Adjuster Plate on swingarm

[hAndydAndyAndy]

So I accidentally wheelied my bike, and it appears to have bent the adjuster plate on the back of the left side of the swingarm. I was reading on here that it does happen, and that I just need to replace it. My question is, how safe/dangerous is it to drive with it slightly bent like that? Also, to get it replaced, do I need to get it done at a dealer?

[scratch]

Sorry to hear that.  Your axle wasn't tight enough to prevent that from happening.  If you're not mechaincally inclined, then yes have the dealer do it.  They should only charge you a half hour of the shop rate (if shop rate is $65 per hour, you should only have to pay $35 at most)(+ cotter pin).

If the axle is loose and/or the wheel is out of alignment, do not drive it.

Do you have a Clymer or Haynes manual for it?

[hmmmnz]

i have bent mine as well, i have just banged it flat for now and am getting a couple of stainless ones made as we speak
if you don't have a manual go here
http://www.badongo.com/file/1268914
wait 20 seconds and enter the picture code, its in pdf and its zipped
if you want a parts fiche as well go here
http://www.blackbears.ru/manual/files/Suzuki_GS500_Microfiches.zip
good luck

[hAndydAndyAndy]

Scratch, do you mean the axle nut was loose and that's what caused the problem? If so, that may be so. I had a friend look at it, and he said the axle nut was loose. He tightened it, bent the plate back into place and is in the process of making me a new, heavier duty plate. Once he has the new one finished, I'll try another wheelie to see if it still bends with the tight axle.

[Turd Ferguson]

Once he has the new one finished, I'll try another wheelie to see if it still bends with the tight axle.

Hahaha, I love real-world testing, but be careful!

Yeah, your adjuster plate should not take any of the load of the rear wheel/drive line.  Its only point is to get your wheel adjusted to where you want it before you tighten the axle nut.  Keep it torqued to spec and that should hold it in place no problem.

Buy your friend a case of beer!  He sounds like a stand-up guy!

-Turd.

[scratch]

Yes.  And, it's good your freind is there to help ya.    Take it easy on the wheelies.  Wheelie for safety (like over obstacles).