fits model: Ec450. year: 2012–2015.

( Brand: Athena ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: VKWB-F-25-HDS-A ), ( Part Type: Seal Wheel Spacer ), ( Vendor: Lionparts ), ( Ships From: United States )
The **Athena VKWB-F-25-HDS-A M-008 Wheel Seal Kit with Front Spacers** is a meticulously engineered aftermarket solution designed to enhance both the performance and longevity of the front wheel assembly on **2012 2015 Honda Gold Wing EC450** motorcycles. This premium kit is crafted to address common wear issues while providing a seamless upgrade that ensures optimal wheel alignment, reduced drag, and improved handling. The **high-density silicone wheel seals** in this kit are precision-molded to fit snugly within the wheel hub, creating an airtight barrier that prevents dust, moisture, and road debris from infiltrating the wheel bearings and suspension components. This not only extends the lifespan of your wheel bearings but also minimizes the risk of premature corrosion, which is particularly critical for motorcycles exposed to varying weather conditions or frequent long-distance rides. Complementing the wheel seals are the **front spacers**, which are engineered to adjust the wheel s position with millimeter precision, allowing riders to fine-tune the bike s geometry for a more aggressive stance, improved stability, or a sportier handling feel. Whether you re seeking to reduce wind noise, enhance cornering performance, or simply maintain the integrity of your wheel bearings, this kit offers a straightforward yet highly effective solution. Built to withstand the demands of high-speed cruising and extended touring, the **VKWB-F-25-HDS-A** is compatible with the EC450 s front wheel assembly, ensuring a perfect fit without the need for modifications to the existing hardware. For riders who prioritize both durability and performance, this wheel seal and spacer kit is an indispensable upgrade that combines reliability with a subtle yet noticeable improvement in ride quality.
### **Pros and Cons of buying a Athena VKWB-F-25-HDS-A M-008 Wheel Seal Kit with Front Spacers for a Gas EC450 (2012 2015)**
#### **Pros:**1. **Compatibility** The kit is specifically designed for the 2012 2015 Honda EC450 (gas model), ensuring a proper fit without modifications.
2. **Wheel Seal Replacement** The wheel seals (also called wheel bearings or hub seals) are critical for preventing water, dirt, and grease from entering the wheel hub. Worn seals can lead to bearing failure, noise, and reduced handling.
3. **Front Spacers Included** The inclusion of front spacers helps adjust wheel alignment, which can improve handling and tire wear, especially if the bike has been modified or if the stock setup is causing issues.
4. **Durability** Athena is a reputable brand known for high-quality wheel seals and spacers, offering better longevity compared to generic or low-quality aftermarket parts.
5. **Ease of Installation** The kit is designed for straightforward installation, though some mechanical skill is still required. Clear instructions and proper tools (like a bearing press) are recommended.
6. **Preventative Maintenance** Replacing seals proactively can avoid costly bearing replacements or wheel hub failures down the road.
7. **Potential Performance Benefit** Properly aligned wheels (with spacers) can reduce vibration and improve ride comfort, especially if the bike has been through an accident or has worn suspension.
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#### **Cons:**1. **Cost** The kit is not extremely cheap, and if the bike has other underlying issues (e.g., bent wheels, damaged suspension), the cost may not justify the purchase alone.
2. **Installation Complexity** While not overly difficult, replacing wheel seals and adjusting spacers requires careful attention to torque specifications, alignment, and bearing preload. Mistakes can lead to premature wear or damage.
3. **Potential Overkill for Minor Issues** If the only problem is minor wheel noise or slight vibration, the seals *might* still be fine, and the spacers may not be necessary unless alignment is confirmed as the issue.
4. **Tooling Requirements** Installing wheel seals typically requires a bearing press, torque wrench, and possibly a wheel balancer (if spacers are used to adjust alignment). Owners without these tools may need to invest in them.
5. **Time-Consuming** The job can take several hours, especially for a beginner, and may require removing the wheel, adjusting brakes, and ensuring proper alignment afterward.
6. **Risk of Damage** If the wheel or axle is already damaged (e.g., bent, corroded, or stripped), replacing seals and spacers won t fix the root issue and could lead to further problems.
7. **Mixed Reviews on Spacers** While spacers can help with alignment, some riders report that stock spacers or minimal adjustments work fine unless the bike has been heavily modified or has alignment issues.
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### **Conclusion:**The Athena VKWB-F-25-HDS-A M-008 wheel seal kit with front spacers is a **solid choice** for Honda EC450 owners (2012 2015) who are experiencing wheel noise, vibration, or suspect seal wear. The kit addresses two common maintenance needs seal replacement and potential alignment adjustments in one package. However, it is not a "quick fix" for all issues, and the decision to purchase should be based on **symptoms** (e.g., grinding noises, play in the wheel, or visible seal damage) and whether the bike has other mechanical concerns.
If the bike has **no other issues** and the seals/spacers are the primary concern, this kit is a **reliable and well-supported purchase**. However, if the problem is more complex (e.g., bent forks, worn suspension, or a damaged wheel), addressing those first may be more cost-effective.
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### **Recommendation:**1. **Diagnose First** Before buying, confirm that the wheel seals are indeed failing (listen for grinding noises, check for grease leaks, and inspect for play in the wheel). If the issue is elsewhere (e.g., suspension, tires, or alignment), prioritize those fixes.
2. **Check for Alternatives** If the budget is tight, consider buying seals and spacers separately from a trusted brand (e.g., SKF, NTN, or another reputable manufacturer) to save money.
3. **Gather Tools** Ensure you have the necessary tools (bearing press, torque wrench, wheel balancer if needed) before starting the job.
4. **Follow Instructions Carefully** Improper installation can lead to premature wear or damage. If unsure, consult a mechanic or watch detailed installation guides.
5. **Consider Professional Help** If the bike has complex alignment or suspension issues, a shop may provide a more comprehensive solution.
6. **Buy from a Trusted Source** Purchase from a reputable dealer or online retailer (e.g., Amazon, RockAuto, or a local motorcycle parts shop) to avoid counterfeit or low-quality parts.
**Final Verdict:** If the symptoms match seal wear or alignment issues, this Athena kit is a **good investment** for maintaining or improving the EC450 s handling and longevity. However, weigh the cost against the bike s overall condition and other potential maintenance needs.
A cursory examination of the design disparities between OEM seals and SKF convincingly demonstrates that seal excels in preventing dirt ingress, surpassing protective capabilities stock. Longer service intervals. SKF wheel seals can reduce surface friction by an impressive 200 times. Brand: Athena, Part Number: VKWB-F-25-HDS-A.
A practical comparison by spinning a rear wheel equipped with an OEM seal alongside SKF seal-equipped reveals that the rotates significantly more times than its counterpart. The longevity of your wheel is contingent on contaminants remaining the exterior, away from critical working components.: Athena HD Wheel Seal Kit Front w/ Spacers For GAS EC450 F 2012 -2015: 2012 -2015. The second component is the SKF seal itself, distinguished by its compact size and distinctive labyrinth lip design.
While OEM seals perform adequately, they fall short in achieving optimal performance. GAS EC125 2005 -2015. Resistance to high pressure water wash. Superior contamination protection.
Firstly, an outer cover, resembling a CNC machined collar, snugly fits into the seal and abuts hub. Note: Image is for reference only, actual product may vary slightly. The primary function of a wheel seal is to effectively shield the bearings your valuable wheels from water, grit, and contaminants. Crafted from Skis proprietary material, it provides comprehensive coverage for the seal and exhibits exceptional durability.
Spacers enable ideal running surface and sealing performance. While the reduction in drag is appreciated, our primary concern lies bearings longevity. Skis wheel seals feature a sophisticated two-part design. Free Ground Shipping.
Not only do they permit water ingress, but also exhibit significant diction, causing drag on the rolling surfaces. To ensure you're receiving exactly what you want, some orders are sourced from various shipping facilities.: Increased sealing efficiency with reduced friction and power loss.