swingarm widening.

Alright tell me if this sounds crazy. For my dragbike project i bought an old square tube swingarm for a strutted kz so it has no swingarm bearings just a sleeve. I am using a 5.5inch rim from a zx and the swingarm is about an inch too narrow, maybe a little more. Is it safe to cut the swingarm in half and widen it this way. Everything would be welded together nicely wiht the next size round tubing over the pivot sleeve to stiffin it up nicely. Iff it was widened an inch than .5" would then be shaved off of each side of the pivot tube. Here is a picture trying to show what i am talking about. This is not my swingarm but it gives you an idea of what i am getting at.

jordan you might be just better off looking for a wider swingarm to start with because if you cut any more off the swingarm pivot you might stand a chance of actually interfering with the frame and not being able to mount it up properly so in other words a whole lot of work for nothing.

checked for clearance and it can be widened quite a bit before i will run into problems. Also, the passenger beg frame piece will be removed so that wont be a problem. Other than clearance do you see any idea why this isn't doable?

jordan wrote:

Other than clearance do you see any idea why this isn't doable?

Is there a reason you want to use that particular arm, other than you have it now? It seems like a lot of work when there are quite a few arms that fit the frame with only a little work and still can hold the 5.5" rim. IMO, I'd sell it on eBay and buy something that takes less work.

Later, Doug

if properly fitted and welded back together yes it can be safe.now you get to make the decision whether or not to cut and weld or buy.if it was mine i would probably already have it cut apart and welded back but that is me and i have the facilty to do it.if i was payin someone i would have to weigh my options,and money would surely dictate what i decided on.keep us posted.
leon holmes

well, i think i am going to go for it and cut. It only cost my $100 and i really like the way it looks. Kinda old school lookin swingarm. I have bid on others on ebay but no luck getting one. I will try this and hopefully come out ok.

don't forget to show us how it comes out.good luck jordan.