I have a 99 EG that I will never part with, I have never had a problem with my swing arm, bike now has 66k miles on it, is there something to look for, what causes them to break? I just want to be safe out there, thanks

 

The danger of reading the internet is learning about stuff like this! I suspect the number of swingarms that have actually broken is relatively few. The use of lowering blocks is reported as causing fracture, which occurs in the swingarm, at the slot the rear wheel axle goes through. Here is a Hot Bike article about it, showing what can happen.

 

Every time i have read about or seen pictures it is always related to the use of lowering blocks with a 3/4 axle.

 

Nice work Dan! That has got to be some kind of record. I am so glad there are awesome resources out here like this forum filled with people willing to help each other out.

 

I've seen a couple cracked too. Both had lowering blocks or shorter shocks. My guess is it cracks when it bottoms out. These should help spread the load on the swingarm and keep cracks from occurring, I was thinking of converting to the newer swingarm too, but not sure if it would work with my 80 spokes as I'd need 1" dia inner bearings. May just go this route,

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DRAG-SPECIAL...988095&vxp=mtr

 

For other readers that don't get the deal you got. There is nothing special about the alloys in your swing arm. For a few more dollars than you have paid a good weld shop can fix this for around the same price and unless they are just bogged down with work they should do it while you wait. Only thing about buying used is you don't know what it's been through.

 

My plan is to have the replacement swingarm welded...and don't expect it to be all that expensive. I just wanted one here, so I'm not waiting around for parts to be repaired.

Once I get the new swingarm installed...I will take my old one and have it fixed. Then maybe someone else can use it.

 

Thanks for the link. Those look slick.

 

Nice job Dan.

 

Glad I could help, I'll be looking for a thread on the results of your reinforced swing arm. HD Forums is a great resource.