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Long story short: Explore the different types of motorcycle swingarm, from single-sided to dual-sided, for enhanced performance and style.
What is a motorcycle swingarm?
A motorcycle swingarm is vital for the rear suspension system of a motorcycle. It extends backwards from the main frame and secures the rear wheel. The swingarm pivots at one end, enabling the rear wheel to move up and down, which is crucial for the bike’s suspension and handling.
What does a motorcycle swingarm do?
Suspension Movement: The swingarm allows the rear wheel to move up and down, absorbing shocks and bumps from the road, providing a smoother and more comfortable ride for the rider.
Wheel Alignment: The swingarm ensures that the rear wheel stays aligned with the front wheel and the motorcycle’s frame, which is crucial for stability and handling.
Tire Traction: It maintains constant contact between the rear tire and the road surface, optimizing traction and control, especially during acceleration and braking.
Drive System Integration: In many motorcycles, the swingarm also houses and supports the drive system’s components, such as the chain or belt drive, rear sprocket, and rear brake.
What is the difference between motorcycle suspension and motorcycle swingarm?
Motorcycle suspension refers to the entire system responsible for dampening shocks and vibrations from the road, including both the front and rear components. On the other hand, the motorcycle swingarm is a specific structural component within the rear suspension system that holds and supports the rear wheel, allowing it to move vertically while maintaining alignment. To know more about different types of motorcycle suspension, check out this article.
Different types of motorcycle swingarm
There are various types and designs of motorcycle swingarms, each with advantages and applications. The swingarm is a crucial component of a motorcycle’s rear suspension system. It plays a significant role in determining the bike’s handling characteristics. Here are some different types of motorcycle swingarm.
Conventional
Conventional swingarm is the most common type of swingarm on motorcycles. It consists of a single-sided, straight arm that pivots at the motorcycle’s frame and supports the rear wheel. It is often made of steel or aluminium and is relatively simple in design.
Pros:
Simplicity: Conventional swingarms are straightforward in design and maintenance.
Cost-Effective: They are usually less expensive to manufacture and repair.
Cons:
Limited Suspension Travel: They may have limited suspension travel compared to more advanced designs.
Less Rigidity: Conventional swingarms can be less rigid than other designs, affecting handling in high-performance situations.
Single-Sided
Single-sided swingarms are often seen on sportier and higher-end motorcycles. Instead of two arms on both sides of the wheel, there’s one on one side, allowing for easier wheel removal and maintenance. It gives the bike a sleek and distinctive look.
Pros:
Easy Wheel Maintenance: Single-sided swingarms make wheel removal and maintenance more accessible.
Aesthetically Pleasing: They often give the motorcycle a unique and sleek appearance.
Cons:
Complexity: These swingarms can be more complex and costly to manufacture and repair.
Weight: They may be heavier than conventional swingarms, affecting overall bike weight.
Twin-Spar
Twin-spar swingarms are typically found on sport bikes. They consist of two parallel arms that run alongside the rear wheel, connecting to the frame on both sides. This design offers high rigidity, which can improve handling and stability, especially at high speeds.
Pros:
High Rigidity: Twin-spar swingarms offer excellent rigidity, enhancing handling and stability.
Sporty Performance: They are commonly used in sports bikes for improved performance.
Cons:
Weight: They tend to be heavier than other swingarm types, which can affect agility.
Box-Section
Box-section swingarms have a rectangular or square-shaped cross-section. They are known for their strength and rigidity, making them popular for high-performance motorcycles and racing applications.
Pros:
Strength and Durability: Box-section swingarms are known for their strength and resilience.
Stability: They contribute to the bike’s overall strength, particularly in high-stress situations.
Cons:
Weight: They can be heavier than other swingarm designs, affecting the bike’s weight distribution.
Swingarm with Rising Rate Linkage
Some motorcycles incorporate a rising-rate linkage system. This linkage changes the leverage ratio on the rear shock as the suspension compresses, allowing for better control over the bike’s suspension characteristics.
Pros:
Improved Suspension Control: These swingarms can better control the rear suspension’s characteristics.
Customizable: The linkage system allows for fine-tuning of suspension performance.
Cons:
Complexity: The linkage system can be more intricate, requiring precise adjustment and maintenance.
Single-Shock
This swingarm type features a single shock absorber mounted directly to the swingarm or frame. It is commonly used in cruiser-style motorcycles and provides a smoother and more comfortable ride.
Pros:
Comfort: They offer a smoother and more comfortable ride, particularly in cruiser-style motorcycles.
Simplicity: Single-shock swingarms are generally more straightforward in design and maintenance.
Cons:
Limited Performance: They may not be suitable for high-performance or sport-oriented motorcycles.
Dual-Shock
Dual-shock swingarms have two shock absorbers, one on each side of the rear wheel. This design is often used on classic or vintage motorcycles and offers a more traditional look.
Pros:
Vintage Appeal: These swingarms give classic and vintage motorcycles an authentic look.
Customization: They provide more options for customizing the bike’s appearance.
Cons:
Limited Performance: Dual-shock swingarms may not deliver the same level of performance as modern designs.
Paralever
BMW’s Paralever swingarm is a unique design incorporating a driveshaft, allowing for better control over the bike’s suspension geometry and eliminating the effects of shaft drive torque on the suspension.
Pros:
Improved Control: Paralever swingarms help maintain proper suspension geometry, even under torque.
Shaft Drive: They are often used with shaft drive systems, reducing maintenance needs.
Cons:
Complexity: The Paralever system can be more complex and costly to manufacture and repair.
Single-Sided Cantilever
This design is commonly found on adventure and touring motorcycles. It combines the benefits of a single-sided swingarm with a cantilevered shock setup, which helps improve stability and load-bearing capabilities.
Pros:
Stability: This design provides added strength and load-bearing capabilities, ideal for touring and adventure bikes.
Unique Look: It offers a distinctive appearance with the benefits of a single-sided swingarm.
Cons:
Complexity: It can be more complex and challenging to manufacture and service.
What is an extended bike swingarm?
In motorcycle customization, an extended swingarm involves replacing the original swingarm with a longer one. This modification moves the rear wheel farther back from its original position, effectively extending the length of the swingarm. Extended swingarms are commonly used in customizing sportbikes and drag racing motorcycles.
Why extend the bike swingarm?
- Riders often extend the swingarm for its aesthetic impact, giving the motorcycle a unique and aggressive appearance associated with custom or “stretched” bike styles.
- Extending the swingarm improves straight-line stability, especially at high speeds, by increasing the motorcycle’s wheelbase.
- Longer swingarms can also provide better traction during acceleration by distributing weight more evenly between the front and rear wheels.
- Extended swingarms are often used in custom bike-building projects, allowing riders to create personalized, one-of-a-kind motorcycles that reflect their unique style and preferences.
- Extending the swingarm can make the motorcycle harder to handle, especially in tight corners. The longer wheelbase reduces agility and manoeuvrability.
- If you prioritize cornering performance, an extended swingarm can make it harder to lean into corners and navigate twisty roads or tracks.
- Check local regulations before extending your motorcycle’s wheelbase. There may be restrictions on how much you can extend for use on public roads, so ensure your modifications comply with the law.
What are the disadvantages of the extended bike swingarm?
Conclusion
Throughout this article, We have discussed motorcycle swingarms, different types of motorcycle swingarm, and some questions related to bike swingarms. If you have any other doubts or queries, email us at bikeleague2017@gmail.com. We are always eager to help and assist you. Also, here are several social media platforms of Bikeleague India to raise your suspicions.
