Don't be afraid of the USD swap, I went from the opposite side first, the brace swap is coming soon. I have to say the front end swap was the most noticeable change on the track of any of the mods I've done, not to mention the dramatic improvement in the front brakes that comes with it.

 

Oh and an aftermarket shock didn't hurt either. ;-)

 

James, I have to apologize. After revisiting this thread I realize I dropped the ball on the remote reservoir/fork pics. Sorry bout that.

Not only have you inspired kenmoore:


I just picked up a used 900RR swinger for $32.13 shipped to my door! I think the recycler will give me more than that for the leftover scrap when I'm done!! Looks like a braced arm is in my future too. Thanks again for posting.

 

Awesome! I got a deal on mine too... I think my local recycler quoted me $10 if it was bare aluminum, no steel involved.

Enjoy the cutting and grinding!

This is probably the most difficult mod for this bike considering the cutting, alignment, amd welding involved... Makes a front end swap easy in comparison!

James

 

Is it as simple as swapping the bracket?

 

First install the brace and remove the original superhawk caliper bracket guide.

Then you have to grind off the caliper bracket guide from the 900rr swingarm, and weld it onto the superhawk swingarm.

During this step i used the rear axle and axle blocks to help align the caliper bracket guide. Spot weld it in place first, then slide the axle back and forth to make sure it all functions as it should, staying in alignment the entire time.

James

 

James;
Did you install a hugger? If so which one? How did it fit? would you do it again or try a different brand, modley, style.

Thanks

 

love the post. great work thus far. and +1 on the USD swap. now my current venture is the 900rr brace to compliment the great front end. i went with an RC51 SP1 front end because i found the complete front end for sale. much better braking as well.

i agree that this makes the front end swap seem easy. mostly because i dont have the knowledge, tools, ability... to do the welding myself. My trouble is finding someone to do it that wont be careless about it. id really love a motorcycle enthusiast to do it as they might have a little more interest and care more about the outcome rather than just making money. and likely since they wont let me stand over their shoulder while they do it, ive got to explain it really well so i dont have to have it done twice. the brace is one thing but the caliper brackets are what concerns me in terms of having someone else do it. that will be where good explanations come into play. i love what you said about sliding the axle carrier back and forth to make sure things stay aligned. Keep up the great work. really good looking hawk!

 

I took my parts to a mate who is an alloy boat builder.

Like James I aligned the bracket for the caliper and marked it out exactly where it was to go.


My thoughts were that these guys weld alloy all the time so they should know what they are doing.


If you don't have boat builders find someone who welds alloy all the time.


Mine turned out O.K, and I was really happy.


Try and line everything up before you give it to them and explain that you want to keep the taper at the back of the arm where the brace sits.


That way it looks much better than a squared off look where the brace joins the swingarm at the back.


Good luck.

 

Thanks for the compliments! I need to update this thread, i've done so many little details that are not listed!

Maybe next year i'll work on the front end. This year i'm focusing on the few final touches on the rear end, amd some little things like a coolant bottle fix. I'll post more pics soon.

James