HARDTAILS AND SWINGARMS

Okay I'm sure some guys will say oh no! or I can't believe my internet is showing this! buuuuuuuut....

I would like to know about welding down tubes to the swing arm to make it a some what hardtail . I have thought ( and still thinking ) about just buying a hardtail, But the seat setup wont be the same. I will put a picture of how I have it setup. If anyone has seen a drop seat bobber ( google it if you don't know) then you will know where I am going.

What I need to know is the how to make welding to the swingarm SAFE. I don't look any sexier with road rash or in a ditch. I have looked up the pros and cons and know about the swingarm pivot causing breaking points if the swingarm is left to move under pressure. Can I run hidden tubes underneath to support the swing arm or just weld the swingarm in place. Anyone who has input on this subject please step into the light. I don't want to merge with my bike when I hit a dip in the road. It would suck. :laugh:

Thanks - Schmeck

Don't they just replace shocks with solid struts for drag racing?

yes, you can do it......but it sorta butches the frame /no adjustment....... :dry: IMO..........I have seen guys weld their struts to the swingarm and frame on dragbikes....... but a bolt on strut does the same...... :S

here are some captured swingarm pics.







although they never look/ride as good as a weld on hardtail,imho.









leon

If youre going to use the swingarm as part of a hardtail id strongly suggest checking/replacing the pivot tube bushing or bearings before welding the back end of it up rigid.

Thanks for the replies. I'll take a picture of the bike when I get home to further explain . Can't I just weld supports to the swing arm from the bottom? I would like to use the swing arm because I don't have enough tubing for a full hard tail. :pinch: I just want to make sure it is solid for what I have . I've tried a lot of different heights and positions and sitting low with forward controls is where I'm comfortable. Will put pictures up soon to further explain so I'm not talking in the dark

The top bars going back on this bike is how mine is kinda sorta only I have a swing arm .

the more angle you can put in the upper bars the stronger they will be.
if you want the top tubes as low as the white frame in your picture.
i would definitely add tubes on the bottom.

think about what is trying to happen to the tubes as you hit bumps.

with the arm in the bike it is trying to fold/crush the upper tubes when you hit bumps.

if you have tubes on the bottom going out to the end ,it is trying to pull them in two.

if you short cut it now everytime you ride you will wish you had held out and done it the way you wanted.

if the amount of tube is holding you back from doing it the way you want.
wait and get some tube and do it how you want it to be.

nothing sucks as much as regret when you are modding frames.

leon.

I get what your saying . Its suppose to rain here this week so working on it will be minor. I think I will weld the down tubes to the swingarm how I was going to. And the weld bottom tubes to the swigarm also and just cut the swingarm from the axle plates. This is how I see alot of people doing it so as to use the swingarm axles and adjusters.

To make it clear , Constructing a hardtail using the swingarm axles . This would ensure a safe result and not having to worry about the swingarm crushing the top . Anyone know where I can get some dom bent steel tubing ? I only need bottom bars and Im horrible at bendig tubing .

Here is the bike at my neded height btw . I said Id post a picture . It is 7 inches between shock mounts .

bike

Heck with the frame! I want to know about the crazy manifold and carb??
You don't need DOM tubing. Factory don't even use it!
How far up in the hills are you?
Are'nt there any hot rod car shops, stock cars, dirt trackers around you? They have lots of tubing laying around. Any one who is cool, they will help you out. for a beer or a coffee.! At least, it's like that for me.
We have a place here, it's called Metal Super Market, they will sell 1 piece or a truck load. They have a $10 dollar minimum. They will cut you an inch or a 22 foot piece.
Start looking man! Once you get that swing arm in place, make some struts. And weld it all up. Including the pivot bolt. Then it is permanent!
Heres an old picture. I raked this frame at a buddys house, we were building an old Gasser Willy's Got $50 grand into it so far. You can do anything if you want to!