I made a big mistake and flipped the spacer on my wheel after a tire change and after a short period of time wore a deep groove in my swing arm. My mechanic says its junk and I need a new one.
My first question...are all hoop style swing arms compatible with one another? I've got a 99 M900s. My swing arm is the aluminum version.
Could someone braze the defect to fill the void? I'm sure it depends on how deep the groove is worn. I'd say it's at least 1/2 through the metal. I have however ridden this bike for a year without an issue. Although my luck may be about ready to run out.
Does anyone have a swingarm to get rid of. I'd prefer to stay with the aluminum version if possible.
Thanks for your help in advance
Post a photo. I'd like to see this damage. Depending on the extent, if it were me in this situation I'd probably try to TIG repair it. Especially since you said you had been riding on it like that for a while with no problems. It would have to pretty much be cut all the way through for me to consider replacing it. I'd then grind the repair down flush, polish & pretty, then look at having a nice type III hard anodizing put on the whole thing [thumbsup]
You can fix just about anything it just comes down to a matter of how much you are willing to go through to fix it. Years of resto work with my father on British roadsters has taught me that. Some parts are just not available anymore. This is not the case with your Ducati fortunately. New swingarms come up for sale all the time on eBay & forums like this. Don't settle for a steel replacement, fix the one you have if you can't find an aluminum one.
Then get it hard ano'ed and post photos [moto]
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
+11ty billion
Have it welded and sanded smooth.
Paint or powder will give the aluminum good protection also.
That's what I felt. The ducati mechanic didn't seem familar with a process like that. He said he didn't feel comfortable putting his "stamp of approval" on it.
Is there a lot of benefit to painting or powder coating. I kinda like the aluminum look.
I'll post a pic as soon as I can figure it out.
Quote from: Dents on May 01, 2011, 04:34:12 PM
That's what I felt. The ducati mechanic didn't seem familar with a process like that. He said he didn't feel comfortable putting his "stamp of approval" on it.
Is there a lot of benefit to painting or powder coating. I kinda like the aluminum look.
I'll post a pic as soon as I can figure it out.
Anodized aluminum is a great finish.
If it's available in your area for a reasonable price go for it.
+1 on welding, FHE.
Doesn't welding weaken the area?
Quote from: lazylightnin717 on May 01, 2011, 05:38:22 PM
Doesn't welding weaken the area?
Not if it's done correctly.
do you know a guy that could handle this
[img]http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m600/DentsPro/swingarm.jpg/img]
(http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m600/DentsPro/swingarm.jpg)
Weld and smooth, it will be better than new.
Quote from: Dents on May 01, 2011, 06:43:41 PM
do you know a guy that could handle this
[img]http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m600/DentsPro/swingarm.jpg/img]
any competent welder can.
There are some out this way...where are you?
Not to give you hassles - but how did the bike even move when you first reassembled it? A buddy of mine did this to my bike, and as soon as we snugged the axle nuts I couldn't turn the wheel at all when I tried to rotate it on the stand.
You know I don't quite remember. I do remember why I thought to check the wheel though. I noticed all of a sudden my axle nut was really loose.
Ducpainter
I'm in Birmingham Alabama. Would you have a suggestion on how I'd begin looking for a welder that could handle this and do a quality job?
Ask a custom cycle shop or hod rod shop. They ought to know. Or ask a machine shop.
Quote from: bergdoerfer on May 02, 2011, 09:00:38 PM
Ask a custom cycle shop or hod rod shop. They ought to know. Or ask a machine shop.
Good suggestion...
or ask kopfjäger. He's in your area and has been building his bikes. I'm sure he could get a recommendation for you.
My welded swing has worked f 10 years now. Same damage, same cause...