What is a Single Swingarm?
4 Answers
In motorcycles, a single swingarm refers to having only one rear fork. Below is relevant information about motorcycle rear swingarms: 1. Introduction to rear swingarms: A motorcycle's rear swingarm, also called rear fork, is the part connecting the rear wheel to the motorcycle frame. It serves to fix the rear wheel, bear the frame's weight and maintain stability. Different swingarms significantly impact the bike's performance. 2. Difference between single and double swingarms: The distinction lies in the connection points - double swingarms connect on both sides while single swingarms connect on one side only. For the same motorcycle model, single swingarms generally offer better performance than double swingarms and consequently command higher prices.
A single-sided swingarm on a motorcycle refers to a rear suspension structure where the wheel is supported on only one side. The traditional double-sided swingarm design is like walking on two legs, with support arms on both sides fixing the wheel; whereas the single-sided swingarm turns the bike into a one-legged rider, relying solely on that sturdy aluminum alloy arm on the left to bear all the forces. This design initially gained popularity in racing because changing tires during a race is a race against time, and single-sided removal is more than twice as fast as the traditional design. Nowadays, many high-end motorcycles have adopted it, such as certain models from Ducati and MV Agusta, not only to showcase stylish wheel designs but also to reduce weight. However, it demands high manufacturing precision, as poor machining can easily lead to rear wheel misalignment.
Last time I rode my friend's single-sided swingarm motorcycle, I paid special attention to this structure. Simply put, the rear wheel hub is only connected to the frame on the left side, while the right side is completely suspended. This asymmetrical design isn't just visually striking—it's also highly practical: when washing the wheel, you can easily reach inside with a cloth to clean the inner part of the hub, unlike conventional motorcycles where the swingarms on both sides block access. Moreover, changing or repairing tires is much simpler; the mechanic can remove the entire wheel by just pulling out a single pin on the left side. The only thing to watch out for is being extra cautious on rough roads to avoid potholes. Although modern swingarms are extremely sturdy, the single-sided force distribution still makes me a bit nervous.
A single-sided swingarm is essentially a mechanical design that fixes the rear wheel on one side. Its most distinctive visual feature is that when you look at the motorcycle's rear wheel, the left side is connected to a robust metal arm, while the right side appears empty, making the entire wheel hub look like a moon floating in the air. Beyond its stylish appearance, its greatest advantage lies in reducing unsprung weight, making the body more agile during high-speed cornering. However, it's important to note that modifying to a single-sided swingarm must be done by a professional. There have been cases where DIY modifications resulted in the rear wheel rubbing against the tire. Additionally, on rainy days when the road is slippery, the changes in the vehicle's traction can feel quite subtle, requiring a gradual adaptation to the handling style.
