hombre
Nitrous
- Joined
- Dec 31, 2006
- Messages
- 1,021
I'm working with Blackstone Tek (maker of the R3 CF wheels) to develop a CF swingarm for the R3. They have already developed a CF swingarm for a popular sportbike, which will be released in 2009. They are confident in their ability to produce the part for the R3.
The stock R3 swingarm weighs 34 lbs. BST estimates the CF part will weigh less than 10 lbs. including steel inserts. IMO, this is the last, best place for weight reduction on the R3. Just as with the CF wheels, the weight reduction for the R3 will be much more dramatic than in any sportbike. While it will not contribute to improved handling like the wheels, the loss of nearly 25 lbs. will have a dramatic effect on the quarter mile times of racing R3s.
The CF swingarm will be priced at $3200 USD (delivered by Postal Express) for the first 20 units only. After that they will sell much higher at retail. We are now in the design phase, and soliciting input from R3 owners. So far the market desires oval side arms, and the elimination of the ugly "flat plate" structure. The nature of CF is that this part can be made physically beautiful with both high strength and light weight.
I realize that most here are "cruisers" with little interest in spending that kind of money. When we did the R3 CF wheels, many scoffed that BST would never sell 20 sets. History has proved differently, as sales have significantly exceeded that figure. I can envision R3 showbikes being "incomplete" without a custom CF swingarm.
Design suggestions are welcome, and anyone with possible interest in purchase please PM me with your email.
The stock R3 swingarm weighs 34 lbs. BST estimates the CF part will weigh less than 10 lbs. including steel inserts. IMO, this is the last, best place for weight reduction on the R3. Just as with the CF wheels, the weight reduction for the R3 will be much more dramatic than in any sportbike. While it will not contribute to improved handling like the wheels, the loss of nearly 25 lbs. will have a dramatic effect on the quarter mile times of racing R3s.
The CF swingarm will be priced at $3200 USD (delivered by Postal Express) for the first 20 units only. After that they will sell much higher at retail. We are now in the design phase, and soliciting input from R3 owners. So far the market desires oval side arms, and the elimination of the ugly "flat plate" structure. The nature of CF is that this part can be made physically beautiful with both high strength and light weight.
I realize that most here are "cruisers" with little interest in spending that kind of money. When we did the R3 CF wheels, many scoffed that BST would never sell 20 sets. History has proved differently, as sales have significantly exceeded that figure. I can envision R3 showbikes being "incomplete" without a custom CF swingarm.
Design suggestions are welcome, and anyone with possible interest in purchase please PM me with your email.
