Stretched motorcycle, known for their extended wheelbases and aggressive styling, are a unique segment in the custom motorcycle world. Popular among enthusiasts for their aesthetic appeal and performance benefits, these bikes undergo significant modifications to achieve their distinctive look and ride characteristics. This comprehensive guide explores what stretched motorcycles are, the process of stretching a bike, the pros and cons, necessary maintenance, and tips for choosing and riding a stretched motorcycle.
Stretched Motorcycle:
What Are They and Why Are They Popular?
Understanding Stretched Motorcycles:
What does stretching a bike do? Stretched motorcycles are characterized by their longer wheelbase, achieved by extending the swingarm and frame.
Wheelbase and Swingarm:
Extended Swingarm: The most prominent feature of a stretched motorcycle is the extended swingarm. The swingarm is the part of the bike that holds the rear wheel and attaches it to the frame. By lengthening this component, the bike’s wheelbase is extended.
Frame Stretching: In some cases, the frame itself is modified or custom-built to increase the wheelbase. This process involves cutting and welding additional sections to the frame to achieve the desired length.
Aesthetic Appeal:
Aggressive Stance: The elongated look gives the bike an aggressive stance, enhancing its visual appeal. It often resembles drag racing motorcycles, contributing to a performance-oriented appearance.
Customization: Stretched bike are highly customizable. Riders often incorporate unique paint jobs, custom seats, and aftermarket parts to further personalize their bikes.
Performance Characteristics:
Stability: A longer wheelbase provides increased stability at high speeds. This feature is beneficial for straight-line performance and drag racing.
Handling: While stability improves, handling in tight corners can become more challenging due to the extended wheelbase. This trade-off is an essential consideration for potential owners.
The Stretching Process:
How to Stretch a Motorcycle?
Stretching a motorcycle is a complex process involving significant mechanical modifications. Here’s an overview of the steps involved.
Planning and Design:
Initial Assessment: Evaluate the current state of your motorcycle and decide how much you want to extend the wheelbase. Consider the bike’s purpose, whether for show, drag racing, or regular riding.
Design Plan: Create or consult a detailed design plan. This plan should include measurements, swingarm length, frame modifications, and integration with existing components.
Choosing Materials:
Swingarm Material: Select high-quality materials for the extended swingarm, typically steel or aluminum. These materials provide the strength and durability required to handle the modifications.
Frame Material: If the frame needs stretching, choose materials that match the bike’s original frame construction. Ensure compatibility to maintain structural integrity and ride quality.
Swingarm Extension:
Disassembly: Disassemble the rear section of the bike, including the rear wheel, swingarm, and any other components that may obstruct access.
Cutting and Welding: Cut the existing swingarm and weld in extensions to achieve the desired length. Ensure precision in measurements and welding to maintain alignment and structural strength.
Reassembly: Reassemble the rear end, reinstalling the wheel and ensuring all components are securely attached. Check for proper alignment and functionality.
Frame Stretching:
Frame Modification: If extending the frame, cut and weld additional sections into the existing frame. This process requires precise measurements and professional welding skills to ensure safety and reliability.
Reintegrating Components: Reattach all components, including the engine, seat, and electrical systems, ensuring they fit correctly with the extended frame.
Pros and Cons of Stretched Sportbike:
What Are the Benefits and Drawbacks?
Customizing a motorcycle to be stretched comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Pros:
Unique Appearance: Stretched motorcycles stand out due to their distinctive, aggressive look. This unique appearance makes them a favorite among custom bike enthusiasts and turns heads wherever you ride.
Increased Stability: The extended wheelbase improves stability at high speeds, making the bike suitable for drag racing and other high-speed applications.
Customization Potential: Stretching a motorcycle opens up numerous customization possibilities. Riders can experiment with different styles, colors, and aftermarket parts to create a truly unique motorcycle.
Cons:
Reduced Maneuverability: The longer wheelbase can make maneuvering in tight spaces and taking sharp corners more challenging. This reduction in handling can be a significant drawback for city riding or twisty roads.
Complex Modifications: The stretching process requires significant mechanical skills and precise engineering. Improper modifications can lead to safety issues and ride quality problems.
Cost: Stretching a motorcycle can be expensive, involving custom parts, professional labor, and potential additional adjustments to accommodate the new dimensions.
Maintenance of Stretched Motorcycles:
How to Maintain and Care for a Stretched Motorcycle?
Proper maintenance is crucial to ensure the longevity and performance of a stretched motorcycle.
Regular Inspections:
Structural Integrity: Regularly inspect the extended swingarm and frame modifications for any signs of wear, cracks, or other issues. Mechanical stresses are different on a stretched bike, necessitating frequent checks.
Component Wear: Check the condition of the chain, sprockets, and other drivetrain components. The extended swingarm can alter the tension and wear patterns, requiring more frequent adjustments and replacements.
Suspension Maintenance:
Adjustments: Ensure the suspension is correctly adjusted to accommodate the new geometry. This adjustment helps maintain ride quality and handling characteristics.
Shock Absorbers: Check the condition of the shock absorbers and replace them if necessary. The new setup may put different stresses on these components, requiring more regular maintenance.
Wheel Alignment:
Tracking: Regularly check the wheel alignment to ensure the bike tracks straight. Misalignment can cause uneven tire wear and affect handling.
Tire Maintenance:
Wear Patterns: Monitor tire wear patterns, as improper wear can indicate alignment or suspension issues. Replace tires as needed to ensure optimal grip and safety.
Tire Pressure: Maintain proper tire pressure. The stretched configuration may require different pressures than standard specifications to optimize performance and handling.
Choosing a Stretched Motorcycle:
How to Select the Right Stretched Motorcycle or Kit?
Selecting the right stretched motorcycle or stretch kit involves careful consideration of various factors.
Purpose and Use:
Riding Style: Consider how you plan to use the motorcycle. If you intend to use it primarily for drag racing, the modifications will differ compared to a bike for casual city riding.
Show vs. Performance: Decide whether your priority is appearance or performance. Show bikes may focus more on aesthetics, while performance bikes will require high-quality engineering and materials.
Budget:
Cost of Modifications: Determine your budget for the stretching project. Include costs for parts, labor, and potential additional modifications to accommodate the new setup.
Ongoing Maintenance: Factor in the ongoing maintenance costs, as stretched motorcycles can require more frequent inspections and part replacements.
Professional Builders and Kits:
Custom Builders: Research and consult with professional custom bike builders who specialize in stretched motorcycles. Their expertise can ensure the modifications are safe, reliable, and of high quality.
Stretch Kits: Consider purchasing a stretch kit if you prefer a DIY approach. Ensure the kit includes all necessary components and instructions. Quality kits are designed to fit specific models and simplify the stretching process.
Test Riding and Final Adjustments:
Test Ride: Once modifications are complete, take the bike for a test ride to assess handling, stability, and performance. Make any necessary adjustments to the suspension, alignment, and other components.
Fine-Tuning: Fine-tune the setup based on your riding experience. Adjustments may be needed to optimize the bike’s performance and comfort according to your preferences.
Local Bike Shows and Meets
Check your local area for motorcycle shows and meets. These events offer a great opportunity to showcase your stretched bike, meet other riders, and learn about the latest trends in motorcycle customization.
Several online communities and forums are dedicated to stretched motorcycles. Join these platforms to share photos of your bike, get feedback from fellow enthusiasts, and find inspiration for future modifications.
The Future of Stretched Motorcycles
While stretched motorcycles remain a niche trend, their popularity shows no signs of waning. As customization techniques evolve and new technologies emerge, we can expect to see even more innovative and eye-catching motorcycles in the future.
Whether you embrace or oppose this trend, there’s no denying that stretched motorcycles are a unique and captivating part of motorcycle culture.
Conclusion
Stretched motorcycles offer a unique blend of aggressive styling, improved stability, and customization potential, making them a popular choice among enthusiasts in 2024. Understanding the stretching process, recognizing the pros and cons, and maintaining the bike properly are crucial for ensuring safety and performance. Whether you’re looking to modify your existing motorcycle or purchase a custom-built stretched bike, careful planning and attention to detail can lead to a rewarding riding experience. Embrace the distinctive appeal of stretched motorcycles, but always prioritize safety and good maintenance practices to enjoy the best of this custom motorcycle segment.