What Exactly Is a Motorcycle Swingarm?
Although it offers a unique driving experience, a motorcycle is a lot like a car. It has many of the same parts and mechanicals  an engine, wheels and tires, brakes, throttle, headlights, taillights, turn signals and a plethora of other bits. There are, however, some key differences between the two, one of which is a motorcycles swingarm. You might have heard the term in conversation between riders about how a lack of travel broke their spine. (Hello, Ducati Diavel!) The term refers to a specific part of a motorcycles rear suspension setup thats wholly unlike a cars suspension. Its a part important enough to warrant a proper breakdown. Jonathon Klein The Drive and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. Read more. (Disclosure: When Guides & Gear wanted to do a big series on motorcycle parts, riding methods, payload carrying, and a few other stories for two-wheeled lovers, Honda came through and sent us a 2021 Honda Ridgeline and CRF450RX to play with. Look for more stories soon.) Given that motorcycles remain abstract items to much of the populationas well as new ridersThe Drives Guides & Gear team is here to teach you the lingo. Were going to bring you up to speed on the most important parts of a motorcycle and indoctrinate you into the rider community, so lets dive in with everything you need to know about the swingarm. Jonathon Klein The swingarm connected to the rear wheel of the CRF450RX. A motorcycles swingarm is an H- or L-shaped suspension part that connects the chassis, or frame, of the motorcycle to its rear wheel. The swingarm is attached to a motorcycles chassis via a swingarm pivot bolt, which allows the swingarm and rear wheel and tire to move up and down with the undulations of the roadin conjunction with a shock and spring. This gives the motorcycles rear suspension travel, which is the distance between the top of the suspension stroke and the bottom at which the suspension can travel no more. Jonathon Klein A full view of the CRF450RX's swingarm.