Swing Arm

[chinox22x]

What is the easiest, mechanical wise, swingarm that can fit on a gs '04 for a wider tire.  Has anyone done one other than peeteypablo (pantablo) on an +01 street GS?

what did you have to change...what didn't?

[pantablo]

To clarify-I've never done it. I did lots of things to my GS but it was always a stepping stone to a bigger bike. I knew I was ready for a bigger bike when I needed to install a bigger wheel for better tire selection.

When considering mods, especially one as involved as this one, one must first consider the original purpose of having bought the GS in the first place-usually a learning tool before moving up to bigger bikes.

Now, I'm not saying "dont mod your bike"! My site is a testament to the desirability of modding the bike to suit one's taste and need for personalization (or need for wrenching and having "projects"). Consider that a swingarm mod isn't even a normal swap for the racers and one has to wonder the value of the mod. if its for the appearance of a bigger tire then installing a wider wheel is the way to go...or a new bike...

The GS is designed to handle best with stock size tires. Slight variations from this is acceptable (by me anyway) and anything significantly bigger affects handling. If you're a new (or new-ish) rider I'd suggest sticking to less performance mods and more cosmetic mods. Dont create a bike that fights your learning curve.

I hope I dont come off as trying to discourage you at all...just consider the validity of the reasoning for doing it.
JM2C

[dgyver]

I have installed a RGV swingarm. All that was needed were captive spacers for the pivot point and for the axle (used the stock GS wheel) along with a custom caliper hanger (used a 04 GSXR caliper). Having an adjustable shock helped with the ride height issues.

This is probably the same for most any swing arm that would fit inside the frame and the donor bearing ID's are the same or larger than the stock GS.

[sprint_9]

You could always swap your rear wheel out too.  88-89 GSXR 750 wheels work with very little modification, Bandit 400 wheels are also known to work.  Ive got a Bandit wheel that Ill be fitting on to my GS in the next few months.

[GRU]

just yesterday i thought it would be fun if i take my friends hayabusa swingarm and try to fit it on my gs500...quess what, it fits between the frame but there would have to be some serious work done to make it work

[chinox22x]

I'm thinking of doing this just for future references.

The gs will most likely gonna be turned into a "show" bike and riding around the city after a year or so, hence the question.  I don't intend to sell it just because i don't know..i'm weird like that.  

I've changed a crapload of stuff on the bike aesthaetic wise therefore the next logical step are the mechanical ones...again, later down the road.

I do plan on getting another bike as a street bike once i'm proficient enough to get a more powerful bike.  I'm too sentimental to get rid of the GS.  I've gotten several chances to do so but for some reason i just couldn't do it.  :dunno:

[GRU]

i know how you feel man..i wish i had the money to own 2 bikes but i really need something a little more go....i love the gs though and i want to keep it and make a race bike or a show bike out of it....