97 Evo RK Swingarm Upgrade
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 3,872
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From: Arizona
97 Evo RK Swingarm Upgrade
From what I understand there are 3 axle sizes: 3/4" what I have now, 25mm on 2008 and newer models, and 1" on 2002 - 2007 models.
- I'll start out with the 2007 year swingarm 47549-02 with corresponding 1" axle. Will this swingarm have enough adjustment for a chain?
- I will need to keep my 5/8" pivot swingarm shaft due to the transmission. Is it better to keep this size or pull the tranny out and bore the hole for the 3/4" shaft? If I keep the 5/8" pivot swingarm shaft I will need adapter bushings for the swingarm. This is the route I would probably go since I don't want to pull the tranny at this time. Who makes the best bushing kit?
- I will need the brake caliper 44080-02 from the 2002 - 2007 models with the 1" axle. That older 1 piece caliper mount looks like a pain in the ***. Can I upgrade this to the newer 44080-08 mount and separate caliper by just boring out the 25mm mount to accept the 1" shaft.
- Will a Softail Fat Boy solid disc wheel drop right in? What spacers do I need for all this? From what I've read a 150 rear is the widest dictated by the belt. What is the widest limited by the fender with chain? Not interested in chasing a fat tire rear, just wanting to know the limitations.
- Recommended shocks for a 240lb ape with 50lbs of gear in the bags on a mildly aggressive ridden stock height minimalist lightweight bike with Avon tires.
This is the best I can gather from reading the forum and websites. I know I can count on you guys in helping me spend money.
- I'll start out with the 2007 year swingarm 47549-02 with corresponding 1" axle. Will this swingarm have enough adjustment for a chain?
- I will need to keep my 5/8" pivot swingarm shaft due to the transmission. Is it better to keep this size or pull the tranny out and bore the hole for the 3/4" shaft? If I keep the 5/8" pivot swingarm shaft I will need adapter bushings for the swingarm. This is the route I would probably go since I don't want to pull the tranny at this time. Who makes the best bushing kit?
- I will need the brake caliper 44080-02 from the 2002 - 2007 models with the 1" axle. That older 1 piece caliper mount looks like a pain in the ***. Can I upgrade this to the newer 44080-08 mount and separate caliper by just boring out the 25mm mount to accept the 1" shaft.
- Will a Softail Fat Boy solid disc wheel drop right in? What spacers do I need for all this? From what I've read a 150 rear is the widest dictated by the belt. What is the widest limited by the fender with chain? Not interested in chasing a fat tire rear, just wanting to know the limitations.
- Recommended shocks for a 240lb ape with 50lbs of gear in the bags on a mildly aggressive ridden stock height minimalist lightweight bike with Avon tires.
This is the best I can gather from reading the forum and websites. I know I can count on you guys in helping me spend money.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,116
Likes: 7,638
From: Poolville
I do know that the fender will only allow the 150 tire. A 160 will rub when cornering. To do the 150 tire you will need a 1 1/8" belt which means you will need a new pulley as well.. I do believe the 2000-2006 Fatboy solid rim will slip right in and is a 3/4” axle rim and the real nice thing is the same year pulleys are 1 1/8". You can find them on eBay for around $80. Get a 70 tooth pulled it'll make a nice difference for that heavier Road King.. keep in mind that the Evo year rim have a 2.0" mount for the pulley and brake rotor and the 2000 up have a 2.2"mount...
As for the shocks I still use OEM. My wife and I combined are 300 lb and we have no issues. Just so you know, Burley and Progressive are same company...
As for the shocks I still use OEM. My wife and I combined are 300 lb and we have no issues. Just so you know, Burley and Progressive are same company...
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
Likes: 4,561
From: Haslet Texas
Why on earth would he want to use a 5/8" axle????????????
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,081
Likes: 2,159
From: Ohio
[QUOTE]
A 150 will fit with the 1" belt but you gotta center the tire by removing some material off the brake caliper mounting bracket moving the tire right, add a washer for a spacer on the left side and move the rear pulley back to it's original spot. Without the tire being centered it will never fit in the fender, I actually took some material off the fender supports pulling the fender apart a little further. The MU85 or 140 is a higher load rated tire and is a bolt on unless someone tells you it can't be done and being stubborn takes over.
Been some threads on here about installing a 2005 swing arm on the 97-98 with bearing swaps and brakes, can't remember what they did, see what I can find.
Been some threads on here about installing a 2005 swing arm on the 97-98 with bearing swaps and brakes, can't remember what they did, see what I can find.
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Yeah, pivot shaft. That's what I should have said. CCE makes the bearings so you can use the earlier size trans case without having to bore it out and still use the new type swingarm.
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Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Ohio
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 675
Likes: 32
From: Massachusetts
did this on my 98 RK (albeit because i broke the stocker with an S&S 124)
a chain WILL work (and have enough adjustment), but may require some careful sprocket selection (i run a 25T 1/2" offset front sprocket from Baker...rear is 50T steel from SprocketSpecialties)
a 150mm Avon will fit under the rear fender, but JUST barely. I didnt have to trim the caliper mount at all, but I did have custom spacers machined down (helps having friends with tool&die shops)
Howard @ MotorcycleMetal for the pivot shaft bushings for sure
a chain WILL work (and have enough adjustment), but may require some careful sprocket selection (i run a 25T 1/2" offset front sprocket from Baker...rear is 50T steel from SprocketSpecialties)
a 150mm Avon will fit under the rear fender, but JUST barely. I didnt have to trim the caliper mount at all, but I did have custom spacers machined down (helps having friends with tool&die shops)
Howard @ MotorcycleMetal for the pivot shaft bushings for sure