Bandit Alley

MODEL SPECIFIC => SUZUKI BANDIT 250 & 400 => Topic started by: skibum on August 21, 2008, 09:26:29 PM

Title: GSXR400 Swingarm
Post by: skibum on August 21, 2008, 09:26:29 PM

Anybody know if a swingarm from a 1987 GSXR400 would bolt up to the B4 frame and would it alter the wheelbase?  And if so, would it be an improvement?  Pics make it look like its aluminum so I assume and improvement in weight and strength if nothing else.  Thanks in advance for the input.  :thanks:

Title: Re: GSXR400 Swingarm
Post by: Banditmax on August 22, 2008, 04:29:53 AM

Yes i think they do and make the wheelbase a bit shorter.

Title: Re: GSXR400 Swingarm
Post by: Banditmax on August 22, 2008, 05:50:26 AM

Ive got a gk76 swingarm here you could buy  :motorsmile: all it needs is a lug welding on the bottom to fix your torque arm too.

Title: Re: GSXR400 Swingarm
Post by: Garyola on August 22, 2008, 09:19:11 PM

I have an 88' swinger on mine. Strength won't be noticeable. The bike just doesn't have the juice for the extra strength, if there is any, to make a difference. The difference will be in the wheel base and weight. You will notice the wheelbase difference. It turns in quicker and sharper and it does look a lot better doing it :grin:


http://users.xplornet.com/~garyola/bike.html (http://users.xplornet.com/~garyola/bike.html)


G

Title: Re: GSXR400 Swingarm
Post by: skibum on August 22, 2008, 09:38:43 PM

How much shorter are we talking about?

Title: Re: GSXR400 Swingarm
Post by: Garyola on August 22, 2008, 09:42:09 PM

I don't recall the exact measurement but it's about 2 inches shorter.


G

Title: Re: GSXR400 Swingarm
Post by: skibum on August 23, 2008, 09:55:43 AM

How much fabrication did you need to do to make the GSXR swingarm fit?  Specifically, I'm looking for info about the pivot, shock mount, brake stay and caliper, rear axle and chain adjusters.  Thanks.  BTW, looked at the pics  of your bike on your website............nice ride!

Title: Re: GSXR400 Swingarm
Post by: Garyola on August 26, 2008, 04:10:56 PM

Quote from: skibum on August 23, 2008, 09:55:43 AM

How much fabrication did you need to do to make the GSXR swingarm fit?  Specifically, I'm looking for info about the pivot, shock mount, brake stay and caliper, rear axle and chain adjusters.  Thanks.  BTW, looked at the pics  of your bike on your website............nice ride!

Brake stay- need to have a tab welded on for it.
Shock- hooks right up.
Pivot bolt-hooks right up
Chain adjusters- get the ones from the GSXR swinger.
Rear axle- I believe you will need to change the axle and bearings on wheel. I had to do mine because I used an SV650 wheel.

Title: Re: GSXR400 Swingarm
Post by: skibum on August 26, 2008, 09:27:55 PM

Thanks Gary.  I appreciate the input.  Just out of curiosity, why did you go with the SV wheel?

Title: Re: GSXR400 Swingarm
Post by: Garyola on August 27, 2008, 11:24:44 AM

Quote from: skibum on August 26, 2008, 09:27:55 PM

Thanks Gary.  I appreciate the input.  Just out of curiosity, why did you go with the SV wheel?

Stock wheel = 17/155 Dunlop slicks >hard to come by.

SV wheel = 17/165 Dunlop Slicks >always in stock.

Total = Happy Gary

Title: Re: GSXR400 Swingarm
Post by: skibum on August 28, 2008, 12:25:57 PM

Well, since I don't have any (current  :trustme:) plans to run slicks on the street this is probably a non issue for me.  Then again, you never know.  I don't ride in the rain anymore anyway.

Title: Re: GSXR400 Swingarm
Post by: Herr Tod on August 28, 2008, 04:40:54 PM

By using a 4.5 inch rim the tire choice is much greater. You can run almost all of the best street tires. They usually start from 160/60. Only problem is getting an equally good front tire as they usually start at 120.

Title: Re: GSXR400 Swingarm
Post by: skibum on September 03, 2008, 06:52:30 PM

I bought two sets of avon azzaro's some time ago (one mounted immediately and one in reserve) for precisely this reason. Stock size B4 tires were becoming difficult to find in anything that was at all sticky.  The azzaro's have proven at at least as good as my riding skills.  When I burn through the second set I guess i will have to look at a different rear wheel.  :grin: