The more I learn and read about bearings it feels like caged needle roller bearings is completely wrong for mounting the rear swing arm. From an assembly point of view it makes sense but that's about it. It may not happen but I am contemplating having an adapter flange made so that I can use spherical plain bearings instead. It will probably prove to be too expensive but wouldn't a plain bearing be more suited for the task? There is no high speed rotation, only slight rocking up and down.

https://www.skf.com/us/products/plain-bearings/spherical-plain-bearings-rod-e...

Thoughts?

The original bearing has a static load specification of ~43kN

The SKF GEH 10 C has a static load specification of ~28kN which is probably more than enough (just an un-educated assumption I make) but most importantly they are maintenance free and from what I understand more suited for non-revolving applications.

I also think that the caged needle roller bearing need a very tightly fitted and hardened bushing to be able to support such heavy loads. My old bushings seem to show large amount of wear on just one side so I'm guessing there has been a considerable amount of play for a long time. A plain bearing probably wont show that kind of wear.

Again this is just speculation on my part but I doubt that the original bearing was chosen based on performance and longevity.

Here is a picture of the spacers I pulled out of my bike. I took some measurements of the pivot bolt and it is a 14mm OD bolt, so any bearing with at least 14mm ID should work ok.

[edit]

I have searched high and low and I think I have finally found a good alternative. NMB manufacture a spherical plain bearing with 29mm outer diameter (exactly the same as the original) and 14mm internal/shaft diameter that matches the original pivot bolt. I have contacted the to see what min order quantity is since it's not a stock item.

https://www.eminebea.com/en/product/bearing/spherical/mbytmbyt-v.shtml

I will have to add a seal in front of each bearing to keep moisture and dirt out but the bearings are supposed to be maintenance free if kept clean.

I found a stock plain bearing that should work as far as I can see

https://www.mcgillmotorsport.com/m14-spherical-plain-bearing-gek14t-teflon-li...

I will continue to read up on bearings but I think this bearing may actually work. The price is right and for once available without having to import it from the US or Asia  

I still think someone rode that bike underwater, more than once...  

Another picture. I have visually inspected the frame tube that is holding the bearings and is doesn't look too bad at all so I think some new bearings will work just fine.

All I know is that it worked great as a bearing pusher for me. I guess I was using it the wrong way and with that in mind I must caution anyone who wish to use it as a pusher but it did the trick for me.

Oilite can withstand 10,000 psi , it would be very good to use ,but should be greased on install . (early Honda 750K's used it for swing arms)