Buckeye4Life Posted February 4, 2013 Report Share Posted February 4, 2013 So i have an 08 GS500f. I am thinking about stretching it about 4", purely for aesthetic purposes. I'm at OSU and have friends in welding engineering, but I may take it elsewhere if need be. What's the "right" way to stretch a swing arm? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbot Posted February 4, 2013 Report Share Posted February 4, 2013 i'm just going to rep you now to help offset all the ugly abuse that is sure to come. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
standout Posted February 4, 2013 Report Share Posted February 4, 2013 this should be fun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
conn-e-rot Posted February 4, 2013 Report Share Posted February 4, 2013 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buckeye4Life Posted February 4, 2013 Author Report Share Posted February 4, 2013 You guys are right, this should be good. But I'm as much interested in the process as actually doing it. If i can take the abuse to fine one good answer, then it'll be worth it in my book. Right now, the way I'm thinking its done is making a z- shaped cut in the swing arm, matching a 4" piece of a second swing arm, putting plugs of smaller pipe in each side, then tig weld, file, paint, and and add a longer chain and brake line. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
conn-e-rot Posted February 4, 2013 Report Share Posted February 4, 2013 I had extended the swingarm on my zx14 with bolt on extensions I bought. If it was me I would not trust someone just learning to weld on my bike. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
conn-e-rot Posted February 4, 2013 Report Share Posted February 4, 2013 Stretching it will raise the rear slightly the 6" stretch raised the back of my bike less than 1/2" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buckeye4Life Posted February 4, 2013 Author Report Share Posted February 4, 2013 I've already upgraded the rear shock with one from a Katana 600. Suspension was the only truly "bad" thing on a GS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RSVDon Posted February 4, 2013 Report Share Posted February 4, 2013 So i have an 08 GS500f. I am thinking about stretching it about 4", purely for aesthetic purposes. I'm at OSU and have friends in welding engineering, but I may take it elsewhere if need be. What's the "right" way to stretch a swing arm?You would've been better off replacing the bold words with "because I can't keep the front end down". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
conn-e-rot Posted February 4, 2013 Report Share Posted February 4, 2013 You would've been better off replacing the bold words with "because I can't keep the front end down".Yes then there would be more humor to it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
conn-e-rot Posted February 4, 2013 Report Share Posted February 4, 2013 I've already upgraded the rear shock with one from a Katana 600. Suspension was the only truly "bad" thing on a GSI have a busa shock you can have to put on it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buckeye4Life Posted February 4, 2013 Author Report Share Posted February 4, 2013 I think i would need to cut the number of teeth on the front sprocket in half to worry about keeping the front end down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tonik Posted February 4, 2013 Report Share Posted February 4, 2013 What's the "right" way to stretch a swing arm?Dunno if it's 'right' but this is less wrong than welding it.http://www.shopmyrtlewest.com/Billet_Bolt_On_Swingarm_Extensions_Kit_Extended_s/108.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
conn-e-rot Posted February 4, 2013 Report Share Posted February 4, 2013 They might laugh at you but you could get a hold of these guys and see if they would extended it for you.http://www.thompsonscustomcycles.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rawlins87 Posted February 4, 2013 Report Share Posted February 4, 2013 Haters gonna hateExtended it. My next project will have one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
conn-e-rot Posted February 4, 2013 Report Share Posted February 4, 2013 The style of the swingarm may make it a little more involved but it's your bike make it how you want it. I stretched my zx14 and everyone said it was stupid to stretch it but in the end it was my bike not theirs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shadyone Posted February 4, 2013 Report Share Posted February 4, 2013 Id use the bolt on extensions as they seem to be a proven way. also its not as permanent. so when you go to sell you dont have a bike noone else wants. plus its probably just as cost effective. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buckeye4Life Posted February 4, 2013 Author Report Share Posted February 4, 2013 So to do a bolt on stretch, would i have to custom-fab or mill/ CNC one for a GS500? A stretched GS is something that I've only ever seen done a couple of other times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rawlins87 Posted February 4, 2013 Report Share Posted February 4, 2013 By a stock swingarm the section the original to length Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rawlins87 Posted February 4, 2013 Report Share Posted February 4, 2013 Bevel the cuts to get a greater weld tie in Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BDBGoalie Posted February 4, 2013 Report Share Posted February 4, 2013 You also want to flare out the swing-arm to fit the 330 section rear, right? Don't forget to strap your front end down to make it match. Lower the bike to the ground with bags and it will complete the look.Make sure to avoid wearing gear at all times (or replace it with Icon), and isolate your riding to drag racing wherever the most people can see you and the transformation is complete.Seriously, your ride and handling will go to garbage. We'll also be forced to laugh at you.It can be done with swing-arm extensions, but the "right" way to do it is to weld extensions in the swing-arm. You'll need some skill with a welder, and you'll have to fabricate a jig to make sure all the angles stay true. New chain is a given, and I'd replace all the maintenance related stuff that you have access to once you have the swing-arm off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
conn-e-rot Posted February 4, 2013 Report Share Posted February 4, 2013 Seriously I'd contact thompson cycles and see what they say this is what they do and it will be done right Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rollnhot Posted February 5, 2013 Report Share Posted February 5, 2013 From now on you will be know as the stretched member. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rctaylor Posted February 5, 2013 Report Share Posted February 5, 2013 Any longer than stock and you may need to brace it underneath. Stock swingarms are only engineered to be sturdy at their given length, that is why you see extended swingarms with tubular bracing on the bottom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swingset Posted February 5, 2013 Report Share Posted February 5, 2013 There are plenty of things you should stretch for aesthetic purposes that should come before your swing arm in importance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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