1982 550 swingarm stretch...?

I've been thinking about stretching the swingarm on my 1982 550 LTD next spring. My buddy is a machinist and we have the tools to do it...

BUT, I was thinking what all comes with doing a 2 to 3" stretch? Could I still get by with the stock fender set up? Would I need to ajust the stock pipe hangers? What about my stock shocks? Could I still use them, but just have them at a lower angle? I know the chain will need to be replaced, but mine is currently shot anyway.

Any thoughts fellas? Thanks.

you will be putting more leverage on the shocks so they will be softer if you don't get some stiffer springs.you should not have to mess with the exhaust because they bolt to the frame not the swingarm.
relocate the stock fender buy building a plate that will move it backwards.extend brake caliper stabilizer.
thats all i can think of,but i am not very familiar with the 550's.

leon

Good point, forgot about the brake... No big deal there though.


I would have to keep the distance between the ends the same though, otherwise I'll need a longer axle and I'm sure a spacer, right?

are you going with a wider rear wheel?

leon

Wasn't planning on it for now... just think I'd like the look.

you may also need a longer chain depending on how much stretch you do. I have a 4" on my bike and when it had the 630 chain it was 6 links longer than stock. I don't recall what length I went to when I went with the 530 setup but it is a fair amount longer than stock.

i gotcha,couple inches is subtle.
as long as you extend the swingarm so that it doesn't widen it your stock axle will be fine.longer chain and maybe some shock springs and you should be good to go.

leon

yeah, my current chain is junk, so figured now is a good time (excuse)!

I can fab up a brake rod and stay bar easily enough. Shouldn't affect handling too teribly much, would it?

I'm a bigger guy and I think at times I just look a little big for the bike, and I always thought it would look so much better a little lower and longer.

the thought just occured to me... would a swingarm from a different bike swap in with minimal mods??? I know the 550 is unique with a lot of parts...

can you measure how wide the pivot is on the swingarm?
a few inches is not going to be very noticeable unless you are a corner stuffer.even then it will just slow down the turning radius some.

leon

I can... but it's not at my current place of residence, so it could be a few weeks.