How to Fix a Loose Cush Drive on a Motorcycle for Cheap.

by Dustin Rogers

10K910

Intro: How to Fix a Loose Cush Drive on a Motorcycle for Cheap.

Many modern motorcycles have rubber cushions built into the rear wheel to reduce stress of engine torque from damaging other components during gear or throttle changes. Over time, the rubber cushions will begin to wear and will loosen up. This will allow the sprocket to move independently from the wheel. When this occurs you may notice clunky shifting, excessive and abnormal noise, a surging feeling when holding a steady speed, or abrupt power transmission. The rubber cushions typically cost between $9-$15 each, and most bikes have between 4-6 cushions. This video shows how I fixed the loose cush drive on a Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom without replacing the cushions. 

9 Comments

emmett3709 4 years ago

Will the softeners cause the chain to keep loosing up

petercd 10 years ago

My Enfield Bullet has them too, the '55 model. :)

I spose you could make a plaster-o-paris mold of a good one and pour your own.

Dustin Rogers 10 years ago

I haven't ever seen an Enfield in person much less enough to know about its chain drive features. If you own an Enfield, I'd put you at the "experienced" level of motorcyclists. You've probably got a few of your own money saving tips in regards to bike maintenance. Most less experienced riders aren't going to start out on anything too vintage.

petercd 10 years ago

True words those.

The slogan is apt, Royal Enfield, making mechanics out of ordinary men since 1910.

Dustin Rogers 10 years ago

Not sure. I just installed these. I've read about others doing this and having no issues after 10000+ miles. It's cheap enough to try, even if it only lasts a couple thousand miles.

amulder1 10 years ago

we have had an 1984 honda vf400f, a 1977 honda cb750 and an yamaha xj900 from 83. All of them had these. So...not that modern.

Dustin Rogers 10 years ago

I guess it depends what your definition of modern is. The first motorcycles were made over 100 years ago. Even the '77 (at 36 years old) is pretty modern. LOL

amulder1 10 years ago

haha guess so...damn that would make a 70' brown bathroom state of the art LOL....