I've got a black '08 swing arm that has been sitting in my spares collection for months. Never had time to fit it because of the twins and work commitments and the fact that my stand fits into the swing arm pivot so it will be a tricky job to remove and support the bike.

So, bike is due a service and, though this is not something I often because I do all my own work except the valve clearance checks, I was considering getting the mechanics to change over the swing arm for me whilst they do the service.

So how long does it take and what should I be charged for them doing this? I have no idea. Is it a half hour job or more like one and a half? Seems if I have to pay more than £100 it will feel too much. But then again I am very time poor in my life at the moment and will not get round to doing this myself for ages.

Couldn't tell u on the time and cost but can I have first dibs on the old one please Bic

hmm.... lemme see....

undo wheel nut, remove spindle and adjusters, wiggle wheel, take off chain, remove wheel, undo shock/swingarm bolt, smack it with a hammer, out she comes. At some point in there there's a bit of caliper-mount wobbling too, can't remember when exactly.

If everything comes loose nicely, it's a 10 min job, especially done by someone who's done it before and has all the right tools. If a mechanic said anything more than 30mins I'd raise an eyebrow....

p.s. coming from someone who had their swingarm powdercoated black - I'd say definitely do it. They look so much better in black

Thanks dfor advice Samba, like you say should be simple, just wanted it confirmed before I ask at a shop.


Craig, I have a spare silver one as well. You can have that one if you want. I got it because I was thinking of doing a bracing experiment but I don't think I will ever do it. Can't remember what I paid for it now, got it off eBay. What 's it worth to you? I even cleaned it up like new ready. Is it that stripped thread for the hugger bolt that you need it for?

PS Samba. Are you a Preston born lad? I grew up in Garstang and was riding bikes round the area by the late seventies through to the mid eighties. Main runs we through the Trough of Bowland through to Settle or up to Devils Bridge but we used to come down to Rivington Barn sometimes.

You know any old Garstang bikers?

Does the black one have all the bearings in?

I only ask as this changes the time and cost of the job dramatically. I wanted a black swinging arm on my fireblade so I bought a cheap silver one from a breakers to powdercoat. Powdercoaters want all the bearings out, not many of the bearings are re usable. Most bearings can be obtained far cheaper from a bearings specialist than from a Honda dealer...but one couldnt (and that bastard alone cost me 38 quid

It is relatively straightforward if everything comes apart easily but, in my experience, shock mountings and swinging arm bolts in particular are almost always seized and/or difficult to extract - give Paul R. a ring.

I thought you were going to have it "braced" like "Go-Go's" ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

I can do the job in an hour bearings and all dude - these SDs are a peice of piss to work on

I think the hardest part is getting the F-ing shock back into the swingarm.