GSX-R Single Swingarm conversion

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sckudder
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GSX-R Single Swingarm conversion

Post by sckudder »

Hello to all and HELP
I really want to do a single swingarm conversion to my GSX-R 750 K7.
But i need a point well more a hand holding to start. I have been looking and seen that they have used a vfr 800 swingarm. And i think a old honda hawk or somthing im not to sure think it was a 650cc but as stated ubove i need help in every way cant afford to spend any money on the wrong thing. So if anyone has any idea how to do this or has done it please could if possible you give me all the information you think i would need. I will even take information that I dont need. This isn't going to be a buy it all and do in one go as the money is always a issue as i have very little.
So any and all information welcome.

Thanks

Scott
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billinom8s
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Re: GSX-R Single Swingarm conversion

Post by billinom8s »

talk to cobrabuilder
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badgerKDD
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Re: GSX-R Single Swingarm conversion

Post by badgerKDD »

yeah he did an awesome job with a ZX10 swing arm rebuild/ weld/ thingy......Check the mechanical threads I think :-\ .......curse my pea brain with jelly memory ;)
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Ruffian
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Re: GSX-R Single Swingarm conversion

Post by Ruffian »

Well to me there are more options out there which shoukd eb looked at also,
There is the ducati, honda and triumph single sided arms,

The honda one is what most people use that I have seen but
then the triumphs are so common now the prices should be cheapish,
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TLS-Moose
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Re: GSX-R Single Swingarm conversion

Post by TLS-Moose »

Where's my response that this gone?

I spent ages writing a post this afternoon ......... X( X(

Anyhoo, a quick summary ....

First stop, try Old Skool Suzuki - I doubt your the first to try this, and someone might be able to save a lot of grief.

You need to measure the width of the frame across the inside of the swingarm pivot points. You need to make sure they are also equidistant to the centre line of the bike. Also measure how much metal is available on those bosses that can be shaved if needed. You need to measure the centres between wheel and pivot centres, and also the distance from bike centre line to chain run. You can't automatically assume everything is centred on the bike. Next, you need to try and measure the shock and linkage mounting points in relation to the swingarm pivot and swingarm.

The viffer 750 is probably the most common SSSA used, but you need to be careful before buying ..... Early ones are spindly looking and limited in rim size, later ones, I believe, bolt to the engine creating a gap in the centre. Triumph arms are a sturdy looking thing but quite beefy at the shock mount. MV swingarms are nice but bulky. All will/might create issues with matching wheels as a pair. Ducati arms are, by and large, out as the pivot spindle goes through the engine and the arm wraps around it.

With all the measurements from the first paragraph, you need to start visiting breakers or friendly dealers and start measuring up your candidates.

Next, you need to find a friendly fab shop, as you will need bits cut, welded, milled and lathed. Unfortunately one person down your way I would have pointed you towards passed away a couple of years back ....... and another I'd recommend (and has actually fitted a Triumph arm to his bike) is incapacitated and unable to take on work.

Of course some or all of what I've outlined can be ignored if you're not too worried about wheelbase, swingarm angle, chain run, shock linkage ratios, etc., and/or whether the bike handles like a chocolate tea trolley once done.

Are Metmachex still in business? They did a few one-off conversion kits. Harris used to do the odd one off too ........ But you'd need a budget that'd let you go buy a bike that actually comes with an SSSA in the first place.

Good luck B-)
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sckudder
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Re: GSX-R Single Swingarm conversion

Post by sckudder »

thanks for the starting pointer and i guess i will start with a vfr 800 first for the measurements only as we are picking one up for my dad on sunday so will be able just look and see what im getting my self infor. I have a friend thats is good with machining and also have a lave and the knolege to use it lol, (altho maybe not spoken to him lately as much as i should have lol) I also care about handeling and stuff even tho I want this done just because i realy like the look as i have seen a few others done and LOVE the look of it but dont want to lose the rideability of the bike. So as said before this will be a long process.
Thanks again
Scott
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