Swing Arm Spindle modification questions (2012)

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I had mine modified, maybe back in '03, I think before the Kegler mod came out, at least I hadn't heard of it. Sent it to Nithburg and he reamed it out for the next size spindle since it was plenty worn, reamed the bushings and installed 2 Allen head bolts where the Kegler collars would go. Since I don't thrash it, I'm supposing it will last me until I quit riding. I guess I could always add the collars.

Swing Arm Spindle modification questions (2012)


Dave
69S
 
rvich said:
My cradle and swingarm are sitting on my bench waiting for paint. So this thread is timely as I have been asking myself what to do about the spindle tube. I keep coming back to the idea that it is too bad that it isn't made so that the tube is a replaceable part. As Bob points out, it is nested into the cradle plates. Of course the only way to swap it out is to cut the cradle apart. If it relied upon the bolts for the cases and transmission to retain its integrity this would be possible. The iso tube and swingarm tube could be made to drop out when you unbolted everything.

However, after running all of this thru my meatgrinder of a brain, I keep asking myself if I shouldn't just buy some clamps from Windy and move on.

Russ
Click to expand...

I was/am very tempted to do something along these lines if my cradle is not straight enough. The plan was to fabricate a steel part that consisted of the ISO tune and the swingarm tube, held together with flats, maybe even boxed. Then bolt these to some aluminium plates. If this gets done I will also make the swingarm tube slightly shorter so I can fasten some gauge plate or similar spacers to take up any slack in the swingarm lateral position (these can be ground to give the correct clearance).
 
Cheesy said:
I was/am very tempted to do something along these lines if my cradle is not straight enough. The plan was to fabricate a steel part that consisted of the ISO tune and the swingarm tube, held together with flats, maybe even boxed. Then bolt these to some aluminium plates. If this gets done I will also make the swingarm tube slightly shorter so I can fasten some gauge plate or similar spacers to take up any slack in the swingarm lateral position (these can be ground to give the correct clearance).
Click to expand...

If you are building your own cradle you may just want to make it all out of aluminum. I believe both hobot and ludwig have done this.
 
I also have and am currently making ones in aluminum. RGM also sells them, but pricy, 350 pounds sterling for the rear one.
 
I did the double nut conversion to a Mk2 850 and it works fine for general sports touring. It is essential to fit a new 0.005" O/S MK3 pin with the 2 flats to seat the bolts. Try to use as small amount of weld as practical to minimise heat distortion and then carefully ream the bush. For the original single top bolt I made up a hollow ferrule that now carries a tube with gear oil to lube the spindle.

As an alternative to making and welding in a stronger section spindle tube, has anyone considered fitting 1 or 2 bracing tubes above / below the spindle to resist deflection? Or, I seem to remember one of the racers had welded in a steel plate across the rear section and drilled it to reduce some weight.

Mick
 
rvich said:
However, after running all of this thru my meatgrinder of a brain, I keep asking myself if I shouldn't just buy some clamps from Windy and move on.

Russ
Click to expand...

Who is Windy and how do you buy these clamps from him? Thanks!

Thinking this might be a mod to tackle this winter. I've definately felt some whallow in the Commando on some of my favorite corners, thinking this mod could help with that.
 
I rebushed the swingarm and added the Heinz Kegler collars on the '73 Command 750. Handling vastly improved. Easy to do. Highly recommended.
Tim
 
kwoody51 said:
rvich said:
However, after running all of this thru my meatgrinder of a brain, I keep asking myself if I shouldn't just buy some clamps from Windy and move on.

Russ
Click to expand...

Who is Windy and how do you buy these clamps from him? Thanks!

Thinking this might be a mod to tackle this winter. I've definately felt some whallow in the Commando on some of my favorite corners, thinking this mod could help with that.
Click to expand...

If you have the bike on its center stand, grab the rear wheel and push it left and right. If you can see your drive chain going loose and then tighter, then there is slop in the swingarm. If the drive chain does not show movement then any slop is probably in the isolastics. However, it has been pointed out in the past that even a tight spindle will eventually get loose and the clamps will be preventative.

Russ
 
ML said:
As an alternative to making and welding in a stronger section spindle tube, has anyone considered fitting 1 or 2 bracing tubes above / below the spindle to resist deflection? Or, I seem to remember one of the racers had welded in a steel plate across the rear section and drilled it to reduce some weight.

Mick
Click to expand...
engine-plate-t5527.html

This is a great thread about cradles that includes a picture of Dave Winship's reenforced spindle. The whole story and pictures of Dave's bike are on the INOA site on Yahoo in the files section.
 
Indeed as all we got is our short time here, some of us want to spend as much of it in gleeful cycle fun as we can get away with and indeed an untamed Commando will do a limping short leg broken neck waddle right off the path just went its getting to be best fun there is. Actually if ya try to ride through that phase Cdo becomes a flopping fish right off the deck. I am besides myself to know what its like on one that just never can be made to get upset. It will make you crazy, beware!

Swing Arm Spindle modification questions (2012)
 
although not a modification , in the last few hours taken my swing arm and spindle out for a refurb, spot the initial problem???
Regards mike
Swing Arm Spindle modification questions (2012)
 
looks like it has had a BFH ( big f ing hammer ) used on it :twisted:

Brooking 850 said:
although not a modification , in the last few hours taken my swing arm and spindle out for a refurb, spot the initial problem???
Regards mike
Swing Arm Spindle modification questions (2012)
Click to expand...
 
Had to use a tap to catch in the end of the spindle as it was in the wrong way around, no thread to pick up on, filled with grease as well and dry unlubricated parts on the spindle.
Other wise all in good shape and swingarm is not twisted and sits 'true' on a level bench.
Regards Mike
 
bill said:
Ted

PM sent.
Click to expand...
I need a set of these clamps,Bill, Pm'd you :mrgreen:

Do they just put a big squeeze on the tube?
 

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