Home brewed extended swingarms for 200x. Any construction hints?

[Grizzlypeg]

I have a spare swingarm and was thinking of extending it 4" to go with my wider rear axle. How long should I order a new chain for plus 4" (just measure 8" of chain links ?), and are there any pitfalls or hint for construction techniques. I was thinking I'd sleeve the inside with square tubing, and plate the side of the tubes with flat bar. Is 4" a sensible length to get some noticeable increase in wheelbase?

[shortline10]

I have a spare swingarm and was thinking of extending it 4" to go with my wider rear axle. How long should I order a new chain for plus 4" (just measure 8" of chain links ?), and are there any pitfalls or hint for construction techniques. I was thinking I'd sleeve the inside with square tubing, and plate the side of the tubes with flat bar. Is 4" a sensible length to get some noticeable increase in wheelbase?

If your wanting to go duning with it a +4 is good but 2 inches is the normal extended length for all the aftermarket ones and is more than enough to keep the front end down IMO. This is what a +2 CT racing swinger looks like on my 200x .

[Dirtcrasher]

You've got the right idea on the chain, I'd make sure I had some adjustment before I decided on links needed. Some guys don't get the concept that when shortening or lengthening a chain that you lose 1 outer and 1 inner halflink.

And I BROKE a half link so I don't like them :lol: I wish I could find a TSUBAKI halflink and not a LOWE's halflink......

[Grizzlypeg]

Shortline, that is an awesome looking 200X.

What's the drawback to 4" of extra length? Does it make it noticeably less agile?

Edit: I'll add that I mostly ride trails, but have this compulsion to keep climbing steep sand hills. So far I've run out of traction before flipping it over, but I fear that happen. If I can for the price of a chain and brake line make this change, without losing out on trail ability, I'd like to try it.

[84honda200s]

i went +4 on mine and it does trails ok .. but dont expect it to make any real sharp turns too easy ..

[shortline10]

Shortline, that is an awesome looking 200X.

What's the drawback to 4" of extra length? Does it make it noticeably less agile?

Edit: I'll add that I mostly ride trails, but have this compulsion to keep climbing steep sand hills. So far I've run out of traction before flipping it over, but I fear that happen. If I can for the price of a chain and brake line make this change, without losing out on trail ability, I'd like to try it.


For trail riding and even climbing hills I think 2 inches is plenty . If you go any longer your gonna have turning issues and problems with your chain comming of .

[Grizzlypeg]

Chain coming off does not sound good.