Personally, I've went thru at least four lower control arms on my 400EX due to spherical bearing failure (yes, I grease them often - they usually don't wear out, but break loose the circlips and wear the grooves) and am getting ready to have to replace the uppers due to ball joints.

I've also went thru the factory axle bearings and one set of double row bearings. I've welded the frame due to cracks (and eventually did some very substantial gussetting), I've replaced one axle and set of hubs due to slop on the splines. I've replaced all the shock linkage bearings and sleeves, as well as items too numerious to mention here..

So far, so good on the CD. I'm sure I will have to replace stuff on it eventually... But even the reliable 400EX isn't bulletproof - as a point of note, the stock axle bearings have been an issue on Hondas for years - we just deal with it...

Most everything on the CD is built heavier and better than on my 400EX. I agree that the tie rods are possibly a wear prone item, and apparently ball joints, but also remember those type were likely used to provide additional suspension travel without binding (I'm currently running into binding problems with the tierods on my 400EX).

Also remember that many of the "best" aftermarket arms on the market come with unsealed heims. As with most every performance item, they require more maintenance, but offer better performance.

I just hate to see CD get a bad rap for minor issues.

 

I agree. Maybe I'm being a little too hard on them. Nevertheless, they're undoubtedly the best machine around and I wouldn't own anything else.