Flipping swingarm on 90 FLHTC
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Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Ohio
Flipping swingarm on 90 FLHTC
Was wondering how hard is it to flip the swingarm on it, and what parts would or should be replaced. It had been flipped prior to me owning it to make it lower. It's not working for me being that low. I'm loosing ground clearance and handling. In left hand turns I'm dragging the kickstand. Riding 2 up on it just plain sucks. Any tips tricks or mods would be greatly appreciated.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Grew up in Texas, moved to AZ
Wow, that's an interesting way to lower the rear end. It would be easy enough to flip around. You may not have to replace anything. I would look at the rubber mounts, and see if the current shocks will still work. Can you post a pic of current set up? Thanks.
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From: Long Island, New York
The purpose of that mod was to lower the bike on the cheap, so chances are nothing else was changed. Bike on lift, remove rear tire and brake, remove nut holding swing arm to bike and slide out the pivot/axle. Flip the swing arm over and reinstall.
Due to being up side down, you may want to check out the bearings and races for signs of wear and abuse. Otherwise reinstall per the manual.
Due to being up side down, you may want to check out the bearings and races for signs of wear and abuse. Otherwise reinstall per the manual.
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Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Black Hills
For the effort to remove the swingarm, I'd replace the cleve block bushings (unless they have been replaced) and also put some anti-seize on the shaft where it passed through the trans. Same shocks will work just fine. You may need to adjust the saddlebag position because the shock angle will be a little different and may not sit in the recess without rubbing the fiberglass.
Last edited by rizzo; Jul 1, 2016 at 09:57 PM.
Ultimate HDF Member
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From: Ohio
He is returning to the original configuration so the bags should be a non issue.
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From: Black Hills
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Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Ohio
Thanks everyone for the advice. I have been looking at an update kit for it when I flip it back. The upgrade seems to make bikes handle much better than the stock oem parts that is supposed to go in it.
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From: Bedford UK
As well as supporting the bike upright, you will need to support the trans, as the engine/trans unit is supported in the frame by the swingarm axle. I have an auto scissor jack I use for that sort of task. By all means replace the cleve blocks, there are several brands of replacements available. If you want to improve handling as well I can recommend the True-Track kit.
