Whilst restoring the old XR, I'd read about numerous people swapping their swingarms to have
a rear disc. I didn't want to go the rear disc route but I liked the look of the aluminium swingarm and the less likely-hood
that it corrodes into oblivion!
As it happens I acquired a brand new swingarm, brand new linkage and a used swingarm for a 1985
XR600 and set to work.
Using the used swingarm to check measurements, I could see I'd need spacers for the points between
the frame pivots and a spacer for the rear wheel.
The other important point was the rear brake panel; where it locates onto the tab of the swingarm.
Having the wheel aligned centrally in the XR600 swingarm, the brake panel didn't engage the tab.
So, after having the aluminium spacers lathed up for the frame pivot and rear wheel, I could now
get the correct length of aluminium made for the tab to be welded onto the swingarm.
Whilst I had the wheel out, I put some new bearings in.
I'm pleased with the job I've done and to be honest I dont feel any noticeable difference in the
handling whilst riding.The XR600 swingarm is longer than the XR250 one.
Click each picture to see a larger version.
