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A Brief History of Single-Sided Swingarms and Their
Decline
paired with single mono-shock suspensions,
enhancing performance and ride quality.
Honda's groundbreaking ProArm design, introduced in
the RC30, was pivotal in popularizing the single-sided
swingarm. This innovation stemmed from Honda's
collaboration with the French ELF, which led to the
creation of numerous successful models incorporating
this technology.
Think back to the legendary 1987 Honda RC30 and its
unique single-sided swingarm. Would it have achieved
the same level of recognition without its standout
design? Similarly, the 1994 Ducati 916 owes much of
its significance to its own single-sided setup. This trend
is echoed in numerous models, from the NR750 to the
Triumph Speed Triple.
Ducati followed suit with the 916, inspired by the
NR750, while brands like Triumph, Moto Guzzi, and
BMW have also integrated single-sided designs into
their motorcycles. The historical roots of this design
can be traced back to the late 1940s, with early
examples like the German Imme and the Moto Guzzi
Galetto.
Despite their aesthetic appeal and practical
advantages, single-sided swingarms face challenges
that contribute to their decline. They tend to be more
expensive to produce and heavier than traditional twin
arms due to the significant forces they must withstand.
As manufacturers focus on creating lighter and more
cost-effective performance bikes, the single-sided
But what exactly is a single-sided swingarm? Simply
put, it's a type of swingarm that supports the rear wheel swingarm becomes less viable.
from one side only, allowing for enhanced aesthetics
and practical advantages. Traditional twin-arm However, there are exceptions. Models where image
swingarms support the wheel from both sides, while plays a crucial role—like Triumph's Speed Triple or
the single-sided design facilitates quicker wheel Kawasaki's H2—may continue to feature single-sided
changes—an advantage in endurance racing—by swingarms, as will those with shaft-drive systems,
allowing the wheel to be removed with minimal fuss. such as those from BMW and Moto Guzzi.
This cleaner look has appealed to manufacturers and
enthusiasts alike. For now, while the single-sided swingarm may be
fading from mainstream production, its legacy in
The evolution of swingarms began with motorcycles motorcycle design endures. LHR
often sporting rigid or hardtail designs until the 1930s,
when swinging arms became more common. The
1980s ushered in lightweight aluminum constructions
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