A note for when folks are changing tires, especially for those new to Yamaha shaft drive:
When changing the rear tire, pop the 4 bolts that hold the rear differential, the pumpkin easily slides aft for removal, and do 3 things.
(1) Lube the shaft splines. Wipe off whatever is left of the factory grease and apply new. I've never heard of a Yamaha spline set failing but it is a wear point and tire changes are your opportunity. btw, the lower end of outboard motors use similar spline drives, have similar corrosion concerns, the grease works perfectly, and it's available in almost any car parts store.
(2) Spray some ACF-50, CRC, or other anti-corrosive spray on the shaft and other exposed metal. Again, never heard of a failure, but there will probably already be the start of some surface corrosion. The Max, FJR, and Tenere ALL do it. A quick spritz or wipe can stop it.
(3) There is a drain hole in the shaft housing that dirt and bugs can plug. Check that it is clear.
When re-installing, the shaft slides in easily, no circlips or other tricks. And it is EASY to overlook the washers under the 4 nuts that hold the pumpkin in place, so watch you haven't lost one.
Finally, put some anti corrosion spray on the axle, because it will rust and be hard to take out the next time if you don't.
When changing the rear tire, pop the 4 bolts that hold the rear differential, the pumpkin easily slides aft for removal, and do 3 things.
(1) Lube the shaft splines. Wipe off whatever is left of the factory grease and apply new. I've never heard of a Yamaha spline set failing but it is a wear point and tire changes are your opportunity. btw, the lower end of outboard motors use similar spline drives, have similar corrosion concerns, the grease works perfectly, and it's available in almost any car parts store.
(2) Spray some ACF-50, CRC, or other anti-corrosive spray on the shaft and other exposed metal. Again, never heard of a failure, but there will probably already be the start of some surface corrosion. The Max, FJR, and Tenere ALL do it. A quick spritz or wipe can stop it.
(3) There is a drain hole in the shaft housing that dirt and bugs can plug. Check that it is clear.
When re-installing, the shaft slides in easily, no circlips or other tricks. And it is EASY to overlook the washers under the 4 nuts that hold the pumpkin in place, so watch you haven't lost one.
Finally, put some anti corrosion spray on the axle, because it will rust and be hard to take out the next time if you don't.