Finally getting round to doing something with the early Strada I bought in April, fitted new belts so I could check it's all good engine wise and it fired straight up (yes, I did run the oil pressure up with the plugs out) and it all looks and sounds good but the paint on the cases is well shot so the motor will have to come out to fix that. Having soaked the spindle for a couple of weeks I attacked it with a hammer and drift I have now got it moving which brings me to the question. Am I right in thinking that if I take the spindle right out the bike will not collapse in a heap (it.s sitting on a rear stand), I'm sure I read that somewhere but not sure enough to whack it out without asking. Thanks in advance......Nick
The bushes in the SSA protrude into the frame so it won't collapse. But once the engine is removed be gentle because they don't protrude very far
You will definitely need to secure the bike by more than the rear stand as you withdraw the spindle.. One option is to switch the rider footrests around so that they don't collapse upwards and place car jack stands under the pegs.. Another option is tie the frame to a ladder placed over the rear of the bike The best option is to be able to place the engine on the floor in the bike (swing arm removed) and the lift the bike off it when the 2 other engine bolts are withdrawn
if you can, get this made up on a lathe and use as a drift, but also leave it in the swingarm when you remove clean and then re-insert the spindle. I have used mine numerous times, made of brass and still going strong ( 20 years old now i think)
Indeed, unlike a Monster/851/SS etc. it will stay as a rolling chassis. Probably best not to ride it like that though.
Thanks for all the replies, for the time being I have tapped it out, re-greased it and put it back until I'm ready to take the motor out but at least I know the bugger will come out when required! Thanks for the Drift dimensions, I will get one made up for the future (I've got another and I don't know if the spindle's ever been out of that either)
Another tip from past Posts for removing stuck spindles is to put a ratchet strap around the frame above the SSA Helps to stop the frame spreading if the spindle is stuck in it
I took my rear spindle out a few weeks ago first time in at least 25 years. I had it on my rear pitbull stand only with no issues.
