Flogging a dead horse? Never!
Seeing as I still need a classic bike to ride with my classic bike riding chums, and only somewhat satisfied by last years mods. I've decided to have another go at the RD. Which, most excitingly (and thanks to @Framemaker) involves a new engine, new front brakes and some other stuff, dependent on what I have the time / inclination for.
First off, the I reckon the swingarm on these things is altogether too short, heavy and noodly. I've been busy fashioning a lighter, stiffer, longer version out of the remnants pile of my local metal shop.
First, I made some inserts and caps for chain adjustment, then slotted and cut the spars, taking a fillet out to achieve the required bend.
Made up a jig, and more inserts to hold it all square. Note to self, any further jigs will be made out of remnant 6061 extrusions not bloody steel, which was a bear to square up on my little mill.
After that, I finish welded in the brace and did a very slight post weld, cold set so it all still sat nicely in the jig. A little trim and hammer time on the pivot end to radius it for clearance against the crankcase and then more welding. Again, a very minor cold set after. Just the shock mounts, torque arm boss and bearing carriers for the pivot end to finish up and it should be good! Overall, it's an inch and a half longer, substantially stiffer and 2+lbs lighter than the stock one. Keen to see how it copes with my plans for clutch shredding power.
