Swingarm Modification

[Electrical_Tech]

Ok, not a performance mod, however I did have a question.

My right side spool mount got broken off thanks to my stupidity in leaving the large nylong swingarm slider/spool in place and having suspension set too soft.

What I'm wondering is can you drill through the box section of the swingarm and insert a sleeve whereby you could kind of make a quikc connect method for swingarm spools?

Or would drilling out the swingarm compromise its safety and integrity?

I would have a qualified shop do the work as I can't weld aluminum and don't have a drill press with which to do the work.

Any suggestions? Yay / nay etc?

Thanks.

Trev

[RiverRoadWarrior]

Pics of break?

[Electrical_Tech]

If you're familiar with the ZZR(08) / Ninja ZX6R (98-02) the threaded peice is welded below the swingarm. The arm itself is in tact. It's just the fillet that broke free of the threaded piece.

I had it repaired once owing to the fact that the threaded peice didn't break free. But the last time it did and I lost the peice.

I guess I could have another peice of aluminum stock welded back in place.

[modette]

Ah what the heck drill the swing arm yourself using a drill...aluminum is easy to drill through. Then use a tap and die set and thread the hole...there done.

I would never do that...but hey maybe it is safe...guess it depends on how over built they did the swing arm and if a small hole would effect it at all.

[Electrical_Tech]

I'd feel a lot better about it if it was built by Vikings in the dragon-fired forge.

[modette]

Hey I drilled through my subframe on the XR650R...some might call that stupid but it has held up just fine. I did this to fix a few brass pieces that broke (would just spin in place and you could not get the bolts out to remove the rear fender.

[Electrical_Tech]

I have that issue with one on my ZZR for the left fairing. The crimp/tack let go as I was trying to remove the fairing for an oil change, ended up having to drill the frigger out!! Grr.

[OldSchlPunk]

As long as you fill the hole with a bolt, the swingarm shouldn't be compromised significantly. I've thought of doing this with my F4i since it doesn't have bosses for spools.

The problem I can't get by is the fact that the sidewall of the swingarm probably doesn't have the strength to support the spool that way.

[modette]

Find an FAA certified aluminum welder, they probably could give you some tips, or if it could be done and seeing as they work on planes they are usually extra careful in terms of safety. The guy that fixed a few broken welds on my subframe he was through the brother inlaw and is FAA certified to weld aluminum on aircraft...he told me the Honda welds were done like crap.

Call a small airpot, or company and ask who they use to weld aluminum. It does not hurt to ask.

[Electrical_Tech]

Originally Posted by OldSchlPunk

As long as you fill the hole with a bolt, the swingarm shouldn't be compromised significantly. I've thought of doing this with my F4i since it doesn't have bosses for spools.

The problem I can't get by is the fact that the sidewall of the swingarm probably doesn't have the strength to support the spool that way.

I have no idea of the thickness of the material in the swingarm, but I think with my original idea, putting a chase / nipple through the pilot hole and welding it into the arm, the strength would be there.