Hawk Axle Bolts and Lubrication

[Hawks & Turkeys]

Anybody got any guidance on how often the axle bolts (and I mean the bolts that are literally the axles) should be lubed with grease? Is it a set number of miles? Is it a "just apply grease anytime you happen to pull the bolts for some other reason?"

Seems like if I'm an axle bolt on a motorcycle I'm beggin' for grease. :grr:

Thanks

[slithica]

Once a year or so, if you ride in muddy/dirty terrain maybe more often.


They don't need greasing that often. There are bearings in there, usually.


The grease is to prevent rust, not really to reduce friction.

[Dusman]

It depends on your riding style. If you regularly ride in mud, through creeks, and in mostly offroad settings, every 3-6 months is normal for trail bikes. If you ride regularly, conservatively, and mostly on the road, just grease the axles every time you change tires/take the wheels off.
Edit: It’s also important to note that you need to also re-grease/re-pack the bearings with grease each time too. That will make your bearings last for a very, very long time. Because I did this every time I changed tires, my Hawk’s bearings lasted for 15,000 miles and were still going strong when I changed out the wheels to an XR250L wheelset.