Wiwider swinging arm for Norton slimline featherbed

laurentdom

laurentdom

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Nov 30, 2012
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Hi All,

Does anyone know where I can find a swinging arm able to accomodate wider then 10 cm rear tyres?

Many thanks!
 
With a featherbed, it is usually better to use the skinny tyres and size rims for which the frame was designed. Fat tyres won't do much for you if the frame geometry is not suitable. You'll probably find the handling heavy - not nimble and easy to ride.
 
I agree with Acotrel.
The skinnier tire gives better handling and definitely better feel. I had at one point wanted a wider rear, and found it to be heavy feeling. Switch back to the thinner tire as the frame was intended and the bike feels like it should.
I should note that I ran a 110/90 - 18 Avon Roadrider tire in a slimline featherbed with stock swingarm. Avon website specs that tire at 116 mm. It fit in the swingarm, but just barely. I'd never go back to anything like that. It doesn't look or feel right.
Just my 2 cents
 
Dresda...

Super cool, lightwieght, strong, wide, box section that adds ultimate 'period' style bling to a cafe racer!

They come ready stove enamaled cw with DRESDA stickers.

Whats not to like?!?!
 
I personally think a boxed swingarm looks very out of place on a Norton
 
wilkey113 said:
I personally think a boxed swingarm looks very out of place on a Norton
Click to expand...

Alloy does to my eyes too. But steel box section is a period mod. I'm not exactly sure, but I think Degens started doing them in '67.

I'm not trying to change your mind of course! Just pointing out that they are 'in place' for a cafe racer or racer.

Some ague they're lots stiffer. I'm not so sure they're any stiffer than a stock job, but they're wider, and a lot lighter.
 
I believe some swing arms have been made with oval tube - might look a bit more original ?
 
Most of the Manxes out on a track you see have the wider oval tube swingarm fitted.
Gives a better choice of tyre - and they don't seem to steer too bad....
 
I've used both the Dresda and Hemmings swingarms on my wideline featherbed successfully. I think you'll find that the limit on tire width is dictated by the chain run. Trying to move the chain over enough to clear anything larger than a 130 mm tire width ends with the chain wearing against the left side frame tubes. That's with a 520 chain. The problem is worse with a 530 chain. I ran the 130/65-18 Avon rears on my race bike with a 520 chain, and still had to trim the left side of the tire to avoid interference.

Ken
 
Rohan said:
Most of the Manxes out on a track you see have the wider oval tube swingarm fitted.
Gives a better choice of tyre - and they don't seem to steer too bad....
Click to expand...


Extra-skilled riders.
 
Hi laurent, Madass had made some few years ago ( oval tube) as usual with his job, it was a nice job, try to twist his arm......
 
The worst thing I ever did to my 500cc Triton was change from 19 inch wheels to 18 inch with fatter tyres. The bike became heavier to steer and it's natural tendency was then to run wide in corners. With that bike it didn't matter too much because it had a savage top end motor, and it was always safer to get it upright and pointed in the right direction before you gave it the berries. Regardless the bike became very tiring to ride in a long race with it's heavy handling. My Seeley 850 is totally different, the steering is super light and instantaneous. It naturally tightens it's line coming out of corners if you don't press it. I still use a skinny tyre on the front, however the rear one is WM4. It really suits me - you don't have to think too much when you are riding it.
 
Thanks to you all for your replies.

You convinced me not to move on with this idea. My main reason was not to use an extra-wide tyre, but to find one a bit wider to cope with the load and heat when riding with 2 passengers + luggages ...

Cheers,

L.
 
The Atlas slimline 750 came fitted with an 18 rear wheel as standard, along with longer rear shocks to compensate.
 
laurentdom said:
Thanks to you all for your replies.

You convinced me not to move on with this idea. My main reason was not to use an extra-wide tyre, but to find one a bit wider to cope with the load and heat when riding with 2 passengers + luggages ...

Cheers,

L.
Click to expand...

A higher speed rated tyre will stand more heat and load. For example V-rated in preference to S-rated.

Also don't under inflate the tyres. Use something like 30 lbs/sq" front, 32 rear.
 
Do you happen to know what shock length that was? I spoke to Dresda about using their swingarm with a slimline on 18 inch rear and they said 310mm instead of the usual 300mm. Just wondered what the stock length was on a 18 inch wheeled 750 Atlas. Also - would people go for an 18 or 19 inch front with this setup? Cheers
 
Slimlines (as far as I know) always ran 11.9" shocks. Dave could be compensating for the 18" rear wheel with his advice. It would be good advice.

19" front wheels are stock.
 
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