As an important part of the suspension on your motorcycle -- one also known as a swingarm, swing fork, or pivoted fork -- it attaches the rear wheel to the bike body. That helps the wheel pivot vertically, while absorbing bumps and the loads that sitting on the bike, speeding it up, and hitting its brakes put on the suspension. They can be either single- or double-sided, and come in many types.

What Kinds of Swingarms Can BMW Motorcycles Have?

Swinging fork. This is the original version. This type features a pair of parallel pipes that hold the rear axle at one end and pivot at the other end. Shock absorbers mount to the frame, below the seat rail and just in front of the rear axle.

Parallelogram. Introduced in 1985, this system is designed to prevent the sensation known as ""shaft-jacking,"" where the motorcycle's rear squats during acceleration -- forcing the seat and rider to rise up. Some BMW motorcycle models feature a Paralever system that adds a second link between the transmission and the rear drive to keep the rear frame and driveshaft pivoting along the same axis.

Cantilever. This type extends the swinging fork, allowing a triangulated frame to transfer the swinging arm's movement to squeeze a shock absorber mount in front of the swingarm.

Extended swingarms. These keep the motorcycle's center of gravity as far forward as possible, limiting any tendencies to pop a wheelie at takeoff. For that reason, they're often found on drag racing motorcycles.

Single-sided. With this type, the suspension runs along one side of the rear wheel so that it can be mounted to a hub -- much as a car wheel is. These tend to be much stiffer than a double-sided swingarm, allowing it to withstand extra force.

What are the Signs of a Failing Rear Wheel Swinging Arm?

Like with other suspension parts, they include poor handling (as a result of worn-out bearings), clunking sounds from the rear of your motorcycle when you roll over uneven terrain, clicking sounds when you turn, and rough ride quality (due to cracked shafts).

How Much Does a Replacement Rear Wheel Swinging Arm Cost on Average?

It can run into thousands of dollars. So, you'll want to be sure to buy the right one when shopping online for parts online. Your best bet: stick with OEM. A BMW motorcycle service center can help with the install.

Why Buy OEM BMW Motorrad Rear Wheel Swingarms?

For their top quality, fitment guarantee, and warranty support: they'll be more reliable than what's for sale on the aftermarket, they'll work right the first time, you'll be covered against defects, and they won't void your bike's factory warranty.

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