Remove 73 750 GT Swing Arm - Ducati.ms

WindyDucat · Mar 14th, 2011, 8:38 pm

Hey, I need some help..

I am in the middle of removing the swing arm on an early 1973 750 GT and I am stuck. After removing the shaft that the swing arm rotates on I thought the swing arm would easily drop from the frame, but it did not. It appears that the swing arm is tightly butted up against the frame ends that the shaft sits in. When I rotate the swing arm on its normal path, the swing arm stays in in line with the frame. I can't see any kind of bushing or mechanism that holds the swing arm to the frame with the shaft removed

I am thinking that it is a very tight fit which is holding the swing arm in place. But before I go forward I want to make sure I don't screw anything up, like scoring the bushings. I am thinking that if I slightly spread the frame the swing arm can be removed, carefully.

If you have done this before, I would appreciate your advice.

Thanks! Cal

WindyDucat · Mar 14th, 2011, 8:44 pm

I am thinking that the rear engine frame bolt might be pulling the frame together and causing it to bind against the swing arm?

MHR1000Mille · Mar 14th, 2011, 10:03 pm

I had this happen to me a while back , if you un-stress the frame by loosing the 3 engine bolts this should give you enough spread to remove the S/arm

good luck

ducatidave · Mar 14th, 2011, 11:20 pm

Just a suggestion while the swing arm is out of the frame. Fit a second grease nipple to the swing arm on the drive side. The drive side is where a well lubricated bush is required and for some reason Ducati decided to fit the nipple to the other side.

Duccout · Mar 15th, 2011, 1:21 am

Have to agree with the other guys here; its definitely the engine bolts. Loosen the two rear ones right off and the frame will spread and allow you to slide out the swinging arm. I have a 900 S2 which is exactly the same, but what has probably made yours worse is that the lugs on the inside of the frame will have worn into the ends of the swinging arm pivot.

WindyDucat · Mar 15th, 2011, 8:14 am

Everyone, thanks! Cal

WindyDucat · Mar 15th, 2011, 9:52 pm

Loosened the rear engine blots and the swing arm nicely dropped out. The shaft needs a good clean up, buffing and new grease. Glad I got into it.

As I tear the bike down, I gain more and more appreciation for the quality and beauty of the mechanical parts, especially the engine. The casings are art work! Everything is or appears hand made. Mass produced for the period but lots of human touch on these bikes. Each one unique in their own way.

Cheers! Cal