84 Big Red 200 Winch/Bearings/Forks

[Muggle]

If I were to get a winch for my big red, would mounting it on the front rack just bend the rack? If I got one, where should I put it?

Also, big puddles are just the funnest thing to drive through, but my uncle said that if I keep going through them I'll have to replace the bearings. Is this true, and can I get sealed bearings to prevent wear from happening so quickly? When I was draining the water, I noticed it was black from grease. Should I re-grease the bearings, and if I should, how?

Does anyone know if a big red 200 will fit in the bed of a quarter ton pickup?

The forks are pretty worn, there's not much travel and they sink quite a bit, are there rebuild kits available or am I stuck with these unless I can find a parts bike with some forks?

Thanks in advance.

[Thorpe]

If you intend to use the winch, yes it will bend it... I had to reinforce my rack, but I plow with my ES... Ride it through the mud. Your machine is 25+ years old, wont be a big suprise when it need bearings, will it? Yes it will fit in a mini truck.

[Muggle]

Well, the bearings were replaced one ride ago, but should they be re-greased and how?

Also, would mounting the winch on the forks(opposite side of the headlight) bend or break anything?

[Thorpe]

Your bearing should have had seals outside of them (seperate seals)... Here is my winch mount... I reinforced the gussets on the sides, and plated the top. It doesnt flex at all now...

[Thorpe]

http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmot...m1891#sch10870

Look at part# 20... If your seals are good, I wouldnt worry about the mud... They bearings may need to be replaced in another 25 years...

[Muggle]

Your big red looks in great condition. Thanks for the picture, I'm sure I can find a way to re-enforce it if I get a winch.

Also, it looks to me as if part #20 is the bearing itself, isn't it?

[Thorpe]

20 is the seal, 30 is the bearing...

[Muggle]

Ah, my mistake. I'm not exactly mechanically inclined.

[Thorpe]

Its alright... Gotta start somewhere....

[Squelch]

Does anyone know if a big red 200 will fit in the bed of a quarter ton pickup?

I know it's off topic.. but I couldn't resist.

I don't know if a quarter ton pickup exists..?
The GMC Syclone holds the record for lowest carrying capacity of a pickup at 800#

[Thorpe]

http://www.japaneseminitrucks.com/

Even the Mini trucks here are rated to carry 880lbs!