Topic: MotoGPWerks Alloy Swingarm Fitment

[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....

[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...

[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!

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

THERE IS A PLACE TO TRADE THEM IN!!  I've been in Panama for 10 days. I have a trade-in  AND there is not a nightly charge either  Younger. Appreciative (key word here!). Gorgeous.

What was the original subject? Wasn't puta.......

[Stev-o]

THERE IS A PLACE TO TRADE THEM IN!!  I've been in Panama for 10 days. I have a trade-in  AND there is not a nightly charge either  Younger. Appreciative (key word here!). Gorgeous.

Pics or she didn't happen, Jerry!

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

THERE IS A PLACE TO TRADE THEM IN!!  I've been in Panama for 10 days. I have a trade-in  AND there is not a nightly charge either  Younger. Appreciative (key word here!). Gorgeous.

Pics or she didn't happen, Jerry!

See if you can access my photobucket acct under my email address   . Panama 2015. Let me know what you think. 

[GV1390]

So I reached out (once again but via email this time) to Chris @ MotoGPWerks this morning with a poilte email requesting what can be done moving forward since I paid $285 to get his product to work. Chris replied with nothing but unprofessionalism as usual.

[GV1390]

Shall I post the email? He doesn't want to help offset the cost I had to pay to get the swingarm in safe and functioning order as suspected.

[FunJimmy]

Shall I post the email? He doesn't want to help offset the cost I had to pay to get the swingarm in safe and functioning order as suspected.

YES! He put in writing.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Surely you didn't first alter the product? Did you request a return or ask about keeping it if he would pay for modification prior to the mods?

[GV1390]

Shall I post the email? He doesn't want to help offset the cost I had to pay to get the swingarm in safe and functioning order as suspected.

Oh, I wasn't sure what you meant by "moving forward".

When you encountered the problem initially, did you contact him or propose to return the arm? Why did you elect to send it to Mark (certainly he is very capable, but no about to perform warranty work) and not back to MGP?

I called and spoke with Chris on the phone. He made it sound like I inconvenienced(as usual) him because of my concern. He stated he has test fitted it tons of times with no issues even though before I purchased it, I was told there were only a few ever made. Stated it should be used with your factory Honda collar, which mine did not fit. I'm sure he would've issued a refund right then and there but that doesn't change the fact that I the customer wanted a part that was sold as a replacement item. I also know (as per his previous comments how people who spend $50k a year there take priority over people like myself) that, the swingarm would've sat in the corner and waited until I called or emailed a bunch of times as usual. Even then, I am positive it would've just been swept under the carpet.

[GV1390]

Surely you didn't first alter the product? Did you request a return or ask about keeping it if he would pay for modification prior to the mods?

The product was NEVER altered before it was sent to HondaMan. I did not request a return or ask for him to pay anything. I wanted the product I paid for in hope it was bolt-in as advertised. I sent it to HondaMan as he virtually specializes in the factory swingarms so there is no excuse that I, the average consumer doesn't know what he is talking about.

I didn't ask Chris to cough up the $285 it cost me to get it in proper working order. I simply asked what could be done to make it right in hope he would respond respectfully, I thought wrong.

[GV1390]

My email to Chris @ MotoGPWerks this morning:

Good Morning Chris,
 
I purchased a swingarm from you back in August but ran into some issues. My motorcycle is a 1978 CB550K. Please note; I wasn not able to test fit this until last month as I was out of town for most of August. Please also keep in mind I purchased an exhaust from you as well and would like to keep future business active.
 
When attempting to test-fit it I noticed the pivot bolt that goes into the front portion of the swingarm into the frame was very loose inside the tunnel of the swingarm in between the bushings. I called you and you stated the collar had to be swapped over from my stock one and it had been test-fitted just fine. At that point I sent it to Mark "HondaMan" who has been specializing in this stuff for years as I did not feel comfortable messing with something so crucial with limited tools.
 
Upon his review he came back with the following:
 
"The ID of the swingarm bushing holes is smaller than Honda's design, so "OEM" bushings for the 750/500/550 would never fit right, in any case. They must be custom-made bushings. The ID of the swingarm is 1.0370" one side and 1.0374" the other (brake) side, where the Honda arms are more like 1.0440"-ish on all of the arms (give or take .0008" either way). So, I will make some to fit, and to use the Honda-style collar."
 
"The original bushings that came in it surely would never fit a Honda collar properly, much too loose. The struggle there is then: the holes in the swingarm for the bushings are much smaller than OEM size, so none of the Honda parts will fit, and probably none of the aftermarket one would, either. The holes were/are 1.0375" ID, where the swingarms are either 1.0440" or 1.0444", so bushings made for a press-fit will be 1.0444" to 1.0448" OD. This would leave the owner trying to press-fit a bronze bushing that is (1.0444"-1.0375")= 0.0069" (almost
seven thousandths!) bigger than the swingarm's holes. This will destroy the bushings. The ones that came in it when you sent it to me were almost .0030" larger than the biggest Honda collar, too. That's not good, as it will leave almost 0.250" (1/4") side-to-side play at the rear axle. That's dangerous!"
 
"Also noted on this particular arm: I had to make the sleeve-style bushings 1.5mm shorter than OEM length, in order to fit - the holes are not bored as deep as the OEM swingarms. This means that any of the langed or unflanged versions of bronze bushings out there will also be too long, so measure carefully before installing."
 
I hope you don't take this the wrong way as I just figured someone should make you aware of these fitment/safety issues to help prevent it in the future.
 
The bill for all of the above was $285, is there anything that can be done to make this right? I surely didn't expect to dish out half ofthe swingarm after purchase, I simply didn't know about these issues.
 
Hope all is well.


Two responses I received:

1) "Hi,
 what is going on ,
 
I just fitted this swingarm to a customer bike ,I have seen 15-20  others without any issues ,if your guy was that stupid to pull out the bushes then thats his issue .These bronze bushings are machined to fit this swingarm only I never said honda ones would fit as we make them from better material ... OEM honda bushings will not fit .
 
Then i fit the bushings i line bore it straight so its a perfect match.
 
All you had to do was to get a 75-77  sleeve and it would just go in fits perfect ...i just tested again this morning with one here.
 
Send the it back for a full refund  if your guy screwed it up then its on you and no refund  ...also i need his phone number so i can speak to him since he has no idea.
 
thanks chris"

2)"Hi,
 
As i said too you from the start all you had to do was to install a cb750 or a cb500-550 75-76 sleeve ... number 14  ...have a look at the photo i sent ...your honda expert should have known this as all honda cb750-550 from 1969 to 1977 have the same sleeve .
 
Tell your guy to call me and explain why he didnt tell you this ."

[70CB750]

I believe the guy that actually measured that particular swingarm, not the one stating "it should fit."