Gordon’s CNC Swing Arm Review: The Ultimate KTM-Style Upgrade for CRF and KLX Owners

Gordons Swing Arm

In the world of off-road and Supermoto modification, the swing arm is often considered the "backbone" of the bike's rear geometry. It dictates how your bike handles corners, how it absorbs jumps, and—let’s be honest—how aggressive it looks in the paddock.

Today, we are diving deep into a product that has been turning heads for its sheer engineering brilliance: the Gordon’s CNC Billet Swing Arm. If you’ve ever looked at a KTM factory racing bike and wished your Japanese dual-purpose bike had that same sleek, muscular rear end, this is the review you’ve been waiting for.


The Art of "No-Weld" Engineering

Top view of Gordon swing arm without welding

The first thing you notice about the Gordon’s Swing Arm isn’t just the shine—it’s the construction. While most aftermarket and stock swing arms are made of several pieces of aluminum or steel welded together, Gordon’s takes a radically different approach.

This swing arm is crafted from High-Grade Alloy CNC Billet, and here is the kicker: it is made without welds.

Why "No-Weld" Matters

In mechanical engineering, a weld is often the weakest point of a structure under extreme stress. By machining the arm from solid billet blocks using CNC (Computer Numerical Control) technology, Gordon’s eliminates those weak points. This results in a "monoblock" feel that offers:

  • Zero Flex: Better power transfer from the chain to the ground.

  • Structural Integrity: Far less likely to crack or bend during heavy landings or "enduro-cross" style obstacles.

  • Sleek Aesthetics: A smooth, continuous surface that looks incredibly clean.


That Iconic KTM Aesthetic

Gordons Swing Arm Installing On CRF150L

It’s no secret that KTM sets the gold standard for dirt bike design. Gordon’s has leaned into this by creating a model that heavily mimics the KTM Factory Swing Arm look.

Available exclusively in a Natural Silver finish, this swing arm doesn't rely on flashy colors to grab attention. Instead, it lets the raw, machined texture of the alloy speak for itself. It gives your Honda CRF or Kawasaki KLX an instant European racing pedigree, making the bike look longer, sturdier, and more premium.


Technical Specifications: The Numbers That Matter

Gordons Swing Arm

For the serious riders and "spec-heads" out there, let’s look at the dimensions that define this component:

  • Length: 60 cm. This length is optimized to provide a perfect balance between high-speed stability and tight-trail agility. It gives the bike a slightly more planted feel compared to the stock setup.

  • Weight: 3.8 kg. Despite its beefy appearance, the use of aerospace-grade alloy keeps the weight manageable. At 3.8 kg, it provides enough "unsprung mass" to keep the rear wheel tracking the ground effectively without being a literal drag on your engine’s power.

  • Compatibility: Specifically engineered for the Honda CRF 150L and the Kawasaki KLX 150 series.


Performance on the Trail and the Track

Installing the Gordon’s Swing Arm isn't just a cosmetic choice; it’s a performance upgrade.

For the Enduro Rider

When you’re navigating rock gardens or steep climbs, you need your rear wheel to stay in line. The rigidity of the CNC alloy ensures that your rear axle doesn't "twist" under high torque. This means better traction and more predictable behavior from your rear suspension.

For the Supermoto Enthusiast

If you’ve converted your CRF or KLX for the street, you know that high-speed "speed wobbles" can be a concern. The 60cm length and the solid construction of the Gordon arm help stabilize the bike at higher speeds, giving you more confidence when leaning into deep corners on the asphalt.


Pricing and Global Availability

High-end engineering comes with a premium price tag. The Gordon’s CNC Swing Arm is positioned as a high-tier investment for your motorcycle.

Price: $240 USD

Important Purchase Considerations:

  1. Shipping: Please be aware that the $240 USD price does not include shipping costs. Given the 3.8 kg weight and the 60 cm length, shipping costs can vary significantly depending on whether you are in Southeast Asia, Europe, or the Americas.

  2. Exclusivity: Because these are CNC-machined (a process that takes much longer than mass-market casting), stock is often limited.

  3. Variable Pricing: Prices may fluctuate based on global aluminum costs and currency exchange rates at the time of your order.


Pro-Installation Tips

While this swing arm is designed to be a direct fit, here are a few things to keep in mind during installation:

  • Bearing Maintenance: Always grease the pivot bearings thoroughly before installation. Even though the arm is high-end, fresh high-quality grease is what ensures a "buttery smooth" suspension travel.

  • Chain Length: Because this arm may differ slightly in length from your stock setup, you might need a longer chain (e.g., 130 or 140 links) which you can then cut to the perfect size.

  • Torque Specs: Use a torque wrench. Since this is a CNC billet part, you want to ensure the axle bolts and pivot bolts are tightened exactly to the manufacturer's specs to avoid any unnecessary stress on the metal.


Final Thoughts: Is the Gordon’s Swing Arm for You?

If you are tired of the "budget" look of stock components and you want a rear end that can handle the abuse of professional-level riding, the answer is a resounding yes.

At $240 USD, you are getting a weld-free, CNC-machined masterpiece that transforms both the physics and the aesthetics of your bike. It’s the closest you can get to a "factory" KTM feel on a Japanese bike.


What do you think of the KTM-look on a CRF or KLX? Does the silver-only option suit your build, or were you hoping for more colors? Let me know in the comments below!

Komentar

Postingan populer dari blog ini

MGV Upside Down Suspension Review: The Ultimate Performance Upgrade for KLX, WR, CRF, and Custom Trail Bikes

Lightweight Performance: A Technical Guide to Scarlet Racing Alloy Swing Arms for CRF, KLX, and WR 155

Scarlet Racing Suspension: A Technical Review of Remote Reservoir Mono Shocks for Dual-Purpose Bikes