Swingarm Mods

[Designer]

Hey guys like some of you know I been looking to fit a little bigger tire and wheel on the rear, but I don't want to expend an arm and a leg on Modifications. Does somebody knows how to fit a 18x5.5 wheel on the rear with the original swingarm? Or making minimal Modifications?

Now that we established the Swing Arm Mod that is Time Tested ( 20 years) and Mileage Tested ( 160,000 Miles) to be Solidly Structurally Sound and that will keep that Hard-Earned $2500 in your pocket, let's discuss the Tire Size you were thinking of installing. That is a Design Factor that is fundamental, after all.

[azazelakira]

Hey guys like some of you know I been looking to fit a little bigger tire and wheel on the rear, but I don't want to expend an arm and a leg on Modifications. Does somebody knows how to fit a 18x5.5 wheel on the rear with the original swingarm? Or making minimal Modifications?

Now that we established the Swing Arm Mod that is Time Tested ( 20 years) and Mileage Tested ( 160,000 Miles) to be Solidly Structurally Sound and that will keep that Hard-Earned $2500 in your pocket, let's discuss the Tire Size you were thinking of installing. That is a Design Factor that is fundamental, after all.

So my idea is to mount a 200 size tire, like you advise I may look in the metzeler one, I have a front wheel inferno that is for a harley, I need to get a blank wheel 18x5.5 and make it look similar to the front, and then rechrome both of them, that is why saving that quantity of money is needed. Here is a pic of the original inferno.

[Designer]

Hey guys like some of you know I been looking to fit a little bigger tire and wheel on the rear, but I don't want to expend an arm and a leg on Modifications. Does somebody knows how to fit a 18x5.5 wheel on the rear with the original swingarm? Or making minimal Modifications?

Now that we established the Swing Arm Mod that is Time Tested ( 20 years) and Mileage Tested ( 160,000 Miles) to be Solidly Structurally Sound and that will keep that Hard-Earned $2500 in your pocket, let's discuss the Tire Size you were thinking of installing. That is a Design Factor that is fundamental, after all.

So my idea is to mount a 200 size tire, like you advise I may look in the metzeler one, I have a front wheel inferno that is for a harley, I need to get a blank wheel 18x5.5 and make it look similar to the front, and then rechrome both of them, that is why saving that quantity of money is needed. Here is a pic of the original inferno.

R C components did make a solid Rear Wheel for the 1400, but a quick check of their Site didn't come up with it available.

Though it may not be listed, they probably still have the CNC Machining Program and can make one for you. Do you have the machining Shop that could make it look like the Inferno Front Wheel you now have?


As to Tires, can you tell me which one you had in mind? I can then check it's dimensions.

[hillsy v2]

As far as wheels go - why don't you get some wider rims laced up to your VS hubs? Would look a lot classier than some OCC wheels and far easier to fit.

[azazelakira]

I been looking at tires, I am a fan of Avon Cobra Chrome. But I came to find out yesterday that the factory closed the doors in December. So I am left with the option of the Metzeler ME888 Marathon Ultra in 200/50R18. I think is the best looking one. Altho the place where I am going to buy the blank wheel looks to sell some other brand of tires. Here is the link for the site.
https://msiwheelblanks.com/tires.html

[azazelakira]

As far as wheels go - why don't you get some wider rims laced up to your VS hubs? Would look a lot classier than some OCC wheels and far easier to fit.

I already bought the front wheel for the project, and I want matching wheels, I also need the front end from a Suzuki Marauder 800.

[Designer]

I been looking at tires, I am a fan of Avon Cobra Chrome. But I came to find out yesterday that the factory closed the doors in December. So I am left with the option of the Metzeler ME888 Marathon Ultra in 200/50R18. I think is the best looking one. Altho the place where I am going to buy the blank wheel looks to sell some other brand of tires. Here is the link for the site.
https://msiwheelblanks.com/tires.html

I will check this New Site out tomorrow for you.

What what could be more classy than an aluminum wheel?

They never rust, nor even need alignment, and far easier to keep clean. I've been running mine of 20 years now and always get compliments on them.

You are On The Right Track.

[hillsy v2]

What what could be more classy than an aluminum wheel?

Spokey dokes are timeless - pretty much on anything. Those flame cut out aluminium things are SO dated.

I will admit however - your chopper wheels are pretty nice. Reminds me a bit of the Invader steel wheels from the 70's.

[azazelakira]

At Designer. I just like that design.

At Hillsy V2, I guess I am dated. I like more aluminum wheels than spoke wheels. That is just me.

[Designer]

At Designer. I just like that design.

Checked out the Site in the link, and I swear,....the tread design in the fist picture ( blackwalls) looks exactly like Metzlers ME 880!. ( not, of course, the MEE888). Is that why you like them?

...... Altho the place where I am going to buy the blank wheel looks to sell some other brand of tires. Here is the link for the site. https://msiwheelblanks.com/tires.html

After looking over the Tire Size Chart, it sure does look kinda like they have the ME880 molds from Metzeler!

[azazelakira]

Very little difference, the bad part of the MSI is that they deal with whole sale more than individuals.

[Designer]

Very little difference, the bad part of the MSI is that they deal with whole sale more than individuals.

Does that cut you out?

[azazelakira]

I am going to get the wheel from here, I have no Idea if they will sell me just 2 tires, I'll ask when time comes.

[Designer]

Any Updates on your quest?

[azazelakira]

No, like I said this is going to take a long time, I am in the process to get the wheel and send it to machine. That will take a good 6 months or so.
Meanwhile, how do you meassure where I should make the "notch" in the swing arm? I am going with the Metzeler tires

[navigator]

No, like I said this is going to take a long time, I am in the process to get the wheel and send it to machine. That will take a good 6 months or so.
Meanwhile, how do you meassure where I should make the "notch" in the swing arm? I am going with the Metzeler tires

Get the tire. Measure the diameter at the widest tire section. Divide by 2. Use that measurement, Find the center of the axle opening in the swingarm. Measure from the axle centerline out to the point to be notched.

[Designer]

No, like I said this is going to take a long time, I am in the process to get the wheel and send it to machine. That will take a good 6 months or so.
Meanwhile, how do you measure where I should make the "notch" in the swing arm? I am going with the Metzeler tires

From the Pictures I posted, you can pretty much measure the placements of the cuts by copying what is shown using the Flat Portion of the Inside Edge of the SwingArm as a guide.

I found this is not so much Precision Machining, but as a Clearance Knotch that allows for any possible Tire Sidewall Flexing.

[azazelakira]

How do you made this "notch"?

[Designer]

How do you made this "notch"?

Wellsir,...I could tell ya,....buuuut,...ya gotta pay in cash!

[azazelakira]

I mean the round part in the middle of the aluminum part