The one who decided that loose needles in swingarm bearings is a good idea for current Husky (and presumably KTM).
Went to lube swingarm pivot the way I have on dozens of bikes over decades and found this new design the hard way. Fortunately I rounded up all needles and patiently coaxed them back where they belong. Needed a magnet to fish out some stubborn ones sideways in groove behind seal. But I know the drill for lubing next time - slide the sleeve part way out, grease that side, slide part way out the other way, grease other side.
Is there some benefit to this design relative to normal caged needle bearings? Hopefully it is not just to save a few manufacturing pennies on a 10K bike...
Went to lube swingarm pivot the way I have on dozens of bikes over decades and found this new design the hard way. Fortunately I rounded up all needles and patiently coaxed them back where they belong. Needed a magnet to fish out some stubborn ones sideways in groove behind seal. But I know the drill for lubing next time - slide the sleeve part way out, grease that side, slide part way out the other way, grease other side.
Is there some benefit to this design relative to normal caged needle bearings? Hopefully it is not just to save a few manufacturing pennies on a 10K bike...