Rick's DL1000 Rear Wheel Spacer Exchange Program

[RichlandRick]

"Over 240 Strommers Served-over 239 happy customers  Yes, its 2010 and we are still going strong....
After MasterMike sent me his drawings I came up with another approach to the spacer modification that achieves the same results slightly more economically ($35 + postage).  Instead of maching whole new spacers I am running a spacer exchange program.

Here's how it works..

Pay $55 + postage via Paypal

Recieve a remachined stock right hand spacer (2mm removed) and a new additional 2 mm left spacer.

Install on your bike (instruction are here part way down the page)

Send me your stock right side spacer to be remachined and added to the exchange program pool.

Reieve a $20 refund for your core.

Total cost to you $35 + $7.00 shipping + $20 refundable deposit plus postage to send in your spacer.  Postage via USPS within the US is $7, to Canada and Mexico is $9.00, and $11.00 international. Payment can be made via Paypal to rickhughes805@hotmail.com.
 
The additional left hand spacer is similar in appearance to a thin stainless steel washer, but of exact dimensions.  It is made for this application and only this applicaiton.

The program is now fully operational. I generally have enough spacers on hand to meet demand at any one moment.  <span style="font-size:15pt;">There is currently no waiting.  I have many sets reay to go in the mail. </span>  

Yes, this approach functions exactly the same as Master Mike's spacers, but retains the factory tolerances to the critical axle and bearing surfaces.

Please note that you must return your stock spacer after making the switch to the modified spacer in order to keep this program alive."

[bobbyvstrom]

That sounds easy enough.

[Stoney]

not only is it easy but it works , good upgrade for the 1000 , shame on suzuki and good on Rick . cheers mike

[RichlandRick]

Here are some pictures to help everybody understand what's involved.

The rear wheel just as it is slid out of the swingarm.  The left side spacer can be seen sitting in the seal.


Here the left spacer has been removed by hand, no tools needed.  


This piece is called the rear sprocket drum.  It also comes out by hand, no tools needed. Inside the wheel you can see the black rubber cushions Peter talks about in a message below.  This bike had 2,900 miles on it. It took a little one handed tug to remove the drum.  



Inside the rear sprocket drum is the rear sprocket drum retainer.     This is what has often been refered to as the rigth spacer.  Actually the right wheel spacer is the piece between the right side of the wheel and the brake support arm on the right hand side.  The right wheel spacer is unaffected by this modification (yes, its the same as what Master Mike's did    ).



Here you see the rear sprocket drum retainer removed by hand, no tools needed.  Note the orientation of the spacer (oops, I mean "rear sprocket drum retainer").

Please check out this link concerning at least some model years of DL1000.  If you look at the center collar the retainer/spacer is being pulled out of...on the outside lower edge of this collar where it blends with flat plate...there is a slightly raised surface.  On at least some DL1000s this surface may need to be turned flush on a lathe.  A 10" lathe is plenty big enough to handle the sprocket drum with the sprocket still installed.  If your local I can do this for you for $15.00 or say...a really good cheesburger, with fries, and diet coke on a ride sometime.



After replacing the sprocket drum retainer (spacer) with the modified -2mm version, reasemble the parts and add the new +2mm stainless steel spacer (new spacer that looks like a washer) to the outside of the left hand wheel spacer.



Here it is all put back together.  Note the washer like spacer between the left wheel spacer and the swingarm. You may not be able to see it clearly in this picture, but the chain is now cenetered on the sprocket.  



No, I didn't lay the bike down to get the shot .

Depending on your mechanical skills this job takes between 30 and 45 minutes.  You need to be able to support the bike with the rear wheel removed.  So a centerstand or lift is needed.

 
#####

[bobbyvstrom]

OK, I went for Rick's spacers.  I actually didn't expect anything from it, but knew it would be better to have the sprockets aligned in the long run.  I'd had it together for a couple days, unridden, when the guy that's doing the painting on my lowers called and said he was ready to match the tank, so could I get the bike out there.  I had  a few appointments, but had a short window of opportunity to get the thing out to him to get matched and get back to the office to get my car and make my appointment.  I was in such a hurry, the rear wheel didn't cross my mind until I realized that there was no chain noise.  The little buzzing sound from the chain wasn't there!  I would never have believed that a mere 2mm realignment of the rear sprocket would do that.  It's just over 1/16th inch!  However, there it was.  If that's the only benefit to the change, it was well worth the $35.  The reduced sprocket and chain wear is simply a bonus, as they last a long time anyway.  Thanks, Rick.  You did good

PS:  Rick says it takes about 30 minutes.  It did the first time when I assembled it wrong.  The second time I was back in the house within 10 minutes.  Read this thread first (not like me) and it's a 10 minute job with a pair of pliers and a crescent wrench.  And don't touch your chain adjuster mechanism.  It all goes back together just as it is.

[mongoose2231]

ji, I'm new here. I bough a dl1000 in october of 07 (a 2007 model), and I wanted to know wether suzuki fixed the rear wheel spacer problem by this model year, or do I need to take care of it???
your imputs are greatly apreciated.

[bobbyvstrom]

I have read in the forum that Suzuki has not changed the spacing on the newer bikes .

[Stoney]

no Mongoose they didn't fix it i have a 07 as well and rick's spacers did the trick .cheers mike

[Anonymous]

Made this mod with 20K miles on the odometer and like it very much.   Thanks, Rick.

[Anonymous]

It's now a few months out from the start of your program Rick, has the wait list shortened?  I have a chain job due and would like to do the mod at the same time.

Thanks for hard work!

[RichlandRick]

The wait is about 1.5 weeks from the day an order is made at the moment.

[Was 1.5 weeks - currently no waiting 06/30/2008.]

[RichlandRick]

This is the lip that some people will need to have machined.  Thus far ~ 4% of the DL1000s owners that have made the spacer mod need to have this lip machined.



Here's the thread  that discusses the maching.

The hub can be held in a lathe by removing the sprocket hub's seal and using "inside jaws" on the lathe.  It is not necessary to remove the bearing.

You may not need to remove the sprocket depending the size of your lathe.

[ActionJack]

Hello Rick, I'd like to exchange my rear wheel spacer if you still have any available. Thanks, Jack

[RichlandRick]

Yes, the pool is a never ending supply as long as everyone sends in their stock spacer after changing their set.  

I have more than a dozen sets ready to go in the mail at any moment.

[RichlandRick]

No problem.  Look at the information in the first post of this thread.  I have about 18 sets ready to go at any time.

[Bisbonian]

I never thought the spacers were necessary but a stromer who's opinion I respect recommended them and for $40 I thought it was worth the gamble.

Installation went easy and the wheel spins freely when everything's altogether so I don't think the hub interference issue is a problem.

I noticed nothing earthshattering but a low speed ratcheting sensation in the footpegs that's been there since I bought the bike is now gone.  The sensation was there with old/new chains and after many adjustments/readjustments.  My belief is that Richland Rick's spacers have solved this annoying issue and for that alone they were well worth the money and time spent.

Thanks for a great product.

[RichlandRick]

There is no end in sight to the spacer exchange program.  If this thread is here it's still running.  PM or e-mail me if you have questions.  See the buttons under the name in the name window to the left of this message.

[Dudley]

Hey Rick,
I have a 2008 DL 1000 and I was wondering if the rear sprocket position is an issue with this model and do you know if the lip will have to be machined on this model. I only have a couple of thousand miles on the bike and I am considering your modification to prevent future problems. Also is it necessary to change the bearing and seal when you change the spacers?
Dudley

[RichlandRick]

Suzuki has not fixed the problem and doesn't appear to be inclined to do so.  

Preventing future problems is a very good idea.  It's not just the chain and sprockets that wear, but also the rubber shock absorbers inside the wheel that are affected.  

Someone I know took his 2008 DL1000 in for warranty work associated with the symptoms talked about here.  The dealership told him that since it was caused by the chain and sprockets and chain and sprocket wear was not covered by the waranty they would not cover it.  I think he had 3,400 miles on the bike at the time.

[kazalou]

Hello Rick ,
Is your program still going strong if so I am ready to order the Kit
I understand that to ship in Montreal Canada is $7.00 extra
do we return our old spacer in the same box as the one we receive
Denis..

What is the time frame once the order payment has gone through ?
   

[Involute]

Well.....................I'm a believer now.  I did my own machining and fabrication for my 08 and it's almost as smooth as 650 now.  

Count me as another yahoo recommending this update.

[RockyMtnRoadRash]

I've said it elsewhere, but I'll say it here just to add to the accolades.  Rick's spacer program is great, and they make a great, noticable difference.  I do recommend putting a little dab on grease on the big washer-like spacer to make it stick to its larger brother.  Much easier than the "hold wheel up with feet while fishing awkwardly around under you for the spacer" method.

If you haven't done this mod, do it now!

[RichlandRick]

Yes, I have more than a dozen sets ready to go at all times.  No waiting.  They go in the mail the day after the order is made.

Please be sure to send in your stock spacer promptly after changing your set.

[JoeyBones]

Did the "Rick's Spacer Mod" today as a preventative measure - I have a whopping 200 miles on the bike.

I'll have the old one (well, 200 miles old) in the mail to you tomorrow.

Thanks again for performing this service!

[Max Speed]

I would not automatically assume that any given bike has a sprocket alignment issue.  I checked my 2002 and the sprockets are perfectly aligned with no undue wear on the cush hub rubbers or unusual contact in the cush hub.

[RichlandRick]

Interesting (seriously) comment about your bike's spacers.  

Do you know for sure the spacers are stock?  Did you buy the bike new?  How many miles are the current chain and sprocket set?

Some people have bought used bikes and when they explored the spacer fix they found Master Mike's modified spacers had been installed previously.

[Max Speed]

Quote:

RichlandRick wrote on 15.01.2009 23:10[/i] Interesting (seriously) comment about your bike's spacers.   Do you know for sure the spacers are stock?  Did you buy the bike new?  How many miles are the current chain and sprocket set?

Spacers are stock.  I've owned the bike from new.  The last chain went 19,000 miles the sprockets were a bit younger than that due to a gearing change and probably had 16,000 miles on them when last replaced.

[tomatocity]

Rick I don't do PayPal (long story). What forms of payment do you recieve?

[RichlandRick]

Credit cards are OK.  Email what you want, the card number, and expiration date.

[degofast™]

Rick, As to my understanding. The spacer will center the chain to the spocket. The only spacers that need replaced are the LH outer and LH inner? (Shouldn't this be the LH inner not RH outer?) While having it apart (18,400 miles) replace rubber cushions,bearings and dust seals.I still have the original chain and sprockets so I will be changing those also. The sprocket hub may have a ridge  on it by my understanding and this needs to be machined . Is this nessesary? How does the exchange work .Do I need to send mine first or can I wait till mine show up?
                              Thank you ,
                                       J.R.