Rear Wheel Bearing Question

[nightster88]

While doing some work on my 88 XLH 1200 while it was on the lift I noticed side to side movement of the wheel.  The wheel turned freely with no noise but I figured that the bearings are shot or I needed to add some shims to tighten it up.  After reading the manual it looks like getting the right preload using spacers & shims is APITA.  I saw an add in one of the parts suppliers catalogs that showed a "Double-Row Retro-Fit Rear Bearing Kit" that replaced the Timken bearings with sealed ball bearings and included the inner & outer spacers.  I know the later model Sportsters went to sealed ball bearings and was wondering if anyone had tried one of these kits on the earlier models with successful results?
Regards,
Ken

[calif phil]

If they have one for your bike I would say go for it. I put one in a friends bike and it worked great. The sealed bearings are much better.

[14Frisco]

Yes, I have installed FTM sealed wheel bearings on my 1993 XL, the ones seen at http://www.ftmbiz.com/harley_double_wheel_bearings.html

The tricky part is to get the spacers correct length.  An added twist for me was that I no longer used the mechanical speedo on my Sporty and the speedo drive unit is part of the spacing up front.  If I remember correctly, I didn't have to do anything special for the rear - I think I used the supplied spacers, but possibly reused the existing one.  For the front, I had spacers machined in a machine shop after some measurements and calculations I did.

[nightster88]

Thanks guys, for the info & advice, I'm definitely going to try a set
at least on the rear wheel.
Best Regards,
Ken

[fbn ent]

You know Ken. I bought a bike with the stock sealed bearings in it. It's really a good idea, BUT with the old style I always packed my bearings with each new tire and when they went bad, I installed the bearings myself insuring correct fit. All I'm sayin' is there is a little more peace of mind when you actually TOUCH the bearings once in a while.
Randy