Single-sided swingarm conversion,,, - Discuss Single-sided swingarm conversion,,, on CBRXX, the ultimate on-line community for Honda motorcyclists. Read it in Suspension / Tires / Wheels / Brakes. (Discussion of Honda CBR 1100 XX Super Blackbird Forks, Shocks, Chains, Sprockets, Tires, Wheels, and Brakes.)

TexasDawg · 05-24-2008, 2:15 AM

Hey all, just finished my swingarm conversion on my '03 Blackbird. Wanted to post a few pics to let you all see. It was a fun project,,,
IMGP0710.JPG

IMGP0702.JPG

IMGP0651.JPG
Went for a shake down cruise today and so far so good,,,

youfly2 · 05-24-2008, 11:47 AM

how hard was it and did you use a vfr swing arm

mikedevine · 05-24-2008, 1:29 PM

That is a nice bike dude! Good job!

Growler67 · 05-24-2008, 3:09 PM

5 spoke wheel, looks like a 5th gen VFR. Sweet job

Stonecoldnf · 05-24-2008, 10:41 PM

Wow!...more info please.

TexasDawg · 05-25-2008, 1:25 AM

I used a '92 VFR swingarm and a 5th gen wheel that I modded to fit the swingarm wheel carrier. I made the linkages and spacer for the swingarm and had to move the shock mount over about an inch. Any more and the tank bolts wouldn't have fit and it was just enough. I used the CBR1100XX shock. I ran the rear brake line inside the swingarm and switched the muffler to a high mount on a bracket I made with the midpipe being made by a muffler shop here in town.
On a scale of one to ten, I say the project was an eight. It took about 100 hours worth of work time, but a second one wouldn't take as long now that I know the steps. I had done a 240 wide tire upgrade on a VTX 1800C I used to have, so starting a project like this wasn't a totally new experience. I did the wide tire VTX before you could buy a kit to do it with. Using a '94-'97 swingarm would have made the linkage part easier, but required a wider swingarm spacer. There is a bunch of pics on the other XX site, or tell me what you want to see and I'll put it on this thread,,,

cbr1100rider · 05-25-2008, 6:55 AM

That is one sweet Mod to your Bird. I have thought about this before too, but was not sure how to go about it.

flblackbird · 05-25-2008, 9:11 AM

Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet Dawg!!!

AussieOnline · 05-25-2008, 10:41 AM

Dude, that's bad ass!!

Splat · 07-14-2008, 10:56 AM

Maybe you could make to order kit of parts you made and instructions and part list of parts you need to buy with instructions that us others could do this mod. You did an awsome job. bet that reduced a lot of weight.

ArmyStrong · 07-14-2008, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flblackbird

Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet Dawg!!!

Nice and clean!

lois · 07-14-2008, 1:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArmyStrong

Nice and clean!

Back off Russ......I saw it first

Nice ....nice.....nice

steveb · 07-14-2008, 3:54 PM

That's very impressive, I especially like the idea of running the brake lines inside the swingarm, do you have any photos from the other side?
Cheers
Steve

Master20013 · 07-14-2008, 4:54 PM

Friend you have done a wonderful job. Unfortunately here in Italy it is not possible to do likewise and've got to go on the road normally. At most you can go to the track with these changes. The law does not permit this to the media modified to run freely in the streets unless it obtains approval! Very difficult to obtain!

PH005 · 07-14-2008, 5:04 PM

Texasdawg. As you can tell from all the aboves, we are in awe of your talents. I just Love it. Man I want one.

bullet · 07-14-2008, 6:28 PM

nice job.....!... i doubt that it will be lighter than a normal swingarm...that was their only cons...the had to be rigid because ....theyre single sided....the machining is excellent...!

cbrbear · 07-15-2008, 1:20 AM

nice job looks great even though I am not a fan of chrome.

rustydog · 07-15-2008, 2:45 AM

Awesome awesome awesome

Splat · 07-16-2008, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexasDawg

I used a '92 VFR swingarm and a 5th gen wheel that I modded to fit the swingarm wheel carrier. I made the linkages and spacer for the swingarm and had to move the shock mount over about an inch. Any more and the tank bolts wouldn't have fit and it was just enough. I used the CBR1100XX shock. I ran the rear brake line inside the swingarm and switched the muffler to a high mount on a bracket I made with the midpipe being made by a muffler shop here in town.
On a scale of one to ten, I say the project was an eight. It took about 100 hours worth of work time, but a second one wouldn't take as long now that I know the steps. I had done a 240 wide tire upgrade on a VTX 1800C I used to have, so starting a project like this wasn't a totally new experience. I did the wide tire VTX before you could buy a kit to do it with. Using a '94-'97 swingarm would have made the linkage part easier, but required a wider swingarm spacer. There is a bunch of pics on the other XX site, or tell me what you want to see and I'll put it on this thread,,,

why did you go with the 5th gen wheel instead of the 92' that matched the swing arm? just curious.

bullet · 07-16-2008, 11:54 AM

...probably the '92 rim was a 5 inch wide and the 5th generation is wider ,alowing newer and wider tyre sizes...

Splat · 07-16-2008, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bullet

...probably the '92 rim was a 5 inch wide and the 5th generation is wider ,alowing newer and wider tyre sizes...

that would make since. I measured mine its about 6.5" wide outer lip to lip on the rim.

magley64 · 07-16-2008, 2:07 PM

Just 1 word....

TITS!

seriously, great job

jjmcjames · 07-17-2008, 5:42 AM

Very professional job-congrats on a fine piece of work.

Strek · 07-17-2008, 7:14 AM

Looks great.

Splat · 07-17-2008, 9:03 AM

do you know if the 5th gen swingarms will match up like the 92' swingarm or did they make them different?

TexasDawg · 07-17-2008, 11:04 PM

Only 3rd and 4th gen swingarms can be used('90-'93 and '94-'97). Later years attach to the motor. I used a 5th gen wheel because finding a chromed or otherwise decent 8 spoke 3rd gen wheel is impossible or expensive. I was trying to get a decent 3rd gen 8 spoker for less than $250 and get it chromed myself, but had no luck. If anyone has one laying around they want to get rid of, let me know,HAHAHA. And '90-'93 and '98 on up are all 5.5". The wheels for '94-'97 are 5.0".
A kit wouldn't be too hard to make if I had access to CNC machines, but my mill and lathe are manual. If I did it again, I would use a 4th gen swingarm that is narrower and lighter. The linkage would be two plates instead of the way I had to do it and I would have to just make a wider spacer. It would have been easier.
brakeline.jpg

brakeline2.jpg

IMGP0641.JPG

IMGP0645.JPG

linkage2.jpg

SilverBrd · 07-18-2008, 12:38 AM

How far are you from Lockhart? I would to see that in person!

Splat · 07-18-2008, 9:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexasDawg

Only 3rd and 4th gen swingarms can be used('90-'93 and '94-'97). Later years attach to the motor. I used a 5th gen wheel because finding a chromed or otherwise decent 8 spoke 3rd gen wheel is impossible or expensive. I was trying to get a decent 3rd gen 8 spoker for less than $250 and get it chromed myself, but had no luck. If anyone has one laying around they want to get rid of, let me know,HAHAHA. And '90-'93 and '98 on up are all 5.5". The wheels for '94-'97 are 5.0".
A kit wouldn't be too hard to make if I had access to CNC machines, but my mill and lathe are manual. If I did it again, I would use a 4th gen swingarm that is narrower and lighter. The linkage would be two plates instead of the way I had to do it and I would have to just make a wider spacer. It would have been easier.
Attachment 8425

Attachment 8426

Attachment 8427

Attachment 8428

Attachment 8429

thanks for the info this is very helpfull

TexasDawg · 07-18-2008, 4:34 PM

Silverbrd, I am in LaPorte on the S.E. side of Houston. If you went to the last Blackbird get-together,Texxt in Uvalde, I was there. I didn't have the conversion then, though. I'm planning on going again this year. Hopefully I won't get stuck in back of the hotel this year and miss the fun out front! If anyone decides to ride to the Galveston area, let me know and we can hook up and ride if I'm not working. You'll go past my area,,, later

JayO · 07-18-2008, 4:51 PM

Where did you get those "CBR" decals?

05-24-2008, 11:47 AM	#2
youfly2 youfly2 Join Date: Apr 16 2008 Location: alliance ,oh Age: 38 Posts: 186	Re: Single-sided swingarm conversion,,, how hard was it and did you use a vfr swing arm

05-24-2008, 1:29 PM	#3
mikedevine Join Date: Feb 23 2007 Location: Boston Age: 47 Posts: 307	Re: Single-sided swingarm conversion,,, That is a nice bike dude! Good job! __________________ "It's only after we've lost everything that we're free to do anything" - Tyler Durden

05-24-2008, 3:09 PM	#4
Growler67 Join Date: May 01 2008 Location: S. Puget Sound, WA Age: 44 Posts: 300	Re: Single-sided swingarm conversion,,, 5 spoke wheel, looks like a 5th gen VFR. Sweet job __________________ "Just leave me some ammo, a little water...........and some chips if you have 'em" "Actually it's a buck and a quarter quarter-staff, but I'm not telling *HIM* that...........YOIKS and Away!!!!"

05-24-2008, 10:41 PM	#5
Stonecoldnf Join Date: Jan 02 2007 Location: Alliston, Ontario, Canada Age: 45 Posts: 48	Re: Single-sided swingarm conversion,,, Wow!...more info please.

05-25-2008, 1:25 AM	#6
TexasDawg Join Date: Nov 02 2006 Location: Laporte, Texas Posts: 21	Re: Single-sided swingarm conversion,,, I used a '92 VFR swingarm and a 5th gen wheel that I modded to fit the swingarm wheel carrier. I made the linkages and spacer for the swingarm and had to move the shock mount over about an inch. Any more and the tank bolts wouldn't have fit and it was just enough. I used the CBR1100XX shock. I ran the rear brake line inside the swingarm and switched the muffler to a high mount on a bracket I made with the midpipe being made by a muffler shop here in town. On a scale of one to ten, I say the project was an eight. It took about 100 hours worth of work time, but a second one wouldn't take as long now that I know the steps. I had done a 240 wide tire upgrade on a VTX 1800C I used to have, so starting a project like this wasn't a totally new experience. I did the wide tire VTX before you could buy a kit to do it with. Using a '94-'97 swingarm would have made the linkage part easier, but required a wider swingarm spacer. There is a bunch of pics on the other XX site, or tell me what you want to see and I'll put it on this thread,,,

05-25-2008, 6:55 AM	#7
cbr1100rider Join Date: May 25 2008 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 2	Re: Single-sided swingarm conversion,,, That is one sweet Mod to your Bird. I have thought about this before too, but was not sure how to go about it.

05-25-2008, 9:11 AM	#8
flblackbird What cop?? Join Date: Jan 24 2007 Location: Edgewater, FL, USA Age: 40 Posts: 1,859	Re: Single-sided swingarm conversion,,, Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet Dawg!!! __________________ Mike 02 Silver Bird I'm a Yamaha tech., that's why I ride a Honda

05-25-2008, 10:41 AM	#9
AussieOnline Join Date: May 17 2007 Location: knoxville Posts: 64	Re: Single-sided swingarm conversion,,, Dude, that's bad ass!! __________________ I can resist everything except temptation.

07-14-2008, 10:56 AM	#10
Splat Join Date: Sep 19 2007 Location: Toledo, Ohio Age: 33 Posts: 98	Re: Single-sided swingarm conversion,,, Maybe you could make to order kit of parts you made and instructions and part list of parts you need to buy with instructions that us others could do this mod. You did an awsome job. bet that reduced a lot of weight. __________________ HELMETS SAVE LIVES I KNOW FROM EXPERIENCE 2003 Blackbird Custom Solid Gray Chromed and Polished, Dynoed 133HP (DYNOED ON 8-23-08), Blackbird RIP as of 5-15-2009

07-14-2008, 3:54 PM	#13
steveb Join Date: Feb 11 2007 Location: King's Lynn, Norfolk, UK Posts: 412	Re: Single-sided swingarm conversion,,, That's very impressive, I especially like the idea of running the brake lines inside the swingarm, do you have any photos from the other side? Cheers Steve

07-14-2008, 4:54 PM	#14
Master20013 Join Date: Jun 02 2008 Location: Italy Age: 50 Posts: 58	Re: Single-sided swingarm conversion,,, Friend you have done a wonderful job. Unfortunately here in Italy it is not possible to do likewise and've got to go on the road normally. At most you can go to the track with these changes. The law does not permit this to the media modified to run freely in the streets unless it obtains approval! Very difficult to obtain! __________________ This is my motorcycle group in Italy http://www.marcheinmoto.com

07-14-2008, 5:04 PM	#15
PH005 Join Date: Jun 08 2008 Location: Brisbane Australia Posts: 408	Re: Single-sided swingarm conversion,,, Texasdawg. As you can tell from all the aboves, we are in awe of your talents. I just Love it. Man I want one.

07-14-2008, 6:28 PM	#16
bullet Join Date: Jun 12 2007 Location: GREECE-ATHENS Age: 39 Posts: 969	Re: Single-sided swingarm conversion,,, nice job.....!... i doubt that it will be lighter than a normal swingarm...that was their only cons...the had to be rigid because ....theyre single sided....the machining is excellent...! __________________ http://www.facebook.com/#/profile.ph...00000710085835

07-15-2008, 1:20 AM	#17
cbrbear Join Date: Nov 10 2006 Location: San Diego CA Age: 34 Posts: 186	Re: Single-sided swingarm conversion,,, nice job looks great even though I am not a fan of chrome.

07-15-2008, 2:45 AM	#18
rustydog Join Date: Jun 24 2008 Location: Australia NSW Sydney Posts: 65	Re: Single-sided swingarm conversion,,, Awesome awesome awesome

07-16-2008, 11:54 AM	#20
bullet Join Date: Jun 12 2007 Location: GREECE-ATHENS Age: 39 Posts: 969	Re: Single-sided swingarm conversion,,, ...probably the '92 rim was a 5 inch wide and the 5th generation is wider ,alowing newer and wider tyre sizes... __________________ http://www.facebook.com/#/profile.ph...00000710085835

07-16-2008, 2:07 PM	#22
magley64 Join Date: Feb 26 2008 Location: Northeast Ohio Age: 25 Posts: 422	Re: Single-sided swingarm conversion,,, Just 1 word.... TITS! seriously, great job __________________ Ðuane "Harley's don't have a "throttle" in the typical use of the word, think of it more as a "volume knob" on the right handle bar, the more you twist it, the more windows you rattle"

07-17-2008, 5:42 AM	#23
jjmcjames Join Date: May 09 2007 Location: Middle Tennessee Age: 51 Posts: 245	Re: Single-sided swingarm conversion,,, Very professional job-congrats on a fine piece of work.

07-17-2008, 7:14 AM	#24
Strek Moderator Join Date: Jun 25 2007 Location: Chicago, Illinois Posts: 4,584	Re: Single-sided swingarm conversion,,, Looks great.

07-17-2008, 9:03 AM	#25
Splat Join Date: Sep 19 2007 Location: Toledo, Ohio Age: 33 Posts: 98	Re: Single-sided swingarm conversion,,, do you know if the 5th gen swingarms will match up like the 92' swingarm or did they make them different? __________________ HELMETS SAVE LIVES I KNOW FROM EXPERIENCE 2003 Blackbird Custom Solid Gray Chromed and Polished, Dynoed 133HP (DYNOED ON 8-23-08), Blackbird RIP as of 5-15-2009

07-17-2008, 11:04 PM	#26
TexasDawg Join Date: Nov 02 2006 Location: Laporte, Texas Posts: 21	Re: Single-sided swingarm conversion,,, Only 3rd and 4th gen swingarms can be used('90-'93 and '94-'97). Later years attach to the motor. I used a 5th gen wheel because finding a chromed or otherwise decent 8 spoke 3rd gen wheel is impossible or expensive. I was trying to get a decent 3rd gen 8 spoker for less than $250 and get it chromed myself, but had no luck. If anyone has one laying around they want to get rid of, let me know,HAHAHA. And '90-'93 and '98 on up are all 5.5". The wheels for '94-'97 are 5.0". A kit wouldn't be too hard to make if I had access to CNC machines, but my mill and lathe are manual. If I did it again, I would use a 4th gen swingarm that is narrower and lighter. The linkage would be two plates instead of the way I had to do it and I would have to just make a wider spacer. It would have been easier. brakeline.jpg brakeline2.jpg IMGP0641.JPG IMGP0645.JPG linkage2.jpg

07-18-2008, 12:38 AM	#27
SilverBrd TEDZXX Join Date: Jan 22 2008 Location: Lockhart, Texas Age: 45 Posts: 1,742	Re: Single-sided swingarm conversion,,, How far are you from Lockhart? I would to see that in person! __________________ 02 Silver Bird, Throttlemeister, HID's, D&D Show and Go full system exhaust, Zero Gravity Double Bubble, Power Commander, Speedohealer, Corbin seat, Lowered foot pegs & more Mods to come!!!

07-18-2008, 4:34 PM	#29
TexasDawg Join Date: Nov 02 2006 Location: Laporte, Texas Posts: 21	Re: Single-sided swingarm conversion,,, Silverbrd, I am in LaPorte on the S.E. side of Houston. If you went to the last Blackbird get-together,Texxt in Uvalde, I was there. I didn't have the conversion then, though. I'm planning on going again this year. Hopefully I won't get stuck in back of the hotel this year and miss the fun out front! If anyone decides to ride to the Galveston area, let me know and we can hook up and ride if I'm not working. You'll go past my area,,, later

07-18-2008, 4:51 PM	#30
JayO Join Date: Dec 29 2007 Location: So. In. Posts: 88	Re: Single-sided swingarm conversion,,, Where did you get those "CBR" decals?

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