Bearing Problem?

[WINGMAN]

Hello Wingers,
I gotz a question. I own an '84 naked GL1200. It's always been a bitch to back up or roll it on foot. I always assumed it was because the bike is heavy and because it's pretty tall for me. No matter what, I can be on a flat surface, tires well inflated and it is REALLY heavy to move. Today I rode a friend's '86 Goldwing Interstate. I was shocked at how easy it was to roll. Even though the bike is fully dressed and packed with stuff, it actually felt MUCH lighter to me. Backing it up was a breeze. What's going on? I put my nudie on the center stand and rolled the wheels by hand and they don't seem to have that much of a drag. Should they spin effortlessly? I assume it's normal for some brake pad contact. Any pointers?

[Try]

Hello Wingers,
I own an '84 naked GL1200.

Do you have a pic?

It's always been a bitch to back up or roll it on foot. I always assumed it was because the bike is heavy and because it's pretty tall for me. No matter what, I can be on a flat surface, tires well inflated and it is REALLY heavy to move. Today I rode a friend's '86 Goldwing Interstate. I was shocked at how easy it was to roll. Even though the bike is fully dressed and packed with stuff, it actually felt MUCH lighter to me. Backing it up was a breeze. What's going on? I put my nudie on the center stand and rolled the wheels by hand and they don't seem to have that much of a drag. Should they spin effortlessly? I assume it's normal for some brake pad contact. Any pointers?

Your wheel shall spin effortless without no noise, check your wheel
bearing for excessive play.

[Zryder]

You don't mention your brakes , My last GL I had the brakes wouldn't release , 1 ; The rear brake pedal was stiff , and wouldn't return , I applied a releasing oil and that was OK . I am a bad person for thinking its the worst thing first without checkuing the simple . Last but not lease brake caliper rebuild . Just a couple of thoughts .


Zryder crosso

[WINGMAN]

Actually Try, my bike is almost identical to yours I will shoot some pics. I'd like to get a seat like yours tough. Mine is one of those plush oversized things that I don't like. I am also looking into having one made into a single.
I did mention the brakes. There is some contact in the rear. You can feel it drag, but not enough to keep you from spinning it, but it will NOT spin free as mentioned.

[Try]

Actually Try, my bike is almost identical to yours I will shoot some pics.

I'm looking forward to see your Standard!!

I'd like to get a seat like yours tough. Mine is one of those plush oversized things that I don't like.

Why not, I have cut my seat down a bit, feeling more comfortable. 8)

I am also looking into having one made into a single.

Next off season I shall make me a "single saddle" set up.

I did mention the brakes. There is some contact in the rear. You can feel it drag, but not enough to keep you from spinning it, but it will NOT spin free as mentioned.

Maybe your have Axle nut is to tight, tighten the axle nut Torque: 95 N.m (69ft-lb)

[quakeholio]

I hope it's not the bearings, but if they are they shouldn't be to hard to replace. Trying to think if you should replace the bearings in the final drive as well. Probably a different issue altogether there. One last thing I would look at, how well dose the front wheel move? Maybe you are just in the worng place on this one.

[WINGMAN]

Well, I think I found the culprit. I pulled the forks off to replace the seals, and when I had removed the calipers, I spinned the tire and it moved perfectly free, so I think there's some excessive break pad contact. The pads look like new, so they have lot's of meat. The calipers might also need attention. Not sure, but it does not look like the problem is the bearings. Thanks for all your help.