87 WR430 disc brake conversion

Just looked up those numbers; needle bearings are very affordable. The other parts, like 15-11-278-01 part number; not so much...

Thanks for the pics! I've still this detail to work out and your post helps much!

i tell it to people all the time...just have to ask! thats what the cafe is for...or better yet, thats what the cafe husky " search bar " is for!

just remember that all the swede bearings are std SKF numbers usually purchasable from any bearing service and if you in the know, you can get em trade... I think I paid 68 bucks for all the bearings for the gearbox in the 400. cheap as...(don't ask me about quality, I never checked...)

So, turns out the later model hub will not lace to the gold swede rim. The angles for the spoke nipples are all wrong. I ended up relacing the newer rim back on. The wheel end is sorted now. Need to complete the master cylinder mount / reservoir mount and we are done. And a tire; I've a DOT rated tire on the way.

Here is how I am mounting the caliper; I need a few odd parts to finalize the fitment.

The wheels and the engine seem this way. Swingarm and linkage bearings seem to be special runs ordered from the bearing manufacturer. It isn't to say one can not find a needle bearing the same size but the arrangement of the needles (cage or no cage) and the one 0 ring are not in catalog. At least that is what I have found. Even the cagiva group sold maximum capacity no cage and no o ring for replacements.

I am not keen on needle rollers in the swingarm so fitted brass bushes instead. Seems to work ok 4 years later.

never had a drama with needles, just getting them out or back in is a mission without the correct driver

Finished up today. Seems to work well.

Close up of the reservoir mounting.

A bit of water and not much grease and a lengthy park in the shed can cause some dramas Surprize. All the bikes I have bought have had knackered needles.

Nice brake conversion. Hope the reservoir stays up-rite. A couple hose guides on the swing arm would give it a "finished" look. Very nice set up.

I rekon its all about the first owner..if they greased the units with water proof grease, it seems to hold them in good stead. the 510 I got was husky prepped and 30 years later and 3 owners I grab the swingarm axle and slide it out by hand. quick clean and regrease and its all good. the 400 was the same (California bike, no water....) and lots of shed time... but I had to recently replace some needle rollers in a kato 2005 now what a mission that was!

Thanks. I've been studying on the hose clamps but have yet to decide how to keep a drilled/threaded hole from allowing water inside the swingarm. Suggestions?

do you normally run a shock guard

there are a few holes now in your swingarm, such as the screw holes for the wrap around chain guard

I think as long as the holes were tapped...a little silicone sealant (or blue lock tight) on the bolts would seal it when bolt is tightened. 2premo is right...you should get a shock guard if you don't have one.

Final configuration. How about that antique plate! Thanks!

Great job....I always loved the look of the 87-88 big bikes from behind. Very comfy & smooth lines. Antique plate is very cool.