These are less than a year old. I could see the rubber cracked before unbolting them. I replaced them last night but they seem to be way over tightened. The new ones are squishing out as well between the cupped washer and the tree. On the bottom, on the top you can't see or it appears it's not happening. On the bushings I removed only the bottoms are cracked and split. These were brand new OEM last year. Manual calls for 35-40 lb ft. I have the new ones in now with 30. Is that wrong? I know I could go poly and avoid this but I don't want more vibrations.

 

Not all bushes are the same...check that yours are not too long and that the steel tube is in place inside them.


You don't get a lot of extra vibes with Poly bushes, they absorb them quite nicely in my opinion.

 

I have two sets of inner steel inserts one is slightly longer. Currently I have the shorter ones in. I don't know that either are OEM but the bushing in the picture for sure is OEM. I can see the bushing squeezing out at 30lbs. Here's a pic. Snapped the damn ground too wasn't paying attention was too busy watching the bushing squeeze. If I go to 35 or 40 per the manual they stick out past the cup washer

 

If you are squishing the bushings, then the inner sleeve is too short.

 

That answers it. So I guess I'm going to need some inner sleeves and another set of bushings. Looking at the set of cupped washers that came on the bike they were caved in inside the center ring so it appears those were over tightened and had too short of a sleeve as well. I replaced the cupped washers when I replaced the bushings but never the sleeves.

Should I just grab all new OEM parts or get a set of aftermarket? Any chance anyone knows the specs on OEM sleeve 56153-73 so I can measure the two I have to see if either or the proper length?

 

Go for poly with the correct inserts and new washers.

 

I'm gonna second the polys. Not much if any added vibs. Least on my 97 EG anyhow.

The feel in the bars is so much better and you feel a solid connection between the bars and the bike. I prefer that.

WP

 

My engine is ridged mounted and love my red poly bushings in the risers.

 

I went with poly bushings about 18 years ago. That set is still in my bike. I never noticed any more vibration, but the steering is definitely "firmer".

 

I changed to poly also and they are great. I really didn't think the vibes changed much either. I was nervous about that. My originals were shot.