Front axle bent. Need a new one. Lightweight worth it?

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Trying to locate just an OEM front axle, but is it worth it to upgrade to a lighter/stronger front axle? Found a decent one for about $250. Would not like to spend that much, but if i'm going to have to spend 175 on a standard one, might as well upgrade, right?

Looks like previous owner swiped a curb and until i dismounted the front wheel, i didn't realize. rim is all scraped up (painted over with black so i can't tell) and the axle is definitely bent.

[EEL]

For the price of a lightweight axle, you could buy a shorai battery and shave 7 lbs or buy some front suspension internals (so you don't bend future axles).  Not worth it dollar for dollar in my opinion.

Just because it's lighter doesnt mean it's better. If you're bending axles, you probably need something that's more resilient.

Titanium axles aren't as resilient as steel dollar for dollar

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I didnt bend the axle. Found a billet steel axle thats supposedly stronger. Just looking at my options. Not really interested in saving weight but dont know if bending axles is common? Figured if its only marginally more expensive i should upgrade.

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seems legit:

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Duc dealer says $85 for OEM. That's what i'll be going with.

[Willthedub]

Probably not worth the upgrade IMO

Unless you're shaving weight for racing, it's not like you will see the lovely piece of metal either and to be honest you probably won't notice it either

Buy a second hand straight one and a titanium nut for show or spend the rest on something else

It's not a common problem unless you're a wheelie merchant or a curb bumper!

[EEL]

Your doing the right thing by going OEM. Actually $85 isn't that bad. Considering that they quoted me a hundred dollars for the retarded heel guards on my rearsets (Conveniently gave them the bird).

[Rudemouthsky]

I have a brand new one in a box you can have for $40 if ya can wait a few weeks. 25mm.

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I have a brand new one in a box you can have for $40 if ya can wait a few weeks. 25mm.

AHHHH!!! No, sorry, i can't wait. But thank you very much for the offer. Ordered from the dealer yesterday. Hope to have it by Friday. I had a ride with my dad planned out for this weekend. Really don't want to take the Vstrom.

[Rudemouthsky]

AHHHH!!! No, sorry, i can't wait. But thank you very much for the offer. Ordered from the dealer yesterday. Hope to have it by Friday. I had a ride with my dad planned out for this weekend. Really don't want to take the Vstrom.

Yeah I figured, don't blame ya. This one's meant for bikes with the front cable drive speedo snyway, so thus doesn't come with the spacer most ppl need (02+) anyway. Still fits but I'm not sure if the spacer is available separately or not.

[Slide Panda]

Oh! Um add new bearings to you parts list. You can just get them from any supplier, they are nothing special.

But with a hit that hard, I'd wonder about the bearings...

[Howie]

Oh! Um add new bearings to you parts list. You can just get them from any supplier, they are nothing special.

But with a hit that hard, I'd wonder about the bearings...

Yep, good idea!

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already on that one as well. Thanks guys.