I have heard that the neck bearings on the 14 touring models need replaced every 25, 000 miles. Is this true? If so, why do they require replacement so often? Are they poor quality? Is there a replacement bearing that eliminates the 25k replacement requirement?

 

I'm not buying they need replaced. Adjusted? Well, OK, but not replaced. Maybe someone has a 14 SM and could look it up?

 

They do not need replaced unless they are bad. 25 K is the service interval where they need to be cleaned inspected and lubricated and re adjusted.The front end has to be disassembled for this procedure.Since the frame was redesigned Harley omitted the grease fitting in the neck,that is why it has be done this way.LOL don't believe every thing people tell you about these bikes.

 

That is BS no grease fitting on the neck bearing…..just another way to squeeze another couple of $100+ on service…..just more flee zing of the flock….not bad for the guy who only puts a few 1000 a year on a bike….my 2cents

 

I'd think most (I probably would) would just replace them at 25K then, either the cost (if you're having it done) or the labor (if you're doing it yourself) is in disassembling everything and being as you're in there anyway why not just go for new ones and put them in? Just a thought...

 

my 85 flhtc has the original bearings in it and the only time they were greased was when the bike was built. ride it and don't worry about it. if they need to be replaced then replace them but taking the whole front end off to smear some grease on them doesn't make any sense. take it apart when it needs to be fixed.

 

I love these statements...These bikes are designed to go 100000 plus miles. Its like putting a new transmission in your vehicle because it requires maintenance.

 

Not true, your talking a $25 bearing versus a $1700 transmission. Keep it apples to apples and you may have a leg to stand on.
The poster makes a good point in that if you spend $200 in time, or labor cost, just bite the bullet and replace. If you think about it it does make sense. Not saying thats the route I am taking, but to me it does make sense.

 

Its a Harley do you really think neck bearings are only $25.

 

first thing i would do would be to install a grease fitting in the neck. done this on shovels and evo's for years, no big deal to do.