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.
