I would stick with the Tried and Tru Tapered Roller for any custom Links, Short, Mid or full Earls type.
When Yamaha presented in 88 their (inovational) paralever front suspension for racing bikes I had to laugh because it was just a standard 1920ties design with bearings in stead of bushings...
You now get tapered bearings ore inclined seat ball bearings(spindle bearings sSchrägsitzkugelllager) with higher angle rating for the high sideloads. but they build up big.
So you are good off with a combination of axial and radial needle bearings that are small and handy. In industrial supply you get them allready combinated made out of hardened steel and not only the thin cheap stuff.
I am out of office so I cannot tell you the type reference.
Regards
Sven Peter
