I have an 80 and an 81. I want to exchange the rims. The 80 has rear disk brakes while the 81 has rear drum brakes. Can I exchange the swing arms and mount the rear disk brake on the 81?
Hi flash,
the swingarm, wheel, torque stay & caliper swap straight across.
You have both types of brake actuator arm and they'll swap too.
But to attach the '80's rear master cylinder to the '81 frame you'll have to weld or bolt on some kinda mounting plate for it.
Mind you, swapping a drum rear wheel onto a disk rear bike is all simple wrench work.
If you don't have the other type of swingarm you can weld on an extra torque stay lug to make yours dual purpose.
I had a potential swap going, my set of '75 wire wheels onto my son's '80 Special.
His disk rear onto my Heritage Special.
He got the wire wheels on OK and I wish him the joy of keeping them clean and being forced to run tube tires.
I checked out my bike's lack of a rear m/c mount and decided I was happy with my drum rear.
