I just picked up a 2000 FIII 700R and noticed behind the primary clutch there is a hose fitting with a rubber cap and clamp on it and also directly on top of the case a little ball bearing recessed into a hole. Thet look to be positioned directly over the crank bearing. What are these for? I don't remember my 1998 triple having this but maybe I did not notice. I put well over 6000 miles on the 1998 and never had any of the notorious bearing problems. Is this an updated case for bearing lube points? Thanks

I may have found some of the answers. I am told the hose fitting is a vacume line hookup not used on this model. Also, the ball in the top of the case is not spring loaded and is just a plug. I guess this same case is used in numerous applications. I was also told all the crank bearing problems had been solved by this model year and there is no maintainence to be performed on these.