| Author | Message | ||
     Cowtown |
As I have posted before I bought a totaled 2007 XB12s for the insurance buy back from a friend that had 600 miles on it and I’m putting it’s engine, suspension, brakes and other wearing items on my 2004 XB12s. I pulled the engine and swingarm as a unit but I’m thinking about keeping my 2004 swingarm based solely on looks. My question is; is there an improvement that makes a 2007 swingarm better than a 2004 swingarm? Such as less unsprung weight, stiffness, ect. Thanks in advance. | ||
| Interex2050 |
If I recall correctly the new swingarm is indeed both lighter and stiffer... The old one is made by Brembo, while the new one is made by a company in Japan (or is it China?). | ||
| Schmitty |
The oil line placement and lengths are different, and the oil fill and dipstick are easier to get to. Schmitty | ||
| Ez_rider |
The older swingarms are much nicer looking, and have a more "finished" look to them. I was disappointed to find the sharp unfinished edges from the aluminum casting still on my '07 swingarm. The new supplier definitely is more of a mass production house and spends less time on each part. This is very evident from the looks of the part. Don't be misled - the swingarm may have been improved, but it was also cost-reduced, meaning they changed suppliers to save money - and it shows. My older '05 XB swingarm looked much nicer than my newer '07, IMO. | ||
| Speedy |
The new swingarm,the oiltank is place't diferent so the oil will get hotter | ||
| Spacecapsule1 |
anybody have pics of the differences in looks? I have an 08 and haven't seen the swingarm from an 04..... I would like to see the differences.... | ||
| Cowtown |
Here's a right side pic:  | ||
| Lonexb |
the older swing arm won't bolt up to the newer motor. iirc. brian | ||
| Puddlepirate |
Brian, why is that? Just curious. | ||
| Schmitty |
The new one will bolt up to the old motor, so I would imagine it would go the other way too. You will need new oil lines though. The locations and lengths are different between the two. | ||
| Mr2shim |
It'll bolt up just fine. The oil lines won't work though. The new swingarm happened in 06. The engine's didn't get a face lift until 08. Before that, they are the exact same. Aside from the EFI & cc difference. Personally, I like the newer swingarm design. (Message edited by mr2shim on September 02, 2008) | ||
| Dooley |
I agree with Mr2shim, the new swingarm looks better IMHO. The oil lines route 1/4 inch above the muffler in the old style swingarm, I would think that would cause hotter oil than the new style, I figure that was one of the reasons for the new swingarm switch. I'm putting an 06 XB12 motor in my 03 and decided to use the new style swingarm as well even though my old swingarm is polished. just gonna have to polish it as well..(The lower belt guard on the new arm looks tacky though, I like the old belt guard.)  | ||
| Spacecapsule1 |
Thanks for the pic.... I think the newer version looks better too. Why do so many think the new version is poor quality and cheap looking? | ||
| Lonexb |
when they came out with the xb12ss, i wanted to put the longer swing arm on my 0412R. don't remember why it wouldn't work. it was almost 3 years ago. i am most likely wrong. it happens.  brian | ||
| Cowtown |
Here's some comparison pics:     | ||
| Metalstorm |
I like the shape of my 05 (04, 03) swing arm much more over the 06+ but... It certainly wouldn't stop me from getting a nice new (not) shiny 09 if I had the means  Preferably a red XT. | ||
| Miko_k |
I was thinking about getting the 07 version, but look at the belt guard mounting holes- they would stick out like a sore thumb if I remove the guards, like I did with my 04 one. | ||
| Retrittion |
cut 'em off, then re-powdercoat or polish it if you care about the shiny bit left. Personally I like both but I like the newer one for my R -- it's sorta burlier to me, which fits with the front faring (to me). Wouldn't mind a longer swingarm on mine though -- can see why Lonexb was looking in that direction (we share a similar ascetic though, so no surprise there). | ||
| Petebueller |
You can fit the new swing arm to the old motor, but I wouldn't bother. The old Italian swing arm is I think is better looking that the newer (Taiwanese ?) one. Changing requires mucking around with oil lines, but I know a few who have done it. Belt changes with the new swing arm are easier. and the new belt guards give a bit more protection from stones. (Message edited by PeteBueller on September 06, 2008) |
