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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: Buckeye4Life on January 31, 2013, 07:28:46 PM

Title: Stretching Swing Arm
Post by: Buckeye4Life on January 31, 2013, 07:28:46 PM
So I decided to stick with my 08 F until it dies (which will be a while since it only has 4,000 miles on it), and i'd like to do some cosmetic and functional upgrades to better fit a 6'1" 230 pound guy. So far, I've got a Katana 600 rear shock and some woodcraft clip-ons. I'd also like to get some Gimbel rear sets, upgrade the fork springs, and stretch the swing arm about 3-4 inches. I've seen the stretch done here, but I haven't seen any write-ups on how to do it. Does anyone have any advice aside from "Don't do it."?
Title: Re: Stretching Swing Arm
Post by: weedahoe on January 31, 2013, 08:16:29 PM
When I was going to do mine, I was going to use my extra swing arm I have here and use it to extend the other with
Title: Re: Stretching Swing Arm
Post by: Big Rich on January 31, 2013, 09:00:56 PM
The extra length will put even more leverage on your rear shock - so you might have to upgrade it again.

If nobody speaks up here, find a professional welder and ask them what all is involved. I would think they will probably say internal slugs, TIG welding, and a swingarm brace.
Title: Re: Stretching Swing Arm
Post by: Badot on January 31, 2013, 09:16:48 PM
If you don't mind my asking, why do you want to do it? Just for looks?

From my welding experience, I think Big Rich hit the nail on the head with what will need to be done. Although I've never done a bike swingarm before so take that with a grain of salt. Don't forget a longer chain too.
Title: Re: Stretching Swing Arm
Post by: Buckeye4Life on February 04, 2013, 01:41:31 PM
Yeah, I want to do it just for looks. I want to open up underneath the tail a bit. I've got some LED accent lights, and looking at them under the tail, it increases the amount of light coming down quite a bit to stretch it.
Title: Re: Stretching Swing Arm
Post by: crzydood17 on February 04, 2013, 04:05:27 PM
dont ruin a nice bike...
Title: Re: Stretching Swing Arm
Post by: weedahoe on February 04, 2013, 04:19:46 PM
I like a slightly stretched bike personally. 3-4 inches is nothing. 8+ is something else though
Title: Re: Stretching Swing Arm
Post by: Buckeye4Life on February 04, 2013, 05:44:45 PM
I totally agree. Looking at a 4" stretch, all of the wheel and all but the very back edge of the tire is still under the tail of the bike. The only other post I've seen of this (pardon the ugly Chi-town paint job) is at:

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=59696.msg685090#msg685090


Except for the guy with the 16.5" stretch and the Audi turbo.
Title: Re: Stretching Swing Arm
Post by: ohgood on February 05, 2013, 05:58:31 AM
it's a pointless mod for a gs. if you just want to pose, get another bike (r6, gixxer, etc), poser it up like mad, and enjoy the two people that comment on it's looks. sswing arms and stretched bikes were over in 2010. or earlier.

the gs is for -riding-.
Title: Re: Stretching Swing Arm
Post by: weedahoe on February 05, 2013, 06:23:21 AM
IMO it is a pointless mod for any bike unless it is a drag bike that needs the stretch so the front doesn't rise up. But a lot of things we do aren't needed. Most are for cosmetic and appealing reasons.
Title: Re: Stretching Swing Arm
Post by: average on February 06, 2013, 08:55:26 PM
 :icon_rolleyes:To each his own guys but i love the way my bike looks. extended just enough without looking ridiculous....  O0
Title: Re: Stretching Swing Arm
Post by: Higgins13 on February 07, 2013, 07:32:23 AM
Stretched bikes are ugly
Title: Re: Stretching Swing Arm
Post by: J banning on February 07, 2013, 08:05:24 AM
Please stretch it

...I need a good laugh
(and good luck trying to find a buyer when you sell it one day)
Title: Re: Stretching Swing Arm
Post by: Big Rich on February 07, 2013, 08:15:59 AM
Quote from: average on February 06, 2013, 08:55:26 PM
:icon_rolleyes:To each his own guys but i love the way my bike looks. extended just enough without looking ridiculous....  O0

+1.

Remember folks, the OP didn't ask for opinions. It's not a poll. If you don't like stretched swingarms.......don't put one on your bike.
Title: Re: Stretching Swing Arm
Post by: seamax on February 07, 2013, 08:28:12 AM
Quote from: Higgins13 on February 07, 2013, 07:32:23 AM
Stretched bikes are ugly

Quote from: J banning on February 07, 2013, 08:05:24 AM
Please stretch it

...I need a good laugh
(and good luck trying to find a buyer when you sell it one day)


You're ugly and start laughing.  :flipoff:

(http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh115/seamax206/motorcycle%204/IMG_7881.jpg)
Title: Re: Stretching Swing Arm
Post by: average on February 07, 2013, 09:05:22 AM
It's about damn time LOL O0
Title: Re: Stretching Swing Arm
Post by: ohgood on February 07, 2013, 09:47:07 AM
Quote from: seamax on February 07, 2013, 08:28:12 AM
Quote from: Higgins13 on February 07, 2013, 07:32:23 AM
Stretched bikes are ugly

Quote from: J banning on February 07, 2013, 08:05:24 AM
Please stretch it

...I need a good laugh
(and good luck trying to find a buyer when you sell it one day)


You're ugly and start laughing.  :flipoff:

(http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh115/seamax206/motorcycle%204/IMG_7881.jpg)

bike looks good. how bad does the stretch kill your parking lot manuevers ?
Title: Re: Stretching Swing Arm
Post by: codajastal on February 07, 2013, 04:55:02 PM
Quote from: seamax on February 07, 2013, 08:28:12 AM
You're ugly and start laughing.  :flipoff:

(http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh115/seamax206/motorcycle%204/IMG_7881.jpg)
BWhahahaha THATS UGLY :flipoff:

I wish I owned your ugly bike lol :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown:
Title: Re: Stretching Swing Arm
Post by: PatheticPuma on February 07, 2013, 05:50:37 PM
Quote from: seamax on February 07, 2013, 08:28:12 AM
Quote from: Higgins13 on February 07, 2013, 07:32:23 AM
Stretched bikes are ugly

Quote from: J banning on February 07, 2013, 08:05:24 AM
Please stretch it

...I need a good laugh
(and good luck trying to find a buyer when you sell it one day)


You're ugly and start laughing.  :flipoff:

(http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh115/seamax206/motorcycle%204/IMG_7881.jpg)

While I don't care for the look of this bike, I do like that engine cover...if I could get my hands on similar but blue I definitely would.
Title: Re: Stretching Swing Arm
Post by: mustangGT90210 on February 07, 2013, 06:02:17 PM
Based on that picture, is it safe to assume the bottom part of the rear subframe doesn't reallly do anything but add weight? Or is that bike just asking for a broken tail?
Title: Re: Stretching Swing Arm
Post by: seamax on February 08, 2013, 09:39:16 AM
Quote from: mustangGT90210 on February 07, 2013, 06:02:17 PM
Based on that picture, is it safe to assume the bottom part of the rear subframe doesn't reallly do anything but add weight? Or is that bike just asking for a broken tail?

I wanted a floating tail look so I added added a new hidden brace that is located inside the frame and extends up the seat. LED brake and turn signals were installed where the subframe connected to the main frame.

Quote from: PatheticPuma on February 07, 2013, 05:50:37 PM
Quote from: seamax on February 07, 2013, 08:28:12 AM
Quote from: Higgins13 on February 07, 2013, 07:32:23 AM
Stretched bikes are ugly

Quote from: J banning on February 07, 2013, 08:05:24 AM
Please stretch it

...I need a good laugh
(and good luck trying to find a buyer when you sell it one day)




While I don't care for the look of this bike, I do like that engine cover...if I could get my hands on similar but blue I definitely would.

You missed out. About 5-6 years ago I had a custom order of about 40 sets made for twinners in various colors. So some forum members probably still have them. You could custom order them now for about $20 off any decal site. Send them a pic you want on it and the measurement. It's just like a wheel logo decal.

Quote from: ohgood on February 07, 2013, 09:47:07 AM
Quote from: seamax on February 07, 2013, 08:28:12 AM
Quote from: Higgins13 on February 07, 2013, 07:32:23 AM
Stretched bikes are ugly

Quote from: J banning on February 07, 2013, 08:05:24 AM
Please stretch it

...I need a good laugh
(and good luck trying to find a buyer when you sell it one day)


You're ugly and start laughing.  :flipoff:


bike looks good. how bad does the stretch kill your parking lot manuevers ?

Haven't notice a difference. It's a 6" stretch. It's not hyabusa length but feels the same as my friend's R6.

Couple more pics...

(http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh115/seamax206/motorcycle%204/IMG_7882.jpg)
(http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh115/seamax206/motorcycle%204/IMG_7880.jpg)

Title: Re: Stretching Swing Arm
Post by: Worm on February 08, 2013, 09:55:09 AM
Seamax, do you have a build thread on here to see more?
Title: Re: Stretching Swing Arm
Post by: jacob92icu on February 08, 2013, 12:49:36 PM
Every time I see your bike seamax, I have to take a second look at it... It's just that beautiful  :cry:....