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Message started by keeder28 on 05/26/23 at 14:00:42

Title: Swing Arm Swap
Post by keeder28 on 05/26/23 at 14:00:42

Has anyone successfully swapped a rear swing arm from another bike?

I'm specifically interested in increasing wheel/tire size and swapping to a rear disc brake. I figured it maybe easier to find a swing are from another bike to swap. Any advice would be appreciated.

Title: Re: Swing Arm Swap
Post by Armen on 05/26/23 at 20:07:07

I had the rear hub respoked for an 18” rim. Had to modify the swingarm a bit, but no big deal.
Prob the last thing I’d do on these bikes is convert to a rear disc. More weight and complexity for no gain.

Title: Re: Swing Arm Swap
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 05/26/23 at 23:05:36

The drum can be tuned to be progressive and predictable. The rear tire is Gonna be sliding before you really Feel the braking if you're in a bad spot

Title: Re: Swing Arm Swap
Post by Ruttly on 05/27/23 at 01:34:12

Just further complicating a simple , cheap , low maintenance design. Why ?
However the swingarm could use some reinforcement & extra tire capacity.

Title: Re: Swing Arm Swap
Post by LANCER on 05/27/23 at 03:10:25

I have a set of Ryca extensions that add 2-3” to the swing arm. They need to be welded in place.
Made of heavy steel.
PM if interested.

Title: Re: Swing Arm Swap
Post by ohiomoto on 05/27/23 at 16:54:01

It's been done a few times, but I don't think they were plug-in-play.

Someone put a Ducati swingarm on one and a few have built custom swing arms. It just depends on your skills.

Title: Re: Swing Arm Swap
Post by Armen on 05/27/23 at 17:25:57

I cut the arc further and added a cross brace so that an 18” wheel would clear and still give some belt adjustment with the Kawasaki front (larger) pulley.

Title: Re: Swing Arm Swap
Post by Ruttly on 05/28/23 at 07:49:43

Nice Armen , Super important that you jig both ends to prevent warpage when cutting and welding. I’m glad you shared that photo. When Ryca did my swingarm they didn’t jig it. And I had to jig it then get it hot and let cool while still jigged to correct it. A real pia !

Title: Re: Swing Arm Swap
Post by Armen on 05/28/23 at 08:37:07

Thanks Ruttly.
Yup, I put those spacers in there to keep the piece from distorting.
Everything bolted up nicely.
Here’s a pic before the brace was added. I then cut the arc on the rear piece and made room for the taller/chubbier tire.

Title: Re: Swing Arm Swap
Post by SpamyToo on 05/28/23 at 12:14:41

I havent heard of a common swappable swingarm. Youll have to go the custom route and measure what youve got and hunt through a bike yard to see what is close.

Then make it work. It will probably entail some welding, cutitng, griding, swapping bearings, etc. And of course you will need to convert to a chain, then that will need some custom adjustments to make the bikes engine sprocket line up with the rear wheels. Rollers for the chain slap and what not. Its a project.

If you find something that works easily then post it up for others in your situation.

I think you can tell from most peoples comments here, most have decided that the drums are sufficient, want to keep the classic look, or didnt want to go to the trouble.

Title: Re: Swing Arm Swap
Post by Ruttly on 05/28/23 at 19:17:57

I used some steel pipe and all thread nuts & washers. Any cutting or welding performed on the swing arm you must jig it first or you’re gonna have problems. I jigged mine at swingarm pivot and rear axle.