Well, After stupid miles that my bike has done its not a surprise something has failed - hindsight which we all have a degree in would have changed them before. About 3 weeks ago on paddock stand rear wheel was making a bit of 'squeak' put it down to chain needed a good lube which I did and left it. Yesterday morning rode 120 mile to North Wales for a track day with no problems. Mate was meant to use a track bike, but for first 2 sessions used my Blade - I used it in session after so it did 40 mins track time in 1st hour, and it was in my second session I heard / felt something a bit odd, but could not place it. Quick look at bike from mates and still no problem - suspected it being rearset moving onto exhaust / bracket movement so went out - anyhow on 2nd lap it suddenly felt very odd, I left the track and found the sprocket carrier edge worn down, marks on swing arm and bits of metal on spacer. Got recovered to 'pits' and removed wheel to find bearing completely destroyed, parts fused together, carrier ruined, spacer worn and needs replacement. Drive Collar Flange has remains of bearing fused to it. Luckily mate had space on his trailer to recover it and I rode his road bike home. I think myself lucky as: 1. It did not fail on way to circuit on public road 2. It did not lock up and have me off on track 3. It was fine at Donnington 3 weeks ago 4. It did not fail on trip to France in 6 weeks where it would have been a nightmare. Will add some pictures in a bit. New sprocket carrier has (from ebay) has cost £66, LH space is £20 and drive flange collar will be another £23 but chance breaker may have them so holding off purchase. Going to change front and rear wheel bearings now. Wheel needs some filing as there are marks on that then need swing arm checked and welded up to strengthen or replacement fitted.
Do you jet wash your bike or even hose it on the side stand? Water can run inside the rear hub causing problems, happened to a mates RRR causing bearing failure.
It has been jetwashed a few times, mainly after getting absolutely covered in mud / grit / dirt - its 'been round the block' so to speak but generally its bucket and sponge.
still on original disks, clutch, clutch cable (carry spare on long trips now 'just in case') and runs perfectly - even Clive Padgett described it as 'amazing' when it made 174 at rear wheel which was more than John McGuinesses brand new 2012 fully prepared supertock bike!
Get some pics up mate. A bike that's stood up to that sort of millage in such short time deserves a place in the spot light. I'm honestly gobsmacked at those miles.
Few pics here - its know as Triggers Blade by my mates, who are also amazed it keeps on going! http://1000rr.co.uk/new-members/5910.htm
