CARC Reaction Rod movement

Grignapoco Posts : 128 Join date : 2013-12-19 Age : 64

Checking my rear tire pressure today, I noticed some rotational movement of the reaction rod at the rear bearing.
There is no up-and-down or fore-and-aft movement - but I can rotate the arm maybe 20-30 degrees.
I've never really noticed this before - is this normal - should there be any rotational movement of the reaction rod ?

If not, MGCycle list the front bearing (Silent block rubber bearing #883045 $17.57), but the looseness
seems to be at the rear bearing. Is that one available and replaceable, and how much of a pain is this job ?

I assume I'm going to need the use of a hydraulic press for these bearings

Sfregiato Posts : 419 Join date : 2014-04-23 Age : 72

jeremyb wrote:: I assume I'm going to need the use of a hydraulic press for these bearings

I managed to replace mine by just using a suitable sized socket slightly smaller than the diameter of the bearing. and a larger socket to receive the extracted bearing. Same method to install the replacement bearing.

Grignapoco Posts : 128 Join date : 2013-12-19 Age : 64

Thanks for the info Dave. I do have a mate with a 10ton press and a liking for free beer !

This is pretty basic, but I assume there should be no movement in the rod at all ? I've never really looked at it before, and can't remember ever checking it. My gearchange is pretty rough, but I've always thought "because Moto Guzzi".

Looking closely at things, the front bearing is in the reaction rod, and the rear is in the axle housing. Unless I can press it off in place (kinda hard to do) that'll have to come off. Oh well, I'm almost due rear tire anyway.

I found a source (my first post) for the front bearing, anyone (Roper-san?) got a source/part# for the rear bearing ?

GRiSO Capo Posts : 6826 Join date : 2013-05-29 Age : 63

GU05638130

If your gear change is rough there is something amiss.

Sfregiato Posts : 419 Join date : 2014-04-23 Age : 72

You can download the spare parts catalogue at [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Have a look on page 23.

Grignapoco Posts : 128 Join date : 2013-12-19 Age : 64

Much obliged Gents - I've ordered both the bearings from AF1.

Dave - that link was dead, but it made me remember I'd downloaded that catalog from elsewhere (here?).

Pete - I thought I'd seen comments that replacing these loose bearings helped with the ;stirring a bag o bolts' shifting ?? I've already done the Redline oil thing.

GRiSO Capo Posts : 6826 Join date : 2013-05-29 Age : 63

When was your clutch hydraulic system bled? For some reason CARC bikes and V11's are absolute murder on clutch fluid. Worth checking the screws that hold the slave on are tight too.

Grignapoco Posts : 128 Join date : 2013-12-19 Age : 64

Thanks again
Yup. I've had the same experience of the clutch fluid going 'mushy'. Just changed all the fluid - about every year or so here in FL.
Used the remote bleeder tube, so didn't crawl under the bike. I'll check the slave cylinder fasteners now, and maybe Loctite them. (I call that stuff 'Licktite' cos it tastes sweet !).

Rear bearing bits are back-ordered in US.