Reading through the owners manual Kawasaki leads you to believe you need to pay them to do the bearing lubrication and inspections, I would rather choose to save that $$ for better things...

So my question to you is what type of grease you use for the bearings (wheel hub, swingarm pivot point, steering stem, rocker arm, etc.). I would think any old grease would do but obviously there are quality differences, some are water resistant like marine quality and stuff.

How to lubricate, I notice that there are no grease points, so disassembly would be required to lubricate. I guess taking apart and packing the bearings by hand, then reassembling is the way to go?

Also do you get spare bearings from kawasaki or from a local shop, Kawasakipartsnation and bikebandit seemed a bit expensive for the bearings, I was just going to cross-reference the Kawasaki number to a generic part #.

Thanks in advance.

 

Make sure you use a good quality water proof grease. I was using belray. I don't belive that the wheel bearings are re-greasable but I could be wrong. Do not try and take the swingarm or pivots bearings out or you will ruin them. If you have access to a parts washer get them as clean as possible in there and then repack. And yes no lubrication points on the bike, disassemble, clean repack, and reassemble.

 

Exactly what 2k1w said. Nothing more, nothing less.
Belray waterproof. Or if you have a marine supply store closer to you than a moto shop, they also sell really good waterproof grease.

--
Mikko

 

You can actually regrease the so-called "sealed" wheel bearings by removing one side of the rubber seal with a very fine blade, like in an Exacto Kit or similar tool. If you're careful this really isn't that hard. When fully packed with grease, you can fit that seal back into its slot. Agree on quality marine type grease.

 

I use/Used this Aqua-Lube AKA AquaShield. Its some of the most sticky stuff I have ever run across.

Warning dont google "aqua lube" without adding "marine grease" the results would be NSFW.

 

Motul products are great IMHO. Use their oils too.

 

I use maxima waterproof grease

 

Another vote for belray waterproof. It differs from other grease by using an alum soap base instead of the more common lithium base. You'll know when you try and wash it off your hands it truly does resist washout.

 

Thanks for all the help guys! Sounds like Belray or marine quality it is. The amount of work to try and regrease the sealed bearings sounds more trouble than it's worth, I think I'll stick to a periodic replacement.

Anybody had one of the sealed bearings go bad yet? My bike is only at 1500 miles and I don't really beat it too bad Haven't managed to take her for a swim yet, but that's not to say it won't happen eventually hehe

 

I have had to replace my front wheel bearings already.