From Classic to Cutting-Edge: 9 Swingarm Types You Must Know

The swingarm is one of the most important components in a motorcycle's suspension system. It connects the rear wheel to the main frame and allows vertical movement to absorb shocks from the road. While it might seem like a simple part, the swingarm plays a critical role in handling, comfort, and even aesthetics. Over the years, various swingarm designs have emerged, each with specific strengths and applications.

In this in-depth guide, we explore nine swingarm types that define motorcycle performance, from traditional setups to futuristic engineering marvels.

9 Swingarm Types

1. Double-Sided (Conventional) Swingarms

double-sided swingarms

Double-sided swingarms are the traditional and most common design. They consist of two arms (often in a “box-section” or “twin-spar” layout) that run on each side of the rear wheel and pivot together on the frame.

In simple terms, a double-sided arm is like a rectangular U-shape or twin beams welded together around the wheel. Most mass-market bikes use this design because it is strong, simple, and cost-effective.

Pros:

• High rigidity and stability: Box-section or twin-spar double arms provide excellent torsional stiffness. This rigidity improves high-speed stability and precise handling.
• Simplicity and cost: Conventional double arms are relatively easy to manufacture and repair. They are generally cheaper than single-sided designs.
• Balanced load: With two arms on either side, loads and stresses (like chain tension) are shared symmetrically, making weight distribution straightforward.

Cons:

• They tend to be heavier (more metal) than single-sided arms because they use two supports.
• Wheel changes can be more involved, since the wheel is clamped between both arms
• On very high-performance bikes, a simple welded box-arm may not be rigid enough, so designers reinforce it (twin-spar or additional bracing) at the cost of weight.

2. Single-Sided Swingarms

single-sided swingarms

A single-sided swingarm (often called a monospoke or single-arm) supports the rear wheel from only one side. Essentially, the wheel is mounted on one large arm (like a stub axle) instead of being hugged by two arms.

This design has become popular on many high-end sportbikes, race bikes, and even some scooters. By holding the axle, chain, and sprocket on one side, the rear wheel can be removed much like a car’s wheel, without removing the drive components.

Pros:

• Easy wheel removal: Because the wheel is only held on one side, you can take off the rear wheel without splitting the chain or belt.
• Stylish appearance: Single-sided arms give a very clean, open look on the bike’s rear. They are often considered sleek and distinctive – an eye-catching feature on a showroom bike.
• Lower unsprung weight: Because there is only one arm, the parts of the wheel assembly (rim, hub) are lighter with no matching arm on the other side. This reduces unsprung mass at high performance levels.

Cons:

• Higher complexity and cost: A single arm must be much stronger and stiffer to handle loads that would normally be shared. Manufacturers often use thick cast or forged alloys and complex geometry to achieve the needed strength. This makes single-sided arms more expensive to build and repair.
• Extra weight on the arm: Even though the wheel rotates more freely, the single arm itself is usually heavier than one side of a double arm.
• Limited use: Because of the cost and complexity, single-sided swingarms are typically reserved for premium or specialty bikes. They are rarely found on budget or mid-range models.

3. Cantilever Swingarms

cantilever swingarms (Image taken from janusmotorcycles.com)

In many cantilever setups, the swingarm itself pivots at the frame, but the shock(s) are mounted in front of or above the swingarm, connected by a triangular linkage.

Pros:

• Cantilever or linkage rear suspension gives engineers a lot of flexibility in tuning the spring rate. As the swingarm moves, the linkage can produce a rising-rate effect, where small bumps have a soft response but large compressions become progressively stiffer.
• Compact packaging: By relocating the shock out of the swingarm bay, designers can shorten the bike or achieve a lower seat height. The shock can be buried under the tank or frame.
• Progressive suspension: Cantilever linkages can create a desirable spring curve (soft at first, then stiffer) improving comfort on big hits. This suits off-road or touring bikes that need both comfort and bottoming resistance.
• Hidden shocks: Especially on cruisers (e.g. Softail) and custom bikes, this lets the bike look “hardtail” while still having rear suspension.

Cons:

• Cantilever systems add parts and weight.
• Linkages mean more pivot points (which can wear) and slightly higher maintenance.
• The setup must be carefully engineered to avoid friction or linkage flex.

4. Parallelogram Swingarms (Paralever)

parallelogram swingarms

Parallelogram or Paralever swingarms are specialized designs used on shaft-drive motorcycles (notably by BMW and Moto Guzzi). In a shaft drive, torque reaction can cause the rear to rise or squat (“shaft jacking”), which feels odd under acceleration or braking.

A parallelogram linkage solves this by adding a second pivot/link so that the driveshaft can move without changing the rear suspension geometry.

Pros:

• Improved control of suspension under load, especially on hard acceleration.
• Reduced maintenance (no chain lube/adjust needed).

Cons:

• More moving parts and weight.
• These systems (Paralever, Ca.R.C.) are complex and can be costly to manufacture and repair.

In practice, if you ride a shaft-driven bike (like many BMWs or Moto Guzzis), you get a swingarm that inherently incorporates a parallelogram linkage to handle torque. For chain-driven bikes, this design is unnecessary.

5. Box-Section Swingarms

Box-section swingarms are built using hollow rectangular or square tubes for maximum stiffness and strength.

Pros:

• Superior rigidity: Ideal for performance applications.
• Durable under heavy loads: Excellent torsional resistance.
• Versatile design: Suitable for sports, adventure, and racing bikes.

Cons:

• It can be heavy, particularly when made of steel.
• Less refined appearance than sculpted or machined arms.

6. Rising Rate Linkage Swingarms

These swingarms use a linkage system to connect the shock absorber, providing a progressive damping response.

rising rate linkage swingarms

Pros:

• Progressive suspension: Smooth over bumps, firm under hard load.
• Enhanced traction: Keeps the rear tire planted during aggressive riding.
• Performance-oriented: Common in motocross and sportbikes.

Cons:

• More moving parts mean more maintenance.
• Complex tuning and setup.

7. Extended Swingarms

Extended swingarms are longer than standard versions, often used in drag racing or custom builds.

extended swingarm

Pros:

• Improved straight-line stability: Reduces wheelies under hard acceleration.
• Better weight transfer: Ideal for drag racing setups.

Cons:

• Reduces cornering agility.
• Alters suspension geometry and handling.
• Not suited for daily street riding.

8. Integrated Drive Swingarms (Electric / Hub-Driven)

Integrated swingarms combine the motor and suspension into a single unit, mainly in electric motorcycles.

motorcycle Integrated drive swingarm

Pros:

• Minimalist design: Cleaner layout with fewer components.
• Low maintenance: No chains or belts to service.
• Space-efficient: Compact and futuristic.

Cons:

• Expensive and complex.
• Limited application in current production models.

9. Exotic Multi-Link / Hossack-Inspired Swingarms

hossack-inspired swingarm

These cutting-edge swingarms use complex link systems, sometimes borrowing concepts from front suspension systems.

Pros:

• Unparalleled handling control: Reduces dive and pitch.
• Innovative design: Stands out from conventional bikes.

Cons:

• High cost and complexity.
• Rare and difficult to service.
• Used mostly in prototypes or niche high-end motorcycles.

Materials and Modern Innovations in Swingarm Design

Swingarms are typically made of strong metals (steel or aluminum), but material choice strongly affects performance. Engineers balance weight, stiffness, and cost when choosing materials and manufacturing methods.

Aluminum

By far the most common swingarm material on modern bikes. It offers a great strength-to-weight ratio and good corrosion resistance. Aluminum swingarms reduce unsprung weight, improving suspension performance and making the bike more agile. For example, many sport and touring bikes use aluminum or alloy castings to keep weight down.

Steel

Strong and durable, but heavier than aluminum. Steel swingarms are very cost-effective to make (often welded tubing). Heavy cruisers or budget models may use steel arms (sometimes chromed) for a classic look and ruggedness. The downside is extra unsprung weight and possible performance penalty at the limit.

Carbon Fiber

Cutting-edge composites are now appearing. Carbon-fiber swingarms are extremely light and very stiff, offering major weight savings. They have mostly been used on high-end racing or prototype bikes so far. For example, Ducati’s top models (like the limited-edition 1299 Superleggera) used carbon fiber frames and parts, and BMW developed an award-winning carbon-fiber swingarm for its HP4 Race. Such designs are not yet in mass production, but they show where the technology is headed.

Advanced Alloys and Manufacturing

Even within metals, new processes help. For example, Husqvarna’s 2024 Vitpilen/Svartpilen 401 feature a new hollow die-cast aluminum swingarm made from a single casting. This improves stiffness and saves weight compared to older methods. Manufacturers also machine away material or use internal ribs to optimize rigidity. Some very high-end bikes might use magnesium or titanium parts in the swingarm assembly to cut weight further (though these are specialty cases).

Final Thoughts

Swingarms are much more than simple connectors for the rear wheel. Their design impacts how a motorcycle accelerates, turns, and absorbs shocks. As motorcycle technology evolves, so do swingarm designs. From the classic double-sided types to futuristic integrated electric designs, understanding these types helps riders make smarter choices—whether upgrading a suspension, choosing a new bike, or customizing a machine.

Whether you're a casual rider or a tech-savvy enthusiast, knowing the different swingarm types enhances not only your mechanical knowledge but also your riding experience.

Rodney L Herron

Rodney L is a technical writer and product consultant with over a decade of experience in the motor industry. Rodney is a fan of performance machines that run fast and loud and an expert in all things custom. His numerous articles and write-ups are available at our knowledge base. Whether it’s something wrong with your motorcycle or you are building a custom bike, you can trust Rodney’s experience.