about to do the mod
 

7000 miles and for the last 1000 the drive was snatchy like chain slack/ fueling etc.

I have taken the cush drives out and the look pretty sorry, the little rubber connecting the pairs have disappeared into dust on two of them.

So my question is, do I add the inner tube mod to these worn out ones or can I do it to new ones? Obviously the latter is preferred.

thanks Kev and anybody else who cares to comment :eusa_think:

I have tried to fit inner tube with new ones without success; it's just a touch too tight. I've found if you let the settle for about 1000 miles you can squeeze some in.

I have a polyurethane cush drive now, so inner tube is a thing of the past. Done nearly 8k miles on them and they're still as good as new.

thanks pal

where did you get the polyurethane ones perhaps I can buy them too

They are available from forum member Hunday.

It is best to contact him via email, rather than PM, and be patient for a reply. He will get back to you.

This thread may be of interest...

http://www.xt660.com/showthread.php?t=21410

Interesting reading.

The Hunday ones are quite pricy (�54). I will have a go at the mod first.
Will follow your advice to let the new ones bed in first for a couple of thousand miles. and hope :023:

Inner tube mod from new, lubricate them with silicone grease and forget.

In the end I fitted a new set with rubber tube inserts.
I used silicon grease to lube the entry edge of the rubber block (as CCA advised) as it was too tight for the cover to fit.
I actually cut the rubber (x4) to be the same height to that of the cover casing ribs giving me a U shape fitting as opposed to Ʊ ( I didn't want to take a chance of the cover sitting too proud of the casing)

And what a transformation:wow: Now I can start using higher gears again.
The bike runs so smoothly and cornering is once again a joy with the shunting/ jerkiness totally gone.

Very interesting as 6 months ago, I was convinced there was a problem with the fuel I was using, then the air filter and so on and on:dontknow:

Wonder how many owner are doing the same thing looking at the fueling as the culprit where in fact it is the knackered cush drive!

Now I hope this would last a long time.

BTW I recently changed my front tyre to conti trail attack2. What a trasformation. The front end is more settle and composed and not twitchy and the bike leans much better and smoother
:icon_cool:

thanks guys for your feedback and support

Bonjo, cca - Your obviously stronger than I am! ;)

Hadn't considered using silicon lube though! KY Jelly is always a good rubber-safe lube.... should slide in nicely! :ky:

Re-grease them once per year (be generous). I have no experience with other types of rubber friendly grease. Maybe they have longer life or withstand water better. However, after 15000 km, mine are still excellent. Intention is to reduce friction inside and prevent eating the rubber.
Enjoy your ride.

Don't think KY is suitable long term. IT is best used for other purposes...

Silicon grease/ lube is neutral to rubber has a good operating temperature range and better high pressure lubrication.

I was not sure if the rubbers had to stay dry (not lubed) but now CCa has answered that.

I used an old motorcycle tube and am not particularly strong. I smeared grease on the edge of the rubbers dampers then slowly push it in. If you use thick donor tube, then it will probably not go in. :)