Wheel bearings don't last forever, even if fully sealed. They operate in a somewhat harsh environment, and are quite heavily loaded. They're fairly cheap and relatively easy to replace. I replaced all the wheel and suspension bearings (i.e. shock linkage, swingarm, steering head) on my bike at around 65,000 km. Maybe some didn't strictly need it, but it's often hard to tell without removing them, at which point they're usually wrecked anyway.

Thanks for all the great replies to my original question. Being a maintenance freak, I'm now planning on replacing the wheel bearings prior to the trip just for the "peace of mind".

I've heard that road conditions on the Alaska run are particularly harsh - lots of wet gravel roads creating grit that might put marginal bearings over the edge. I think a switch to sealed bearings might be a nice preventive measure.

__________________
2011 DL650 ABS (white) Fully farkled now and has survived one riding season.
2004 DL650 (blue) sold to Blair Layton for use as a project bike.


You can call your bike a Wee if you like. I call mine the LightStrom!

http://www.stromtrooper.com/showthread.php?t=46493

This is my experience but I bought the bike used and don't know the history as far as where it had been ridden. I used the AllBalls kit that BTD linked but only the rear and it was an easy swap. I have not done the fronts but will probably the next tire change.

__________________
Steve
Blue 2002 Vee (gone) now an 08 KLR

I replaced my front and rear bearings before riding my 07 Vee from Canada to Tierra Del Fuego 2 up with my wife... whilst doing so I noticed the original sprocket bearing was toast (at 30,000 miles)... I replaced the originals with the All Balls kit. Well, after 20,000 miles the rear right side bearing has had it... I'm packing it manually with grease before every ride as the outside seal is gone... We're in Southern Peru, and are planning to limp the bike into La Paz Bolivia where I'll get some new ones pressed in... Moral of my story, wish I'd packed spares... they definitely don't last for ever... I do ride the bike hard, on lots of mud and dirt... so I'm not complaining!

If you visit a local bearing shop you'll only spend around $16 in bearings for both wheels. The sprocket carrier is around another $16, but this one is a beast.

6204-2RS for the front and rear wheel
62/32-2RS for the sprocket carrier

I bought a 20mm of this tool for $9, used a slot head screwdriver and a hammer. The bearings came out faster than it took me to pull the rear wheel.
Motion Pro Bearing Remover - Chaparral Motorsports

__________________

'06 Silver DL1000
'08 Flat Black DL650(totaled)

I have 50,000 miles on my 07,last time I did tires ( about 5,000 ago ) my original bearings were still good.We are heading up to Deadhorse next June so by than I will be around 55,000 or so I might just replace them to be safe.


Sent from my iPhone using Motorcycle.com App

__________________
1982 GS850..BLACK SUNSHINE,the tripod
2007 DL996AR..BRUTUS
Ah screw it,I'm goin ridin !!!!!!!!

At 75,000 miles my first left side rear wheel bearing failed. I replaced both sides at that time. The bearings felt fine 10,000 previously when I checked during a tire change. Fronts are original. I plus 100 on the no pressure washer....number 1 bearing killer.

__________________
________________________________
2007 Blue SuperVee 1000
2002 White HD Road King Police
2000 Red Honda XR 400r
2003 Green Honda Rincon 650 ATV

If it is not broken, it can still be fixed

No pressure washer here but I live in Seattle and ride everyday!!.


Sent from my iPhone using Motorcycle.com App

__________________
1982 GS850..BLACK SUNSHINE,the tripod
2007 DL996AR..BRUTUS
Ah screw it,I'm goin ridin !!!!!!!!

Rain would not worry me, only water under pressure. And by failed I should clarify, the bearing felt rough when then tested by turning outer race with finger in inner race. The bearing was still intact and had not spun in the hub.

__________________
________________________________
2007 Blue SuperVee 1000
2002 White HD Road King Police
2000 Red Honda XR 400r
2003 Green Honda Rincon 650 ATV

If it is not broken, it can still be fixed