Topic: MotoGPWerks Alloy Swingarm Fitment

[Retro Rocket]

The pivot near the pedal touches the arm, and the rod connecting it to the drum passes right across the arm.  Either way you have the rear arm, up or down, it puts the arm directly in the middle of the connecting rods path.  I'll take a pic in a few, it's not pretty.

If this were a steel arm or the stock arm I would go the cable route, I just can't justify welding anything to this new arm...  Was it yours I saw on the forum?  It looked great.

No, not mine but it is a tidy fix...   For what its worth, I have 2 other alloy swingarms here, one from an 1100 GSXR and one from a GSX1100 Suzuki twin shock, I have had the GSXR one cut down and rewelded, it looks great, if you know someone who's good with a tig I wouldn't hesitate getting a tab welded on, just make sure everything is dummy fitted as a perfect fit first. I'm also having the GSX arm shortened at the pivot end, I can fit huge wheels with this arm if I want but a 4.5x18  inch rim with a 160 continental  is what will eventually live there, both these are going to be disc brake rear ends, lots of fiddly mods to make it all work....

[754]

From RR,s quote.....
Here are the new CB550K (drum brake )....Cal Fab Range.......
 
 And it clearly does not fit...

[Retro Rocket]

From RR,s quote.....
Here are the new CB550K (drum brake )....Cal Fab Range.......
 
 And it clearly does not fit...

It fits Frank, I think our definitions are a little different mate, its the brake linkage on the frame thats touching, the swingarm is wider and higher side on, than a stock arm, and allows for wider tires, no one raced these old girls with stock foot pegs,   you know yourself that race parts take some fettling so I'll continue this avenue of debate no more.... Its like sidewinder pipes, a race part thats become popular on the street, they won't go round right hand corners without hitting the road rather early {dangerous} , They were designed as a race part, people still make them work, end of story...

[Retro Rocket]

Stilltime, I've just looked at a pile of 500/550 shots and i can see now what you are talking about, it would annoy me if i wanted to retain the stock footpeg position, but i'm sure you'll work something out. I hate the stock peg position on the 750's and am modifying almost all of that section on all my bikes, so I wn't have these problems, you should see how wide the side of the GSXR1100 arm is, close to 3 inches....

[GV1390]

Retro,

There is clearly no point in any of us customers to try pleading our cases as you have an answer for all, Chris, is that you?

When I inquired to Chris about my issues via phone (after many phone calls he finally answered) he immediately sounded disgruntled and annoyed, making me feel like an idiot that I didn't know what I was talking about. Stated that these have been test fitted various times with no issues, quickly got me off the phone as usual. When I messaged him in regards to other products he stated that, he has customers that spend $50k a year there, they come first in his prioritizing. Is that what you tell a customer when you're in the pocket? If you can't handle the work-load then hire reputable employees to keep the service flowing. Via phone he promised me CR26's at $580 since I bought not only an exhaust from him but also a swingarm that didn't work! He said wait til the end of the month when he orders some and he will order my set. Almost 3-months later still no communication so I said screw it and went elsewhere.

Now you can defend him all you want but please note I will never do business with him again nor have any person I know ever go to him either, some I don't even have to say anything as they already have a bad taste in their mouth from his previous years of shenanigans.

I paid for a bolt-on item to save time, money and a hassle to be honest and that is NOT what I received.

[Retro Rocket]

Retro,

There is clearly no point in any of us customers to try pleading our cases as you have an answer for all, Chris, is that you?

When I inquired to Chris about my issues via phone (after many phone calls he finally answered) he immediately sounded disgruntled and annoyed, making me feel like an idiot that I didn't know what I was talking about. Stated that these have been test fitted various times with no issues, quickly got me off the phone as usual. When I messaged him in regards to other products he stated that, he has customers that spend $50k a year there, they come first in his prioritizing. Is that what you tell a customer when you're in the pocket? If you can't handle the work-load then hire reputable employees to keep the service flowing. Via phone he promised me CR26's at $580 since I bought not only an exhaust from him but also a swingarm that didn't work! He said wait til the end of the month when he orders some and he will order my set. Almost 3-months later still no communication so I said screw it and went elsewhere.

Now you can defend him all you want but please note I will never do business with him again nor have any person I know ever go to him either, some I don't even have to say anything as they already have a bad taste in their mouth from his previous years of shenanigans.

I paid for a bolt-on item to save time, money and a hassle to be honest and that is NOT what I received.

I don't get the attitude mate, Chris made the pipes after being asked too, he isn't a pipe manufacturer and his next batch will probably be his last, thats what he told me 2 days ago, he has customers that spend way more than 50 grand now and they are his primary business, why can't you people understand that that..?. I don't care who you do business with, Chris has sold over 1000 items through ebay with not one bad feedback, so you do what you want, I don't care, you had a bad experience, I have been treated well, given great discounts and have bought parts and will continue to do so, so have plenty of others, I get  your point. I asked you the type of questions the way I would have handled it..? What is it that you don't like about what I said to you...?  I'm over you people , I've had great service, like hundreds of others...FFS, read my comments again mate, I'm telling you sh1t you clearly didn't know...!!  Maybe you should have sent that arm back, thats what I would have done, along with the measurements Mark gave you, he did do the measuring I gather...?  This isn't your thread, I was just interested in your dilemma as you popped in and commented, I wouldn't have been happy either... I've seen these arms fitted to Kawasaki's Triumphs, Honda's and Suzuki's, you are the first one I have heard of that was poorly made, I'll stand by my comments that these are a race part because I was around in the late 70's early 80's doing up 750 Honda's when these were the parts to have.... No need to be a smart ass...!!

[70CB750]

Sometimes it is easier to admit that there was a screw up in production.  It happens and it will always happen.

Decent company owns bad pieces too, simple as that.

[Retro Rocket]

Sometimes it is easier to admit that there was a screw up in production.  It happens and it will always happen.

Decent company owns bad pieces too, simple as that.

I agree, thats why I would have sent it back, even if it was just to get my money back....

[calj737]

I bought a custom swing arm from a different source (before MGP made theirs). Aside from delivery issues, when it arrived it didn't fit either, and shipped without an axle. Got it resolved with some polite, patient, understanding about QC issues when dealing with small shops.

As for MGP, I've bought 6 systems from him. I don't know why, butt each and every time it went flawlessly. Every time he sent my stuff, I sent him and email and commented on it. He responded promptly. First time I bought from him, when my system arrived I called him.

"Hey, its Chris"
"I just got my system, seems to be an issue"
"Yeah, whats that?"
"Its too dang pretty to have only cost $500, wheres the invoice for the balance?"
"Ah, thanks, thats nice of you to say."
"Cant believe they're so cheap and so well made"
"Delighted you like them"
"By the way, theres a set of 105 jets in the box, what do I owe you?"
"Not a thing, thought you'd need them to tune for the system. Just tried to help you out ahead of time"
"Dang, really appreciate that, sure I can't pay you?"
"Wouldn't have it, you enjoy them, and thanks for the call, appreciate it."


Now, I know Chris can run hot/cold as we all do when pressured and stressed, but I have yet to find any small shop that can always be perfect and perfectly well-behaved. Especially when its about a "part" versus a "project" purchase. I get everyones perspective about response time and customer attitude, but that does work in both directions. Call in a tiff, you might get miffed back. Call, be patient, be polite, be accommodating, and you can probably avoid anyone's ego.

Theres no doubt GV's arm had issues. Me, I'd have returned it to Chris and requested it be fixed or refunded. Simple as that. Or, dealt with it myself and been done with it. But I can't expect anyone to make anything for a 40 year old bike frame and achieve "bolt-on" accuracy when the frame is not in front of them. There is another possibility too, GV's frame had been tweaked or modified that altered fitment from original dimensions. Or the arm was simply made poorly. Either way, there's little doubt that its custom stuff and requires solutions in the field. If you aren't up for that, buy a new bike.

Stilltime - sorry for the hijack, buddy. I'd TIG weld a new brake rod tie down to the arm and stick with your drum if you can't find a disc hub.

[GV1390]

I want to note, each and every single time I contacted Chris I was nothing but polite and patient. Patience for the carbs was over 3-months, just saying.

As I stated, the exhaust "system" went smooth, the rest did not. Almost every time seemed as if it were an inconvenience, that itself doesn't make a customer feel comfortable especially when spending a couple thousand bucks total. The frame has nothing to do with the wrong bushings or holes drilled into the swing-arm. The factory bolt was not altered what's so ever, there is no excuse for that honestly.

As I said before, this wasn't intended to bash anyone, this was for potential buyers to be aware. Your average person who "wrenches" on motorcycles would've slapped this thing together not realizing the potential danger that could've cost a life.

[Retro Rocket]

I think half the problem is that he has to deal with the "fad" crew, people that like shiny things and have no idea what so ever about customizing a motorcycle, But they have seen it in a magazine or on TV and "want it now". I've been doing this sh1t, like a lot of others here for well over 30 years and I'm still learning, I've worked in a reputable bike shop and been around awesome motorcycles for a very long time, I'm still learning but I know exactly what I want when I'm buying, and thats what I get. I've had quite a few custom parts built to my specs and designs {i'd make them myself if I had the equipment, someone donate a 5 axis cnc please   } and are having plenty more made, I know the processes well, you aren't buying 2 cent lollies from the corner store, have some respect for people that have way more knowledge and experience than you and not only will the processes be easier, you'll be a lot happier as well....

I want to note, each and every single time I contacted Chris I was nothing but polite and patient. Patience for the carbs was over 3-months, just saying.

As I stated, the exhaust "system" went smooth, the rest did not. Almost every time seemed as if it were an inconvenience, that itself doesn't make a customer feel comfortable especially when spending a couple thousand bucks total. The frame has nothing to do with the wrong bushings or holes drilled into the swing-arm. The factory bolt was not altered what's so ever, there is no excuse for that honestly.

As I said before, this wasn't intended to bash anyone, this was for potential buyers to be aware. Your average person who "wrenches" on motorcycles would've slapped this thing together not realizing the potential danger that could've cost a life.

Buyer beware...!!!, I say beware of customers too, its a 2 way street,  all businesses both good and bad have  screw ups , especially when making batches of stock, no one is perfect, buyers should also be aware of what they are buying. Also  if you aren't capable of doing it yourself, or know what you are buying, get someone who knows what they are doing, if you'd fitted that arm without knowing it was faulty it would have been partly your fault as well....Apparently you knew something was wrong but it took Mark Paris to tell you exactly. ?  I have bought sub standard car parts and motorcycle parts before, they went straight back, for instance, I bought a set of carrillo rods from a guy here on the forum, as soon as I saw them I knew there were problems, they weren't a set, one had different rod bolts and one had experienced extreme heat, I know this because I know what I'm doing, most people would have used them as the differences weren't obvious to an untrained eye, I promptly sent them back, it cost me some money but thats business... Its real easy to walk into a shop and buy a part, its a hell of a lot harder to run a successful business and try and please everybody all of the time...

[calj737]

I want to note, each and every single time I contacted Chris I was nothing but polite and patient. Patience for the carbs was over 3-months, just saying.

I do not doubt that for a minute. As for the carbs, well, I waited 4 months for my set from a member, and 6 months for my first swing arm from a member. Time for shipping is the bane of building custom bikes  I hate to wait for parts to arrive especially after I've waited so long to gather the money, decide on what I'm buying, then when I do pull the trigger, I want it now too! But thats the nature of the beast as everyone has experienced.

Its great that you got the arm, and got it sorted. I hope your carbs work out without a hitch (but be prepared for some fiddling there too).

[GV1390]

I want to note, each and every single time I contacted Chris I was nothing but polite and patient. Patience for the carbs was over 3-months, just saying.

especially after I've waited so long to gather the money, decide on what I'm buying, then when I do pull the trigger, I want it now too! But that's the nature of the beast as everyone has experienced.

Its great that you got the arm, and got it sorted. I hope your carbs work out without a hitch (but be prepared for some fiddling there too).

Oh come on Cal, stop teasing us! We know you have DEEP pockets. Looking to adopt a kid? I'm low maintenance!

[calj737]

I'm low maintenance!

Now who's fibbing? You're as bad as ex-wife 

[Retro Rocket]

I was half way through editing a post when a bloody possum decided to play with the transformer at the end of the street, the power just came back on, bet he got a good suntan....

[FunJimmy]

I do not doubt that for a minute. As for the carbs, well, I waited 4 months for my set from a member, and 6 months for my first swing arm from a member. Time for shipping is the bane of building custom bikes  I hate to wait for parts to arrive especially after I've waited so long to gather the money, decide on what I'm buying, then when I do pull the trigger, I want it now too! But thats the nature of the beast as everyone has experienced.

Its great that you got the arm, and got it sorted. I hope your carbs work out without a hitch (but be prepared for some fiddling there too).

Service is really the only thing that separates successful companies from the rest. I ordered a Hindle exhaust and a billet frame brace from Ripple Rock Racers yestday morning. By end of day Kemp had emailed me a picture of the CB750 DOHC exhaust they are designing as well as a picture of my exhaust. Said it would ship tomorrow. He had no obligation to do that but I appreciate the personal touch. Chris seems to have touched RR too I guess.

If anyone is looking for CR carbs, give Powerbarn a call. Mike came recommended by Godfrey (member) and my carbs arrived in record time. Prices where outstanding too.

[calj737]

I was half way through editing a post when a bloody possum decided to play with the transformer at the end of the street, the power just came back on, bet he got a good suntan....

That is called "Divine Intervention". Prayed for by members here, Retro 

[Retro Rocket]

I was half way through editing a post when a bloody possum decided to play with the transformer at the end of the street, the power just came back on, bet he got a good suntan....

That is called "Divine Intervention". Prayed for by members here, Retro 

Keep praying mate....   {for the possum}   

[GV1390]

I do not doubt that for a minute. As for the cabs, well, I waited 4 months for my set from a member, and 6 months for my first swing arm from a member. Time for shipping is the bane of building custom bikes  I hate to wait for parts to arrive especially after I've waited so long to gather the money, decide on what I'm buying, then when I do pull the trigger, I want it now too! But thats the nature of the beast as everyone has experienced.

Its great that you got the arm, and got it sorted. I hope your carbs work out without a hitch (but be prepared for some fiddling there too).

Service is really the only thing that separates successful companies from the rest. I ordered a Hindle exhaust and a billet frame brace from Ripple Rock Racers yestday morning. By end of day Kemp had emailed me a picture of the CB750 DOHC exhaust they are designing as well as a picture of my exhaust. Said it would ship tomorrow. He had no obligation to do that but I appreciate the personal touch. Chris seems to have touched RR too I guess.

If anyone is looking for CR carbs, give Powerbarn a call. Mike came recommended by Godfrey (member) and my carbs arrived in record time. Prices where outstanding too.

I agree, service is what keeps business coming in and out the door with not only standing customers but also new customers.

I also agree with Mike @ Power-Barn, I said the same thing in my build thread. He's not only was quick with emails but also phone calls. He said he would call me the following day and he sure did even after hours to tell me exactly what I needed to know. He answered any technical questions without a hesitation, calm, collected and professional. I woulnd't think twice before doing business with Mike again or to send any future customer.

A+

[GV1390]

I'm low maintenance!

Now who's fibbing? You're as bad as ex-wife 

I'm still looking for my future ex-wife, I heard they are the most fun!

[Retro Rocket]

I'm low maintenance!

Now who's fibbing? You're as bad as ex-wife 

I'm still looking for my future ex-wife, I heard they are the most fun!

Unfortunately, there's no where to trade them in......

[FunJimmy]

I'm low maintenance!

Now who's fibbing? You're as bad as ex-wife 

I'm still looking for my future ex-wife, I heard they are the most fun!

Unfortunately, there's no where to trade them in......

That sounds like a great business opertunity RR.
Maybe an iPhone/android app called Ex-swap.
I have one I'd consider trading.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I'm low maintenance!

Now who's fibbing? You're as bad as ex-wife 

I'm still looking for my future ex-wife, I heard they are the most fun!

Unfortunately, there's no where to trade them in......

That sounds like a great business opertunity RR.
Maybe an iPhone/android app called Ex-swap.
I have one I'd consider trading.

The app will need to disclose hot and crazy values.

[calj737]

The app will need to disclose hot and crazy values.

How on earth would you gather those? Comments from ex-husbands? They can't be trusted  Self-disclosure from the woman? Ha! That will be the day...

Maybe just a separate forum where instead of Angie's List type of referrals for service people, a "Don't even think about it" for profiling women. Men can subscribe, get the low down before they go down (the rat hole with the woman, clean it up boys!) and generally trade experiences. Banner could be Glenn Close headshot with a bunny and a stew pot. Just spitballing-

Sorry, Still, we have taken over your thread.

[GV1390]

Never marry/date a hot female unless she has tons of money and even then, I would just stay for the lay and dinner (never stay long enough for breakfast) and get out. Hot chicks are fun to hump but that's about it. They require far too much attention.....attention that could be put towards something useful; motorcycles.