SS swing-arms

[twpd]

Did the 900ssie come with an alloy swing-arm of a steel one? Or was it a case of a mixture depending whether or not the factory had the right parts. Also if it came with an alloy item was the rear caliper mounted topside or bottom-side?

Of my two 800's - one came with an alloy arm, one with a steel. Both had calipers that were topside.

I am hunting for another alloy arm but, they're rarer than rocking horse turds.

[ali]

I think all uk 900s came with alloy s/arms. The US had a version called the Sport which had a steel swinger and non-adjustable forks, but I've only seen a couple in the uk.

The caliper was originally located above, fixed on that plate. About 96/97 they went under-slung and floating to compensate for swingarm movement.

Alloy swingers come up occaisionally, worth about £50-80, but watch out for cracks around the shock mount.

I could have changed the steel one on the race bike, but I really don't believe it would make the blindest bit of difference!

[twpd]

Thanks Ali - I'm working on the basis that an alloy one should represent lower unsprung weight but, guess I should weigh them both to dispel any myths!

[antonye]

Originally posted by ali
I could have changed the steel one on the race bike, but I really don't believe it would make the blindest bit of difference!

So you didn't weigh them both to see what the difference was then? :D

[nelly]

I know the SS is different in construction but on the late monsters the alloy one is about 1.5kg lighter when made from ally ;)
I'd reckon you'd save the same on the SS................

[twpd]

Thanks Nelly - that's worth having when it comes to unsprung weight. Now I need to find one!

[antonye]

Slightly more nelly, but yeah it's a worthwhile saving :D

[nelly]

You can save even more antonye, by drilling several large holes in the aloy arm itself ;) ........................... go on try it :lol:

[twpd]

I knew I'd find a use for my Black & Decker eventually.........

[ali]

The difference in unsprung weight has more effect the more powerful the bike is (in the case of the rear) as it's primary benefit is to allow the suspension to react faster with less extension, therefore helping prevent highsides. Normally I'd say the little 620 doesn't have enough go to do much in the way of highsides, but I managed to highside a 675 last year so I'd have to agree, probably worth doing! :lol:

If things get really close this year I might invest in one, but I doubt I'll get to a situation where 2kg is going to make a difference to anything....

[antonye]

Originally posted by nelly
You can save even more antonye, by drilling several large holes in the aloy arm itself ;) ........................... go on try it :lol:

I would do but it's not mine ;)

[skidlids]

Remember only part of that weight is unsprung as one end of the swing arm is fixed to the engine and the bracing which accounts for a fair bit of the weight difference is just behind the pivot so goes through very little movement

[twpd]

It'll be cheaper than a tub of titanium fasteners though. ;)

Anything to save me going on a diet. :lol: