Ok have to replace my rear tire do to a flat, bike is 06 Electra Glide with 21,000 miles, should I be worried about replacing the bearings and how should I check them. the wheel is already off the bike. Keep hearing how the new ones suck but old ones are good for many miles. I do about 5-7K a year.
Thanks

 

I do not see a reason to replace them if you are not replacing your wheel. Your bike has sealed bearings that are built to last a long time.

 

Thats a no-brainer.At that milage on a 2006,its would be wise to replace the bearings since you have the wheel assembly off.Whether the bearings are good or bad it comes down to piece of mind.

 

Excellent advice GTK. The 06 probably has the older and much better bearings than the newer bikes. It would be cheap insurance to just change them.

 

1" double row bearings do not have anywhere near the failure rate of 25mm bearings so I would not worry about. Check their smoothness when the wheel is off but they should be fine for a long long time.

 

Put your thumb on the inside bore of the bearing and push against the bearing as you turn it. If it feels smooth with out any rough areas your bearing is good. If it's rough, feels like sand or grit rolling around it's bad. Also grab the inside bore with your fingers and push up and down checking for play. If you are taking it to a shop to have the tire changed ask a mechanic to show how they check them.
When you have the bike jacked up before you start to remove a tire see if you can feel play in the bearing by moving the tire side to side.
Good Luck

 

 

Bearings are cheap. Wheel is off I'd replace with a good after market like Timkin or *** ( Eff-A-Gee). 21K is a lot of miles for a bike bearing. Replacing them properly is just as important as the bearing quality btw.

 

Those were good bearings and if they're not bad , leave them in, even if they are 2006... My 07 is still on originals at 90000 miles. 21000 is like new, they are sealed, if they roll smooth and the sides look ok leave them alone.
Also what Vernal said above.

 

The Harley 9247 bearings are top quality, have a double seal, and can last to 100k. They were proprietary until the last couple years. Now there are tons on ebay and most all from china, not near the quality of the Harley piece.