As some of you have already found out, the swingarm boot for the pro-link models has been NLA for several years.
I have been re-doing the suspension on my 650 and while I was re-installing the VW boot that I originally put on 5 years and almost 45,000 Km ago it occurred to me that it might be a good idea to post the information again.
The original thread is here http://cx500forum.com/cs/forums/3731/ShowPost.aspx
Vitter posted in August 2006 that he had modified & installed a boot he bought at Canadian Tire and posted the part number. I bought one and then contacted the manufacturer.
I have been re-doing the suspension on my 650 and while I was re-installing the VW boot that I originally put on 5 years and almost 45,000 Km ago it occurred to me that it might be a good idea to post the information again.
The original thread is here http://cx500forum.com/cs/forums/3731/ShowPost.aspx
Vitter posted in August 2006 that he had modified & installed a boot he bought at Canadian Tire and posted the part number. I bought one and then contacted the manufacturer.
I checked mine fairly often for the first while but seldom look at it now. It has held up well and, in spite of all of the abuse I subject this machine to (I use it for commuting in the winter), the u-joint was perfectly clean inside it so I guess it does the job as well as the original part. I put a zip tie on the swingarm end to make sure it stays put, but it probably isn't needed.Vitter said:The boot I bought was $15 from Canadian Tire, stock # 15-2224-2. Manufactured by EMPI Inc. Anaheim Calif., manufacturers part number 86-1030K (according to the box). I don't know what kind of car it's meant for.
There's a lip on the boots' engine side that has to be trimmed off to an inside diameter of about 1 3/4". The engine has a flange which will hold the boot tight if you trim it just enough. To pull the boot over the engine flange, I used a screwdriver I've modified for seal pulling: I ground the sharp edges off the tip and bent the last 1/4" of the tip to a 90 degree angle. Slip the tip under the boot while rotating it around the flange. The swingarm side (about 3 - 3 1/4" ID) slips and holds right onto the swingarm, no trim needed.
The boot is a little shorter and the rubber is less supple than the Honda part, making the boot look like it is under a little tension when installed. This made me nervous, so I checked it before each ride to make sure it hadn't popped off the engine or swingarm. No problems, so I check it less often now.
Sidecar Bob said:I went to Empi's website (EMPIUS.COM : WELCOME TO EMPIUS.COM) to see if I could find out what this boot was made for. When I couldn't find out from their online catalogue I sent them the following message:
I am a member of an internet usergroup for owners of Honda CX&GL500&650 motorcycles made in the late '70s & early '80s.
Honda has discontinued the boot that protects the u-joint on these bikes, but one of our members has discovered that your CV boot #86-1030K can be made to work.
Several of us have ordered them by number from auto parts dealers, but not all dealers are willing to order without looking up the vehicle it is for.
Could you tell us what model of car these boots are made for so that we can find them more easily?
Here is their reply:
The most common usage would be:
1984-1987
Honda Civic 1500
Right Outer CV Boot
86-1030-K