TOPIC:

Good day. 1979 KZ650 Custom, VIN -026###, made 9/78, assembled in Japan. Rear disk.

Subject has been discussed but I can't find "The Fix". The needle bearings were destroyed and took chunks out of the sleeve (42036-1102).

My current plan is to cut sleeve into two inner races and make a spacer the take up slack. Does anyone have a better fix, or found a 16mm x 22mm x 40mm ( or longer)? Is it possible to switch the whole setup to the more available bushing setup?

Thanks. Been wrenching on Honda's for 27 years, but I'm a Kawi believer.

If you were happy with the surface of the inner half of the sleeve, you could cut it in half, and flip the undamaged center ends to the outside, under the bearings... no spacer needed. Maybe treat it with naval jelly first, and knock down any burrs/marring on the surface.

There's a discussion about possible substitute/fabrication options here
kzrider.com/forum/5-chassis/606986-swingarm-pivot-sleeve
...basically, find a sleeve which is 22mm OD, 16mm ID and grind it shorter if necessary; or cut it in half and use a spacer if it's too short. You might call AllBalls Racing and tell them you're looking for 22mm x 16mm ID by any length, for any bike.

dumb idea deleted

Just an quick thought.
The Porsche 911 Piston Pins (Ø = OD 22 x ID 14 x L 66 mm) can be modify to inner races for your needle bearings.
Some other engines like BMW, Ducati, KTM use the same Ø = OD 22 mm Piston pin.

Made a possible break through over the weekend.

Reached out to a vendor that makes some stickers we all love to put on our toolboxes, and they think they have a 16x22x225mm sleeve in stock! I am ordering two, when they arrive and I verify they fit I will post the vendor and part number. Or I can buy 50 of them and sell them at a mark up? Give the secret sauce to Z1 Enterprises? Nah, will share freely if it works.

Scirocco, thanks for the Porsche part solution option.

One advantage of having a wide range of bikes is that I come across really helpful people working on a variety of problems.

The downside is remembering passwords......

Well, I believe I found the solution.

All Balls racing sells a 16x22x225mm sleeve with a hardened and treated face.

Went in easily with four new needle roller bearings and a new bolt.

Part#40-2132, but please confirm when you order. They also have a longer one that might work in larger models.

Hope this helps get people on the road, COVID can't keep up in the twisty stuff.