Swing arm mod, old to new idea for feedback

That's also an option when you have access to a lathe.

That looks like you're machining a modern steering stem? But you were talking about swing arm mods? Do you need some bushings made? I thought you were putting in a big beast of a swinger in your build.

Doesn't everyone have a lathe in their garage? They should. Just tell your wife it's insurance in case the vacuum, dishwasher, washing machine, etc. breaks (true story, all 3 have been resurrected with emergency lathe service). I can't imagine trying to mod one of these machines without a mill and lathe. Kudos to the folks that make nice looking stuff with bandsaws and grinders.

Haybus wrote: That looks like you're machining a modern steering stem? But you were talking about swing arm mods? Do you need some bushings made? I thought you were putting in a big beast of a swinger in your build.

Doesn't everyone have a lathe in their garage? They should. Just tell your wife it's insurance in case the vacuum, dishwasher, washing machine, etc. breaks (true story, all 3 have been resurrected with emergency lathe service). I can't imagine trying to mod one of these machines without a mill and lathe. Kudos to the folks that make nice looking stuff with bandsaws and grinders.

Ya I am using that beast still. I thought why not salvage the R1 steering stem since I am not using it and cut it for the swingarm bushing. :side:

I agree you cant do these builds without having access to a lathe and a mill.

wireman wrote: How about just having bushings with an O.D that fit the I.D of whatever swingarm pivot youre using,then ream the I.D of the bushings to fit the stock kaw pivot bolt sleeve?

That is exactly what I do, I am lazy and found out that is the easiest way.

Hollywoodmx wrote:

Haybus wrote: That looks like you're machining a modern steering stem? But you were talking about swing arm mods? Do you need some bushings made? I thought you were putting in a big beast of a swinger in your build.

Doesn't everyone have a lathe in their garage? They should. Just tell your wife it's insurance in case the vacuum, dishwasher, washing machine, etc. breaks (true story, all 3 have been resurrected with emergency lathe service). I can't imagine trying to mod one of these machines without a mill and lathe. Kudos to the folks that make nice looking stuff with bandsaws and grinders.

Ya I am using that beast still. I thought why not salvage the R1 steering stem since I am not using it and cut it for the swingarm bushing. :side:

I agree you cant do these builds without having access to a lathe and a mill.

You can do it,you just need to be good with a drill and a file! :woohoo:
There was a guy named lil john buttera that pretty much built an indy car in a 1 car garage with a belt sander ,drill press and a bunch of basic hand tools!

hey I am new to the kz world and would like to ask some stupid Questions.
1, what swing arm are you putting in?
2, what is the mesuerments from side to side on a 1981 kz650 swing arm at the mounting point?

I am looking to put a single shock swingarm on my kz650. i just dont know what will fit. I would like to have the brakes and rim size from a newer spots bike..
i am looking to go in the direction as the pic
thank you for the help

Suzuki gsxr is pretty close width wise

Get that damn honda outta here!!! Jk looks cool

this is my starting point picked it up fot $400.. i have the 01-03 GSXR swing arm and shock ready to go in and am looking for the best way to do the upper shock mount..

LeePalmer79 wrote:

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this is my starting point picked it up fot $400.. i have the 01-03 GSXR swing arm and shock ready to go in and am looking for the best way to do the upper shock mount..

once you figure it out, post up some good pics & a thread on it. this was what i was thinking for mine as well but without being able to see my bike in person right now, i kinda stumped on how to fab up the shock mount.