Topic: CB450 Swingarm

[jnel500]

Does anyone know of a longer swingarm that would fit the later model 450's with little to no modifications? Thanks

Joe

[lordmoonpie]

You can go for several aftermarket options including Drixton and TAB and possibly the Hansen swingarm will fit. They aren't necessarily much longer but are massively stiffer. Do you need contact details? Hansen is obviously in the US via www.teamhansenhonda.com but the others are UK based suppliers...

[Tim.]

Something is stuck in my head that tells me a CB750 swingarm will bolt in, but I don't know why I think that.

[jnel500]

Thanks for the replies.

From the 450 discussion group they have said the 500T, the 360 (direct bolt-on but "flexy") and a Kawi 750 with slight mods to the width and new bushings will work. I don't know if this will help anyone out ever.

[tbpmusic]

The 360 swingarm is indeed a bolt-up on a 450. I cannot confirm the "flexy" comment - though, given the weight and robust construction of these swingarms, flex is kind of hard to imagine. Personally I think it's more likely that the flex observation may be more related to marginal swingarm bushings.
At any rate, some finaglin' with the chain guard would be required, and the axle "holes" would have to be enlarged to fit the larger 450 rear axle (17mm/20mm). With the added length, the rear end will ride a bit lower, unless you change shocks. Increased wheelbase would make for more high-speed stability, at the expense of steering "quickness". That could be adjusted for a bit by moving the fork tubes up a bit, which would change the trail and effective rake.

The 750 is not a bolt-up, not even close (though they do use the same bushings). It's wider than the 450, won't fit in the space alloted, and would splay your shocks out of vertical (as seen from behind).

bill lane

[Tim.]

Man, my mind is playing tricks on me in my old age 

[jnel500]

Bill,
Great information. I was also kind of wondering about the flex that was mentioned. I would not have figured it to be too much of an issue on a similar sized bike with suspension. Thanks

Joe

[lordmoonpie]

Push the CB450 hard and there's LOTS of flex in the swingarm. You can largely cure it with bronze bush modifications to the existing swinger but best permanent fix is a stiffer aftermarket swingarm....

[tbpmusic]

Push the CB450 hard and there's LOTS of flex in the swingarm. You can largely cure it with bronze bush modifications to the existing swinger but best permanent fix is a stiffer aftermarket swingarm....

Right on all counts - the bushing arrangement is BS on the 450.
Not to mention that replacing them is THE worst job there is on a Honda.

bill

[bill440cars]

        Even IF the 750 swing arm would work, would it be longer? I know you can put a 750 swing arm in a 500/550, but it is actually shorter and would thereby shorten your wheelbase.  At any rate, he's wanting a longer swingarm for his 450. Am I wrong, I thought I had read (in a post somewhere) that the 360 swingarm was shorter than the 450. Somebody here, was offering lengthened swingarms, was it "The Great Lumbee"? I'm thinking it was, but with "Senior Moments" popping in and out I can't be sure. Just a thought.

                                    Take care, Bill

[tbpmusic]

Bill -

Someone who knows (Steve, 66Sprint) told me it was about 1 3/4 - 3" longer.

But again, the axle is a different diameter on the two bikes.

bill lane

[bill440cars]

Bill -

Someone who knows (Steve, 66Sprint) told me it was about 1 3/4 - 3" longer.

But again, the axle is a different diameter on the two bikes.

bill lane

           Hey, if Steve said it, then it's so!   (we're talking the 360 vs the 450 swingarm, right?)

[tbpmusic]

         (we're talking the 360 vs the 450 swingarm, right?)

That's correct  - the 360 swing is longer.

bill2

[jnel500]

Since I remember both Bills being frequenters of the 450dohc site, do you guys know what ever happened to it or if the information on it would be salvageable? That site was great for the 450s and much easier to navigate than the discussion group.

I guess I have never noticed the flex in the swingarm because I drive like a Sunday Church Lady

Thanks again

Joe

[tbpmusic]

This bill has no idea what happened to the old 450 site - we'll miss it terrifically, as well as all the invaluable info that's been lost.
the other bill may know more.

And I'm too old to push a 450 that hard anymore. But in my younger days I could assess the condition of the swingarm bushings real quick with some extreme riding. Any wear at all, that 450 acted like it had a hinge in the middle of the frame, and would buck like a horse.
That's scary stuff at speed.

bill2