250R Aluminum Swingarm Extension Project (finished)

[Black86tri-z]

super nice job tere, what did all the welding cost if you dont mind telling?

[Red Rider]

Thanks guys. The wallet's about $160 lighter now.

[NE250r]

That swinger looks great man.. I'm planning to do this myself, but without the extension since I want a -1 swinger anyway... I have a few questions, I saw that you had to spread the pivot tubes apart and cut away the center it looks like, will it work if i cut away the center and use washers to make up the difference on the outer? or does it need to be spread apart, im just trying to figure a way to do it quickly this weekend. And my last question.. Does the carrier and axle and all that jazz fit the aluminum carrier? Thanks

[Red Rider]

That swinger looks great man.. I'm planning to do this myself, but without the extension since I want a -1 swinger anyway... I have a few questions, I saw that you had to spread the pivot tubes apart and cut away the center it looks like, will it work if i cut away the center and use washers to make up the difference on the outer? or does it need to be spread apart, im just trying to figure a way to do it quickly this weekend. And my last question.. Does the carrier and axle and all that jazz fit the aluminum carrier? Thanks

Thanks. If you're wanting a -1" swingarm, the 88-89 TRX swingarms (which is what I used) are already -1", so no modifications are necessary to the swingarm, but you'll want to have the same motor mounts welded to your frame that I did because you need to remove the stock, rear motor mount/swingarm pivot mount to install the TRX swingarm. All of ATC bearing carrier, brake hardware should work fine if your ATC is an '86.

[Red Rider]

I finally found the time to mount up the new swingarm. Before mounting it though, she went on the scale to see how much weight she gained from the lengthening process. She plumped up 2 pounds, but still weighs 1.5 pounds less than the stock steel swingarm. I've already lengthened the chain, but I still need to get a longer rear brakeline, and that will have to be ordered it looks like.

[bigpimpin]

how much lighter is the swing arm than stock?

[Red Rider]

how much lighter is the swing arm than stock?

1.5 pounds.

[edog]

I must say this...I am not a big fan of making the swing arm longer.But that does look really good on there.I thought about putting the 88 TRX swing arm on my mine!

Very nice work!!!!!!

[Red Rider]

I must say this...I am not a big fan of making the swing arm longer.But that does look really good on there.I thought about putting the 88 TRX swing arm on my mine!

Very nice work!!!!!!

Thanks edog. I never really liked the look extended swingarms either, but things change with time.

[JethrowMan]

wow! i have to say that is one of the nicest extended swingers i have seen! what are your rear hubs and wheels they look a little different

[tecat-z]

Definately one heck of a job. i hope it works well for you. Your R looks even more like a 88 model.

[Red Rider]

wow! i have to say that is one of the nicest extended swingers i have seen! what are your rear hubs and wheels they look a little different

Thanks Jethrow & Tecat-z. Jethrow, the wheels are from an '89 Banshee that have the BIG bolt pattern (4 on 156mm). The rear hubs are the stock ones, with some adapters that I made to run the bigger bolt pattern, bolted on. The hub adapters were the very first thing I fabricated for my bike, all because I couldn't find the product I needed from an aftermarket company. I originally made the adapters so I could bolt up some stock 87 Tecate rear wheels, with the rolled lip. Those things are basically indestructable. If you're hauling ass through the desert with those wheels wrapped in 18" low profile rubber, and you here that nasty BUUUUNNNNNNNGGGG, which means you just fricken nailed a rock with your wheel, don't even worry about. Just keep on riding, and then wipe the dust off the wheels when you get home, because there won't be a dent, or even a scratch, on them. I switched to Banshee wheels a few years later, because they had a nicer anodized finish on them and looked a lot better, and are just as strong.

[JethrowMan]

wow that awesome! you think that you could make another set?

[Red Rider]

Jethrow, unfortunately, I hand made those a long time ago, and the templates are long gone. Who knew 19 years ago, when I made them, that someone would be interested in them, or that I'd still have the same bike? I've had others ask me about reproducing some custom parts for their bikes as well, but I just don't have the time. I wish all of the fabricated stuff on my bike was made on a CNC machine, and the programs saved. Then, if someone was interested, I could just clamp a chunk of metal down, load the program, & hit the start button.

[JethrowMan]

awe! thanks anyway for the info