AAAAAHHG!
Looking at my bike yesterday, I saw what looked like a scratch in the paint on the swingarm. Rubbing it with my thumb revealed that the swingarm had a hairline crack going 3/4ths of the circumfrence at the midpoint of the swingarm. Obviously metal fatigue from sidethrust.
Had I not found this I suppose some where in the near future this would have broken completely, (Probably while in front of a tailgating Peterbilt}.
I immediatly took the swing arm off the bike and V ground the crack and welded it up. Then being the paranoild that I am, I set about fabricating box gusseting for the swingarm and welding it in place. Photos to follow when the job is done.
But as heads up to all pilots, This being the time of year we generally inspect our bikes and prepare them for the season, I highly reccommend close inspection of frames and suspension components. Just to help prevent the dreaded OH SH!T syndrome that sometimes occurs just before or during a rally.
Phelonius
Which hack are you running?
Lonnie
As mentioned, here is a photo of the swingarm all welded up.
Sorry no before pics, I was in a hurry. This is my primary transportation.
On the side with the sprocket, A hairline crack located about midway.
I believe that this was the result of an inherent weakness caused by the position of a rear footpeg. This created a distortion of the swingarm in the manufacturing process. It was at exactly this point that the crack occurred.
I Veed the crack full depth and welded it. I then fabricated box gussets from square steel tubing 1 1/2 inch square by .125 thick. The ends of the gussets then recieved tapered gussets to prevent ingress of dirt or water. Then Being paranoid, I whittled some tapered gussets for the inside of the swing arm too. If you expand the picture these should be clearly visible. The weld beads were run one to one and a half inches at a time allowing cooling time between beads. This is to minimise heat warpage and stresses. Welding was done with a Lincoln mig welder, gas shielded.
In answer to a question, the rig is a Suzuki S-40 2007 model 650 single engine. All work and fabrication was done by myself. Yes that is a Harley saddle 1966. Yes I made my own risers to use the bars I wanted, Yes that is a VW steering damper.
I put 298 miles on it before attatching the hack. It now has over 13,400
miles on it in 10 months. Very reliable ride. It has carried me and my camp gear and accordion to Oregon Coast at lincoln City, two trips into Canada, Eastern Washington, and slopes of Saint Helens, and out to Neah Bay and down to Willapa Bay, as well as daily transportation duty.
Now I will try to post the photos.
Phelonius Yes that is an AVON sidecar special fron tire.
Yes I have a Michilin 135 X 15 automotive tire on the rear.
Rig gets 40 to 50 MPG.
OOps didn't see you had posted a link..sorry
Originally written by Hack'n on 3/7/2008 4:57 PM
Which hack are you running?
Lonnie
Velorex 560
Just as well, Claude. Your link works and his doesn't.
So- what bike does this swing arm go in?
Phelonius post #33688 said:
In answer to a question, the rig is a Suzuki S-40 2007 model 650 single engine. All work and fabrication was done by myself.
