VERY HOT rear diff/final drive housing.

DobberDoo

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I tried searching for threads on the subject unsuccessfully.I changed the final drive oil, used recommended Valvoline viscosity, and measured quantity.
After riding 50 miles, I noticed the final drive housing / swing arm were quite hot. Too hot to keep a hand on for long. I dont think I ever have felt of that area after a ride previously, so im not sure if this is normal. Anyone with the same issue?
 

ace50

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This design of Yamaha shaft drives is used across many models of their bikes. I've also seen this design differ on temps as you have mentioned
even on the same model of bikes. They can get hot but I don't think it is of too much concern as I haven't seen one grenade myself,
even if they arn't maintained well. You could just get one of those cheap infrared laser temp gauges and keep an eye on it for piece of mind.
 
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hobdayd

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I worked a lot on drive axles and beval differentials. Gears and oil generate friction = heat. We spent a lot of time developing how much oil (level) and grade to meet OEM life targets of 1,250,000 miles!

You can expect (dependant on ambient temperatures) up to 70°C or 160°F would be my guess assuming correct oil level and no other issues. Maybe higher / maybe lower.

Hope this helps.

Don
 

WJBertrand

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Some manufacturers show on their websites tech information how their synthetic oils lower gear drive operating temperatures. Having said that, your observations seem normal and expected.
 

Cycledude

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I’ve been concerned about my Tenere final drive as well, it gets a little to hot to hold my hand on but the highest Infared temperature I’ve actually seen was 137 degrees on a day when the outside air temperature was over 80 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s probably nothing to worry about. The final drive on my Honda Goldwing seems to run much cooler.
 

DobberDoo

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I’ve been concerned about my Tenere final drive as well, it gets a little to hot to hold my hand on but the highest Infared temperature I’ve actually seen was 137 degrees on a day when the outside air temperature was over 80 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s probably nothing to worry about. The final drive on my Honda Goldwing seems to run much cooler.
yeah im going to get a heat gauge to check it, as well as my Concours 14.
My concern was that because of lowering the C10, it may have created undue stress on the final drive.
 

gv550

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I just measured mine after returning from a ride on a 75* day. 112F on the housing near the fins. Using Yamaha shaft drive oil exclusive.
 

hobdayd

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Nothing to worry about.

There will always be heat generated in a final drive hub.

If there is oil filled to the correct level it should be fine.
 

escapefjrtist

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Ride more, stress less!

Normal (temperature) behavior from the final drive, my FJR actually runs a little hotter than the Tenere.

~G
 

DogOne

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I was alarmed the first time I put my hand on it too, and have been assured that it's ok.
If you've never had a vehicle with a transmission temp gauge, you can expect ATF to run at 185F - 210F depending on conditions and driving mode.
 

Paul466

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I tried searching for threads on the subject unsuccessfully.I changed the final drive oil, used recommended Valvoline viscosity, and measured quantity.
After riding 50 miles, I noticed the final drive housing / swing arm were quite hot. Too hot to keep a hand on for long. I dont think I ever have felt of that area after a ride previously, so im not sure if this is normal. Anyone with the same issue?
Maybe you should get a adhesive temp strip ,this way it’s a matter of looking at it ever time you dismount to get an average temp?
 

EricV

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One nice thing about the Yamaha final drive is that you don't have to measure the FD fluid. Just pour it in until it comes out the hole and you're good.
 

EricV

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I faithfully used Yamaha high speed gear oil, (Norwegian Monky Jizz), for 30 or 40k miles and the diff was always hot. Then I changed to Valvoline SynPower gear lube and it cooled down noticeably. Never use anything else since then.
 

ace50

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I faithfully used Yamaha high speed gear oil, (Norwegian Monky Jizz), for 30 or 40k miles and the diff was always hot. Then I changed to Valvoline SynPower gear lube
and it cooled down noticeably. Never use anything else since then.
This is probably a good indicator for an oil? I'm guessing it might be.
The reply on an oil thread I started came back with people noticing the engines run cooler using Motul 7100.
Looking into it, other comments of actual user reviews said the same thing.
 
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