Hi folks,
As some of you may remember, I had a heck of a time getting the swingarm out of my bike. The pivot bolt was seized and I had to drill the head and shank off the bolt to remove the swingarm.
Once I had it all in pieces, I made a list of all the parts I'd need to get it back together. Finding used but good parts has proven fruitless. Some new parts are available and they will cost me about $200. That seems rather expensive, to me anyways. 
I stopped in to a motorcycle salvage shop today, and after some discussion was offered a frame and swingarm assembly from a 2006 Kawasaki with low mileage for $200 + taxes. The frame can't be used on a street bike as it has been branded a wreck. The swingarm appears to be roughly the right size to be compatible with the Maxim frame. I'd have to cut the shock mounts off the Kawi frame and weld them into my frame. I'd also have to weld a bracket onto the Kawi swingarm for the drum brake support brace, or fabricate some other way of locating the brace. And get a new chain and a chain guard. And whatever else crops up.
My initial thought is to keep looking for a less expensive solution. Either have bushings made for the stock swingarm, or find a less expensive replacement swingarm/monoshock. I'd be pleased if I could increase the suspension travel since I am working towards making this bike into an adventure touring rig in addition to it's commuting duties.
I welcome your thoughts and suggestions!
As some of you may remember, I had a heck of a time getting the swingarm out of my bike. The pivot bolt was seized and I had to drill the head and shank off the bolt to remove the swingarm.
Once I had it all in pieces, I made a list of all the parts I'd need to get it back together. Finding used but good parts has proven fruitless. Some new parts are available and they will cost me about $200. That seems rather expensive, to me anyways. I stopped in to a motorcycle salvage shop today, and after some discussion was offered a frame and swingarm assembly from a 2006 Kawasaki with low mileage for $200 + taxes. The frame can't be used on a street bike as it has been branded a wreck. The swingarm appears to be roughly the right size to be compatible with the Maxim frame. I'd have to cut the shock mounts off the Kawi frame and weld them into my frame. I'd also have to weld a bracket onto the Kawi swingarm for the drum brake support brace, or fabricate some other way of locating the brace. And get a new chain and a chain guard. And whatever else crops up.
My initial thought is to keep looking for a less expensive solution. Either have bushings made for the stock swingarm, or find a less expensive replacement swingarm/monoshock. I'd be pleased if I could increase the suspension travel since I am working towards making this bike into an adventure touring rig in addition to it's commuting duties.
I welcome your thoughts and suggestions!
