Swingarm

The swingarm (swing arm) holds the rear wheel and pivots on a bolt through the frame, just behind the gearbox. As the wheel moves over bumps, the swingarm swings up and down, controlled by a single shock (often via a linkage) or by twin shocks.

Designs include double-sided swingarms, the most common; single-sided swingarms that make wheel removal quick and are a styling feature on some sport bikes; and swingarms that house the shaft drive on touring bikes. Materials range from steel to aluminium.

Maintenance: check the pivot bearings for play and grease them regularly, especially on off-road bikes, and look for chain wear on the slider. Chain adjusters on the swingarm also set rear wheel alignment, so use the marks carefully.