125-200cc Upper shock bearing price shock!

I'm starting to get significant undamped movement on my 2012 CR144 in my swingarm/linkage. A majority of it is in the upper and lower shock mounts. The lower one is included in the Moose Racing (all balls) linkage kit I got. However I have not been able to source a top bearing. The OEM one is like $68 for the kit. That's a little much if I can avoid it, more than 1$ per hour of usage! The last year I see listed is for a 2009 CR125. Is that not still the Sachs shock? Has anyone sourced this bearing elsewhere? I see online sources for spherical bearings such as SKF but I'm looking to have one onhand when I take it apart, not take it apart, measure it, and hope I can find one. Any leads or experience with this CH bros?

I asked Les at LTR about replacing the stock unit on my 2008 Sachs. He said OEM was the only source he knew of, but he rarely has seen that unit need to be replaced. I'm not really clear on how it works exactly. Doesn't move with the shock in my hand, but I guess it does move under the weight of the bike.

it is a linkage mounted shock so very hard to push without the mechanical advantage of the linkage

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/290884959563?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Direct replacement but you will have to remove the two inserts from your shock and use them again, the last one I changed put up one hell of a fight

yeh im curious about these too. never replaced mine, not sure how to check TBH?! thought it was a bushing of some kind but yeah cant move it by hand

There are two top hat shaped bushes pressed into the bearing ( one on each side) they have a knurled type outer finish that makes them bite into the bearing from new. Some come out resonably easy but some as in the last one I did for someone was a real pig to get them out and as you will have to use them again you have to refrain from getting the big bashing sticks out The bearing itself is retained by a tiny wire circlip that can also be a right pain in the ass to remove, The top bearing fits from one side only (circlip side) so do not try to just press the bearing out blindly, dig through grime the circlip is hard to see

Thanks JB that's pretty much what I needed to know. With the dimensions listed I can probably source one stateside here, and the price looks right!

On my old beast it seemed the Bolt was worn more than the bushing- new bolt snugged it right up. May or may not apply to yours. ??

Where's our bike porn photos anders!?

Lol- Here you go Shawbagga- We know you like em dirty!