Stock swingarm mod ?

[turbocamino]

I have been giving some thought to some swing-arm support/strengthening,of some kind, for my stock 89 arm... I searched our site but didn't see anything.  Anyone have any experiences/advise with this?  I have a really good welder friend.

[turbocamino]

hmm...nothing?? notta???  bad idea?

[Mike Ramos]

Good afternoon Turbo,

When it came time for new swing arm & linkage bearings I had side plates welded on the outside of each arm and for sideways strength tubes were added across each arm.

It appeared to be rather stout in stock form. However in anticipation of a new rear shock from R.P.M., it seemed to be prudent based on the increased demands if as expected the shock adds a new dimension of performance, as have the Fork Valves.

There are several pictures in the Gallery.

The fj is a 1991 so it is steel.

Good luck

[Pat Conlon]

..........However in anticipation of a new rear shock from R.P.M., it seemed to be prudent based on the increased demands if as expected the shock adds a new dimension of performance, as have the Fork Valves.

Hi Mike, I'm confused, are you saying that the fork valves increased demands to your front end?
So....You expect the RPM shock to add demands to your swing arm, so you strengthened it?
Cheers.

[Mike Ramos]

Hello Pat,

Yes, that is correct. As mentioned, it needed new bearings as well.

And yes, the Fork Valves really transformed the motorcycle. I have numerous postings describing my impressions & results.

Take care,

Mike.

[Pat Conlon]

Ok thanks Mike. Aprox how much weight did the added bracing add to the steel swing arm? About a pound?

[turbocamino]

 thanks for the tip mike...i will look for the pictures mentioned.

[bcguide]

Some where back in the dark ages one of the bike mags did a build up of an fj they braced the swing arm with a top brace like most of the modern bikes.
Maybe somene has an old copy?  I dont think it would be to hard to do if you are able to weld and do a little fab work