Swingarm Extensions or Modified Swingarm

[BricklayerQue]

??? need some help..thinking bout extenting my bike in a year or 2 and i need to know whats the best way to go. I thought bout a 240 kit then i thought about extentions and put a 200....i want to be able to still lean into a curve but at the same time still hit up highway and cruise...help me out yall..and also are the extentions DOT approve? ???

 

[Commuta_Busa]

DOT approved? I don't think the extended swingarms are DOT approved let alone bolt-on extensions.

It all depends how aggressive you are in the twisties. You can still corner with a 240. The expense is much higher though. Whole new swingarm, brake line, rear wheel, and tire. While extensions would cost alot less since you can retain the OE wheel. Then when it's time for a new tire then just buy a replacement 200.

 

[BricklayerQue]

Yeah thats what i plan to do when its time to replace my tires..if i dont get a 240 kit

 

[POWERHOUSE]

I had a set of bolt-on swingarm extensions crack in half on a show bike while the customer was riding it . . . luckily, it happened on the chain side, and he didn't lose the wheel or crash. The vendor said it was the "first" time anything like that ever happened in over five years . . .

for that reason, POWERHOUSE no longer sells bolt-on swingarm extensions, and will only do either extended McIntosh arms, or complete swingarms from a reputable manufacturer, like Trac Dynamics . . .

 

[Ezduzit]

I had a set of bolt-on swingarm extensions crack in half on a show bike while the customer was riding it . . . luckily, it happened on the chain side, and he didn't lose the wheel or crash. The vendor said it was the "first" time anything like that ever happened in over five years . . .

for that reason, POWERHOUSE no longer sells bolt-on swingarm extensions, and will only do either extended McIntosh arms, or complete swingarms from a reputable manufacturer, like Trac Dynamics . . .

Thats the reason I spent the extra cheese to have my swingarm extended instead of bolt-ons! I weigh 285 and didnt feel safe doing that!

 

[Commuta_Busa]

I've used extensions for racing and street duty which held up fine. I know lots of others that also run them for racing and street. A good quality set works fine. Like anything, if you go cheap you may regret it at times.

 

[POWERHOUSE]

I've used extensions for racing and street duty which held up fine. I know lots of others that also run them for racing and street. A good quality set works fine. Like anything, if you go cheap you may regret it at times.

Thats good for you - you're lucky. The extensions that I am referring to were not cheap - by any means. The whole idea of bolt-on swingarm extensions is dangerous IMHO. I know a lot of them that are out there that are being used for street and racing, and they haven't had a failure that I am aware of yet. However, a shop selling these is risking severe and catastrophic liability should a failure occur and people get hurt.

So my choice is this: sell them using a waiver that the customer has to sign, or not to sell them at all.

I will say this - they may be great for your bike, but you will never see them on any of my bikes!

 

[BricklayerQue]

Thanks for the input ..do anyone have any links i can go to to price modified swingarms???

 

[Commuta_Busa]

I hear ya' Frank. All shops should always be concerned with liability issues. I can understand your position as a business owner.

I know a lot of them that are out there that are being used for street and racing, and they haven't had a failure that I am aware of yet. However, a shop selling these is risking severe and catastrophic liability should a failure occur and people get hurt.

So my choice is this: sell them using a waiver that the customer has to sign, or not to sell them at all.

I will say this - they may be great for your bike, but you will never see them on any of my bikes!

I run a mac arm now, the quality is great with all of Terry's products.