696 Spool Install location.

[deltasierra]

So being a noob, I'm trying to do some cool/affordable, and effective mods to my new bike.  I have a new (although 2010) 696 that needs some additions.  

So far I've done the termi slip on system, taken the stickers off the frame, and will be installing the Evotech tail tidy within the week along with some smaller cool LED turn signals that I got.  Also purchased a battery tender, but that will wait till fall before storage.

To do some of the upcoming work though, I would like to put the bike on a stand, and while I have purchased the stand, and spools, I am unsure of where exactly to place them.

I have marked a spot that I think would be perfect.  Fairly low, close to the rear axle, and the aluminum seems to be fairly thin at that spot, but does anyone have a measurement of the prime location for rear spools on a 696?

I figure someone must have done this already with success, so while I feel confident in my location, hearing from someone that has done it before would be great!

Thanks,

DS

P.s.  I'll post pics and measurements of my install once I'm done.

[ungeheuer]

If it were my 696 I would not be drilling the swinging arm to mount spools.

Something like this would be my preference  >>  http://www.motovationusa.com/mvstore/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=394

That said, on my 696 I had neither, my rear stand had the option to fit flat "L" shaped plates which simply lift the rear end by locating the underside of the swinging arm.

[mikeb]

Swingarm spools thread into a threaded bung on/in the swingarm.  You can't simply drill a hole in your swingarm and then thread the spools in.  

Either get a stand that supports the bike from under the swingarm or get sliders that accommodate a rear stand.

Don't drill your swingarm.....

[deltasierra]

Hmmm. Ok. I've purchased the pit bull spools and inserts already, but they were less than $30 so it's no big deal. I had read somewhere that the "through the axle" style weren't as good, but I can't remember where, so there's no saying if that info is legit.

There was a tutorial on this forum for someone drilling their swingarm, and successfully installing spools, but it wasn't a 696, so I was looking for someone else that did it also.  I talked to Jeff at Monsterparts before ordering, and was told that it's a common part, so I figured it's fairly standard, but I'm still pretty nervous to drill my swingarm!

Maybe I'll just start with the through the axle and see what I think though. With the through the axle style, is it strong enough to hold for storage as well?

[mikeb]

I've never used a through axle before.  The one issue I see with it is you'll run into trouble trying to adjust your chain slack with through axles spools because you can't loosen the axle with the spools on.

If you have a Pit Bull stand simply swap out the ends from spool ends to the pads that go under the swingarm.  You should be able to simply swap them out.  The picture I posted above shows a Pit Bull stand with pads instead of spools.  

[Howie]

I've never used a through axle before.  The one issue I see with it is you'll run into trouble trying to adjust your chain slack with through axles spools because you can't loosen the axle with the spools on.

If you have a Pit Bull stand simply swap out the ends from spool ends to the pads that go under the swingarm.  You should be able to simply swap them out.  The picture I posted above shows a Pit Bull stand with pads instead of spools.  

Can't remove the wheel with axle spools either.  The pads may be a little less secure, but they work for me.

[chitown]

If it were my 696 I would not be drilling the swinging arm to mount spools.

Something like this would be my preference  >>  http://www.motovationusa.com/mvstore/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=394

That said, on my 696 I had neither, my rear stand had the option to fit flat "L" shaped plates which simply lift the rear end by locating the underside of the swinging arm.

ordering that.  I just dont want to drill the swing arm.  besides I will just install it when I need to use it.

[deltasierra]

Thanks for the replies! Everything I'm reading now says DO NOT drill your swingarm.

So I guess I will take the safe route, and NOT drill my swingarm. Lol. I'm a little surprised that they don't have a location for spools on the bike though.

Got the under swingarm pads for my rear bike stand, and I think I will buy the through the axle spools for winter storage. Seems like the right way to go!

Thanks!

[Raux]

Thanks for the replies! Everything I'm reading now says DO NOT drill your swingarm.

So I guess I will take the safe route, and NOT drill my swingarm. Lol. I'm a little surprised that they don't have a location for spools on the bike though.

Got the under swingarm pads for my rear bike stand, and I think I will buy the through the axle spools for winter storage. Seems like the right way to go!

Thanks!

this is a base model street naked bike. spools are a definite race-bike item. makes sense they wouldn't have them

[Triple J]

I installed the PitBull spool kit (drilled into swingarm) on my old M900. They worked OK, but in hindight I wouldn't do it again. There wasn't any real benefit, and it was a bit of a PIA.

If you want rear axle sliders, then getting ones that double as spools is smart. But I don't see why someone would buy those solely because they wanted spools. Spools are nice for working on your bike...things like taking off the rear wheel, which those prevent. No thanks (unless you want axle sliders anyway, like I said above).

The pad stands work fine for most anything that needs to be done to a bike, and they're plenty stable ifyou get a good one.

[ungeheuer]

The pad stands work fine for most anything that needs to be done to a bike, and they're plenty stable if you get a good one.

^^ This.