Author Topic: Using swing arm pivot bolt for mounting rearsets on '77 cb550k  (Read 2655 times)

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Offline so8857

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I've been looking at rearsets, and have seen several mounted using the swing arm pivot bolt, like this: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=27159.25 (have to scroll down a bit to find the image)

My question is: is everybody using a longer swing arm pivot bolt? Mine has less than 1/4" sticking out past the nut. It simply isn't long enough to use it to bolt two pieces of 1/2" (12 mm) for each footpeg. Even 3/8" is too big.

Where can I get a longer swing arm bolt (if that is necessary)? Or am I completely misunderstanding something?

Offline Killer Canary

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Re: Using swing arm pivot bolt for mounting rearsets on '77 cb550k
« Reply #1 on: June 05, 2017, 06:19:05 AM »
Weld an extension into the middle of the bolt.
If it's worth doing at all it's worth over-doing.
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Kawi GPz900, H1

Offline Killer Canary

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Re: Using swing arm pivot bolt for mounting rearsets on '77 cb550k
« Reply #2 on: June 05, 2017, 06:32:31 AM »
I welded an extension into the lower engine bolt on my 550 so that it would be long enough to accept a pair of quarter inch rearset brackets that I made. Chamfered all ends; welded clamped to a V block and turned smooth on a lathe.
I didn't want to mount to the pivot bolt either.
If it's worth doing at all it's worth over-doing.
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Offline so8857

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Re: Using swing arm pivot bolt for mounting rearsets on '77 cb550k
« Reply #3 on: June 05, 2017, 06:38:51 AM »
Why didn't you want to use the swing arm bolt?

Offline FunJimmy

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Re: Using swing arm pivot bolt for mounting rearsets on '77 cb550k
« Reply #4 on: June 05, 2017, 06:58:53 AM »
Why didn't you want to use the swing arm bolt?

The swing arm pivot bolt as a mount point isn't an issue.
I used 12mm steel rod and thread both ends.
Same for the lower engine mount bolt.
You never see a motorcycle parked outside of a psychiatrist's office!

CB550 Cafe Interceptor a Gentlemans Roadster
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=27159.0

Offline so8857

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Re: Using swing arm pivot bolt for mounting rearsets on '77 cb550k
« Reply #5 on: June 05, 2017, 07:39:13 AM »
Why didn't you want to use the swing arm bolt?

The swing arm pivot bolt as a mount point isn't an issue.
I used 12mm steel rod and thread both ends.
Same for the lower engine mount bolt.

It is your rear sets (from the Interceptor) that I link in the question. You do fantastic work. This answers my question perfectly. Thanks.

Offline so8857

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Re: Using swing arm pivot bolt for mounting rearsets on '77 cb550k
« Reply #6 on: June 05, 2017, 08:35:27 AM »
I used 12mm steel rod and thread both ends.
Odd, mine is 14mm...

Just measured mine. 13 on swing arm, 12 on the engine

Offline FunJimmy

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Re: Using swing arm pivot bolt for mounting rearsets on '77 cb550k
« Reply #7 on: June 05, 2017, 09:00:37 AM »
I used 12mm steel rod and thread both ends.
Odd, mine is 14mm...

Thanks for the correction, Cal.
Aging memory. I guess the engine bolt (also steel rod, threaded on both ends) is 12mm.
You never see a motorcycle parked outside of a psychiatrist's office!

CB550 Cafe Interceptor a Gentlemans Roadster
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=27159.0

Offline FunJimmy

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Re: Using swing arm pivot bolt for mounting rearsets on '77 cb550k
« Reply #8 on: June 05, 2017, 09:01:58 AM »
It is your rear sets (from the Interceptor) that I link in the question. You do fantastic work. This answers my question perfectly. Thanks.

I saw that. Thank you.
You never see a motorcycle parked outside of a psychiatrist's office!

CB550 Cafe Interceptor a Gentlemans Roadster
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=27159.0

Offline RAFster122s

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Re: Using swing arm pivot bolt for mounting rearsets on '77 cb550k
« Reply #9 on: June 05, 2017, 12:57:16 PM »
Since you are buying rod, the local home improvement store if they have 12mm rod might not be the best source...so, considering you are buying a steel rod you would want a higher carbon rod in what grade steel and what hardness?

Too hard it is going to dull your dies threading it or is going to be brittle and break easier.  Too soft has similar issues with deformation or stripping and not holding up...

Do you need just a general purpose and inexpensive steel or should you buy something based on the blend?

Thanks! David
David- back in the desert SW!

Offline Killer Canary

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Re: Using swing arm pivot bolt for mounting rearsets on '77 cb550k
« Reply #10 on: June 05, 2017, 04:40:00 PM »
My memory also stinks.
It was indeed the swingarm pivot bolt that I welded an extension into. :P

If it's worth doing at all it's worth over-doing.
Honda MT250, CB400F, CB450K, CB550, GL500, CBR929
Kawi GPz900, H1

Offline 754

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Re: Using swing arm pivot bolt for mounting rearsets on '77 cb550k
« Reply #11 on: June 05, 2017, 05:45:44 PM »
Does the F model have a longer pivot..like on the 77/78 750 ?
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