New Custom YFZ450 Linkage Swingarm Design

[Blaner]

So the new skiddy is going to look a little something like this. I havent quite got the bends in on the 3d model, but Since ive already sent it off the the laser cutters, I wasnt going to put in the hours to get it right just for you guys! you can see the finished product when it comes.

 

[Markblaster]

Nice.

Just 1 thing. Isn't this part going to act like a scoop and collect all types of things stones, mud, water. Or have you got plans to bend it up in there?

 

[Blaner]

well spotted. i have since adjusted the design to eliminate that dozer blade. Initially I had the main base plate and the base of the linkage cage at 114° and 120°. This resulted in the scoop. It turned out that way when I made the template as I was fiddling with the lines a bit. I had anothr look and found I can keep them both at 114° which should let the edge lie above the HDPE frame guard.

 

[Markblaster]

Nice. Was also thinking it would suck to get that catch on something and rip the skid plate off. cannot wait to see it done.

 

[Blaner]

True, however I have had a 3mm stainless steel guard on since we got the bike that only covers the brake disk and sprocket. It saws the tops off molehills like a champ. Its also hit some pretty resistant rocks and apart from bending and bucking has never torn off. Ive gone for 6mm aluminium on this one with lots of meat around the holes to help it hang in there. Also giving it 6 mounting holes, instead of the usual 4. I will drill and tap 2 into the swingarm itself. So it shouldnt go anywhere... (I Hope ---)

 

[Blaner]

Almost there. I have fitted the arm and fitted most of the other bits, I have also installed the axle, chain etc.









In the meantime, had a bit of African RnR this weekend







have gotten the skidplate back from laser cutters and have sent it off to get alu welded.

 

[Blaner]

Also gave the old Moto4 a go. Mmmm, some suspension upgrades needed....

 

[Blaner]

Got the skiddy back and it looks reasonably bullet proof! weighing in at 3.2kg, its not at all bad compared to my old 3mm stainless plate which only covered the sprocket and brake disc which weighed 2.5kg. It covers the linkage nicely and also fits well, just had to file the back mounting tabs a bit to avoid hitting the axle tensioner system.















All thats left to do is drill and tap the front mounting holes and cat the HDPE gaurd to accommodate the skid plate. Then its time to ride!

 

[Markblaster]

Any updates on this?

 

[Blaner]

Hey Mark yes, soon after the last post here, we headed out on our annual Wildcoast ride which saw the arm perform well! I actually had to stop, let down my front tyres and soften the front compression because I felt the front was holding my up - Which I never experienced before, so it definately works!!

As for the skidplate, well it took a bit of a knock and one or two dents, I hope its going to survive, but nevertheless, now that I have the template I can always make another out of stronger al when it fails.

During our overnight stop it rained like nothing else and that meant the rivers we normally cross were in complete torrents which we were unable to cross. So plan B, we had to ride back along the gravel roads. This sort of top end top gear top RPM riding is not the blasters favorite past time and ended up with a hole in the piston...with what looks to be a failed/leaked head gasket which caused lean running. I leak tested the motor before the ride and it was 100% so I guess its just one of those things that even a 330 main jet cant prevent

I ordered a new piston which I am due to collect this afternoon!!

 

[Markblaster]

Nice work. bummer about the piston.

 

[Markblaster]

Any updates?

 

[Blaner]

Hey guys, yes, new piston is installed and bike is running great, just busy adjusting the clutch now as it seemed to be binding, and need to retorque head bolts etc. gearing up for a nice ride in late April where the swingarm and skiddy will again take another punch. Hope all goes well

 

[Smitty jr]

Amazing work blaner good job man I got into auto cad a while back in school I wish I stuck with it to complete work like this! I give you lots of credit that came out awesome can’t wait to see any more fab work keep it up great job!!

 

[Markblaster]

Amazing work blaner good job man I got into auto cad a while back in school I wish I stuck with it to complete work like this! I give you lots of credit that came out awesome can’t wait to see any more fab work keep it up great job!!

Get yourself spaceclaim. I started using it and is easy to learn. It also has sheet metal opens in it so if you draw a part up you can click one button and it shows a unfolded version.

 

[Smitty jr]

Get yourself spaceclaim. I started using it and is easy to learn. It also has sheet metal opens in it so if you draw a part up you can click one button and it shows a unfolded version.

Awesome thanks man I really appreciate that I’m definitely going to be using that tonight I currently want to fabricate something and this is going to help big time lol I can’t wait to get it done and share what I come up with thanks for that motivation it really helped out!!

 

[dirtysquared]

I thought Blaner stopped by and was going to say hi.

 

[Markblaster]

I thought Blaner stopped by and was going to say hi.

I wish had also.

 

[Blaner]

I wish had also.

Hi! apologies chaps, swingarm still fine and the guard has held out. Missed you chaps, hope all is well

 

[Mexifreak 299]

wow u do some good fabbing with the yfz parts on the blaster