Bobbin installation

[cbfb]

Bought some 8mm bobbins today for my 250 Bandit, only problem is there's nowhere to fit them (see pics).

I could drill the swingarm to take the bobbin I guess, although the supplied bolts (socket capscrews) are 15.7mm whereas the swingarm is 30.7mm thick, so I would need replacement bolts to go through both walls. This is my preferred option, cause I could put a nylock on the other side. Should be pretty solid.

The other option is to drill just one wall, use the existing bolt and put a nylock inside the swingarm (by removing the rear wheel). Tricky when you haven't got anything to jack the rear wheel up with. Could probably work something out though. Not so keen on this as all the load will be on one wall, although maybe it's a good thing that only one wall is drilled?

Could also get a bit welded onto bottom of swingarm. Expensive and would mess up paintjob, but would work really well.

Final option is some sort of hanger which goes between the axle nut and the swingarm and hangs down below the swingarm, allowing the bobbin to be attached. Would work OK except if you want the rear wheel off, not so clever then.

What's everyone's opinion on this? Is it OK to go drilling holes in the swingarm? Wondered if anyone else has done this sort of thing before?

Cheers

[Winston001]

Bobbins? :blink:. Bobbins are for sewing machines. :facepalm:


Sure you got the right forum.....?? :violin:

[cbfb]

Bobbins? :blink:. Bobbins are for sewing machines. :facepalm:


Sure you got the right forum.....?? :violin:

Well that's what they're called in the UK (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Honda-Suzuki-Motorcycle-Bobbins-Black/dp/B001AXNGAW). You know what I mean anyway.

[bogan]

you may have issues with wof guys if you drill the swingarm.

But mechanically speaking, make sure the hole is in the center of the swingarm (heightwise) and as far back as possible (probly where you want it anyway), cos thats the spot under the least amount of stress.

Alternatively, hollow axle, or mount higher up on the pillion pegs...

[Motig]

Praps you need to get ones that suit your bike ? Not that I know a lot about them. But pretty sure drilling holes in swingarm is not a good idea.

[xen]

You could get a stand that doesn't require bobbins, make things abit easier. Like: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Parts-for-sale/Stands/auction-339655530.htm

[cbfb]

you may have issues with wof guys if you drill the swingarm.

True, not thought of that.


Praps you need to get ones that suit your bike ? Not that I know a lot about them. But pretty sure drilling holes in swingarm is not a good idea.

Can't get specific ones for a Bandit, they're pretty much generic, it's more that you need somewhere to mount them; Bandits (well the 250 anyway) is missing the mounting point.


You could get a stand that doesn't require bobbins, make things abit easier. Like: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Parts-for-sale/Stands/auction-339655530.htm

Ha ha funny you should say that, I've actually just bought a bobbin stand off houseofcustom (same trader as your auction). I went for the bobbins cause my local bike shop advised it would be more stable. Seems to be more hassle than it's worth tho so might get a refund on the bobbins and see if I can exchange the stands for bobbinless ones (not been posted yet): http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Parts-for-sale/Stands/auction-339655577.htm

Thanks all for your help, might flag the idea of bobbins and go for the easy option.

[NZsarge]

There is no realistic way of fitting bobbins to your bike mate, I would have as Bogan suggested mounted them through the axle with a connecting rod but I see from your pics it's a solid axle too. You only alternative is "L" brackets on a rear paddock stand and even then the rounded edges to the swingarm are gonna be a pain in the arse.

[cbfb]

There is no realistic way of fitting bobbins to your bike mate, I would have as Bogan suggested mounted them through the axle with a connecting rod but I see from your pics it's a solid axle too. You only alternative is "L" brackets on a rear paddock stand and even then the rounded edges to the swingarm are gonna be a pain in the arse.

Thanks for confirming that. Even with mounting it through the axle, one of the reasons I want a stand is so I can get the rear wheel off - so that wouldn't really work either.

Yeah I did think about the rounded edge, not sure how awkward it's gonna be? Only one way to find out I guess.

[AllanB]

I run the stand with the L shape holders - get one with that has them adjustable width wise. I have had no issues with stability using these - once up it is good practise to place a brick or something similar either side of the front in case some dork bumps the bike.

[NZsarge]

Thanks for confirming that. Even with mounting it through the axle, one of the reasons I want a stand is so I can get the rear wheel off - so that wouldn't really work either.

Yeah I did think about the rounded edge, not sure how awkward it's gonna be? Only one way to find out I guess.

As I think AllanB is getting at if the depth of the "L" bracket is enough things sould be fine, if it's a shallow "L" then the rounded edges of the swingarm will come into play. If this is the case there's no reason you can't get the "L" bracket modified to be more suitable. If ya can stick with it 'cause rear paddock stands rock!

[cbfb]

I run the stand with the L shape holders - get one with that has them adjustable width wise. I have had no issues with stability using these - once up it is good practise to place a brick or something similar either side of the front in case some dork bumps the bike.

Yep they are adjustable. I'm getting a front stand too so I guess it would be more stable if I lift the whole bike up?


As I think AllanB is getting at if the depth of the "L" bracket is enough things sould be fine, if it's a shallow "L" then the rounded edges of the swingarm will come into play. If this is the case there's no reason you can't get the "L" bracket modified to be more suitable. If ya can stick with it 'cause rear paddock stands rock!

OK if the 'L's are a bit shallow I'll get my mate to go at them with his welder. Definitely be sticking with the stand, front and rear. Had enough of shuffling along the drive to oil the chain and need some new rubber, much easier to drop wheel off at lunchtime and save waiting.

When I was in the UK we just used to use ropes hanging off the rafters, but I think it's time to move on!