DNA Swingarm Bushings/Bearings

Hobbieman10

10+ Posts
May 5, 2022
17
18
Bellevue, NE
Name
Jack
Hi...Jack B. From Nebraska,
A question for you....has anyone that has completed a conversion, did you use your Bearing and Bushing from your bike and install them into the DNA Swingarm, or did you buy new, and install them? Here’s what I’m running into:
The swingarm they sent (for a 2006 Harley FXD35) doesn’t have the passenger peg mounts on it at all. The left side, at the pivot, bearing seems to fit ok. The right side, bushing side, appears to have a bushing pressed in already (split sleeve visible) but it’s too....

IMG_3166.jpegIMG_3167.jpegIMG_1481.jpeg

...large in ID so my spacer is loose. I’ve attached a couple photos that might explain it better. Please help if you can. The first time they sent me a Softail swingarm. But as you see this one looks like and earlier swingarm or a touring. Not the Dyna pictured on their website.
 
I think I received the same swingarm that you got. My shock mounts are farther back just like in your pics but I used it anyway and it works ok. There was a sleeve in it that was loose but I removed it and installed new bearings that I purchased. There were no rear peg mounts on mine either. I cut two pieces of quarter-inch steel to size and welded them on. Then I drilled and tapped holes to mount the pegs. I suppose I should have questioned it and tried to exchange it but I just went ahead and made it work anyway. Exchanging would probably be easier. I hope you are successful at working it out.
 
Thanks Ed for the info. On mine the side that takes the spherical bearing does seem to fit. But, on the split bushing side you’re saying you removed the bushing they had installed and installed bearings? If so what were the bearing for? Or which bike or model were they for I should ask?

And I have called and spoken to a Ricky and emailed him pictures of what’s going on, as of this past Wednesday 10/2/24, said he would get back to me on Wednesday. We’ll still haven’t heard anything. PATIENTLY waiting now till Monday. Have thought of getting a HD factory bushing and inserting it into their bushing. Might take some fitting. And I might have to machine my spacers diameter down a little to fit correctly. Luckily I do have a Sherline lathe.


Anyways Thank you again
Jack B. In Nebraski
 
I did my conversion with a 2009 Harley Super Glide Custom. Also, I found some 1.5 inch thick aluminum and machined two blocks for spacers between the swingarm and axle. That fixed a problem I had with clearance between the rear pulley housing and the swingarm. Also I was having a problem finding the correct length drive belt to fit and that allowed me to use a drive belt from a 2005-06 Softail. It may have been the wrong swingarm causing these problems.
 
Interesting for sure and good to know about the spacers you made. I have already figured that if DNA doesn’t correct their error. Well then it’s time to make my own spacer for the bushing side. I have some 1.5” and some 2” or maybe 2.5” aluminum round bar. I wonder if it would hold up as spacer material or should I go with steel to make my own spacer to fit the bushing side? Right now the wife and I don’t put a lot of miles on our bikes (she has a ‘16 Freewheeler). But once she hit’s her Soc.Sec. age we’ll be putting more miles on both our trikes. So, I could swap to a steel (maybe O1 drill rod) spacer if the aluminum one is wearing. Hoping I wouldn’t need an 1.5” spacer to move the swingarm back. But, now with more info. Hahaha I won’t be defeated. Thanks Ed.
 

Welcome to the Trike Talk Community

Join our vibrant online community dedicated to all things Trikes! Whether you're a seasoned rider or just starting out, this is the place to share experiences, tips, and stories about your three-wheeled adventures. Explore modifications, maintenance advice, and rides, all while connecting with fellow trike enthusiasts from around the globe

Forum statistics

Threads
55,143
Messages
797,355
Members
23,534
Latest member
wingbuck
Back
Top