I just bought a '17 RGS. Since it has ABS I know the wheel bearings are different than bikes without ABS. My old bikes were pre '08 and had 1 inch and 3/4 " wheel bearings. I never had an issue with those. I hear that the new 25m.m. wheel bearings have been a problem, but I hear a lot of stuff that isn't 100% accurate. I'm curious about how many of you guys have had 25 m.m. wheel bearings fail and were they ABS or not. Thanks.

 

I had the non ABS front bearing fail within 15K miles. I checked it when I took the rear tire off to be replaced, I'm glad I didn't wait to check it until the front had to be replaced. The dealer only replaced the bad bearing. The ABS bearing failed about 5K later and the new non ABS bearing was feeling a bit rough. Had both replaced under warrantee that time. I just checked it at 25K miles when I upgraded the front suspension and it still feels good.

One key to having the bearings last is to install them carefully. If they aren't mated up to the inner race spacer properly the bearings will have too much side load and they will fail prematurely. Another factor is how well they are lubed when manufactured. It pays to carefully pop the seals off and make sure there is adequate grease in them.

 

What is the symptom of front wheel bearing failure?

 

The first "failure" I didn't notice anything. The second time there were rust stains visible on the wheel hub and I was able to detect a slight whirring noise and a slight buzz in the handlebars.

When I say "failure" I don't mean that they came apart or seized up but they were way out of spec. The second time when I noticed they were bad I was touring up in Canada and I rode another thousand miles or so before I had them replaced. The ABS bearing had about .10" of slop in it by the time I replaced it...that's pretty bad IMO.

 

The only time I ever had to replace one was on my 2013 at about 25K front one warranty.
07 75K and many miles on others never an issue. I still think I may have trashed it by washing with the sprayer .
On the 2013 I heard it. Picture with seal pulled back. It was dry

 

I have ditched several. I just change the fronts out when I change tires. When they go you can hear them. Most of the guys I ride with have had them go out around 20k.

 

I had the front go way too soon as well...and it was out of warranty (bitch, moan, groan...). It was during a tire change and had to have it done at the dealer. WAY too expensive just for two little chicken **** bearings. Next time it gets close I'm gonna hit Georges Garage or Amazon for a tool and look for better bearings.

IMPO...I think the bearings are just a bit small for this application (FL's all loaded up)...but it is what it is and we are stuck with it unless someone has a machine shop and wants to fab a new front spindle...LOL

 

Cheap third-world-produced junk parts = poor durability and performance. Simple as that!

When mine take a ****, they'll be replaced with quality US-made parts.

 

My 2010 front ABS bearings went out at 19,000 miles - while I was 800 miles from home.

Sound and feel. It's hard to explain the "feel"; just felt "gritty", or as rwven stated "buzzy". Moreso was the sound - it SOUNDED like a dry bearing while rolling under highway speeds; it also was difficult to isolate where the noise was coming from. Initially, I thought it was coming from the crankcase.

 

Not picking here but - whose bearings would you use? I have a thread asking that question too.