Ed Y said:
I've been riding these things since 1956 and I've never had that kind of problem with Timken tapered bearings in the wheels provided the end play is set correctly. Personally, I think the tech is wrong. Did he even know enough to check end play on the wheels you have?? Was the end play checked when the wheels were new??
Hello Ed Y, how are you my friend? all good I hope and happy new year to you and your family.
Got agree here, the wheel side movement would be physically noticable to the eye before a "tracking" issue occured, if the bearings were faulty.
Because the bike is 2nd hand..............and pretty much repeating what 84fxr has stated.....you got to trial and error and eliminate each possible off the list.
Fork Oil correct type and filled to correct height?
Frame and/or swing arm bent from accident and re-straightened?
Steering Head Bearings over tightened causing the balls to either cut grooves in races or crack/split races?
Swing arm bush worn out?
Rear shocks worn out/defective, not adjusted correctly?
Rear Wheel not adjusted properly or drive side has moved forward underload or rear axle loose.
I just get a wire coat hanger and wrap one end around the axle and fit the nut back with enough pressure to hold everything together and taper cut the other end with plyers then twist it up to point against the rim lip to check wheel out or round...............works as good as anything else and costs nothing.
All the best, Ozzie