Yamaha Blaster Swingarm Upgrades for More Travel and Custom Handling

An Introduction to Yamaha Blaster Swingarms

The Yamaha Blaster is one of the most iconic sport ATVs of all time. Produced by Yamaha from 1988 to 2006, the Blaster gained a reputation for its strong performance and excellent handling. Many Blaster owners choose to customize and modify their quads to enhance the riding experience even further. One popular area of modification is the Blaster's swingarm.

The stock Yamaha Blaster swingarm provides a solid base for the rear suspension and wheels. However, it limits the amount of wheel travel and adjustment. Aftermarket swingarms open up more possibilities for optimizing suspension geometry, handling, and wheel travel.

What Is a Swingarm?

The swingarm is the main component connecting the rear axle and wheels to the frame of an ATV. It gets its name from the way it "swings" on a pivot as the wheels move up and down over terrain. On the Blaster, the stock swingarm is made from steel and incorporates the rear shock absorber mount and chain adjustment system.

Why Upgrade the Swingarm?

There are several potential benefits to installing an aftermarket swingarm on a Yamaha Blaster:

• Increase rear wheel travel - Aftermarket arms allow more vertical wheel movement for absorbing big hits.
• Improve handling and cornering - Longer swingarms enhance stability and cornering performance.
• Upgrade durability - Billet aluminum and chromoly steel arms are stronger than stock.
• Customize look - Aftermarket arms come in stylish designs and finishes.
• Correct geometry - Compensate for lift kits, long shocks, and other mods.

With the right swingarm, Blaster pilots can fine-tune their rear suspension, dial in more precise handling, maximize wheel travel, and customize the look of their ATV.

Types of Yamaha Blaster Swingarms

There are several types of aftermarket swingarms available for the venerable Yamaha Blaster:

Steel Swingarms

Steel replacement swingarms are the most common and affordable option. They are typically constructed from thick-walled chromoly steel or alloy steel tubing. Steel arms offer great durability and strength for hardcore riding. However, they are also heavier than other designs.

Aluminum Swingarms

Swingarms machined from billet aluminum provide an excellent blend of strength and reduced weight. The material allows for very precise designs that incorporate gusseting and other structural enhancements. Anodized and polished aluminum arms also deliver custom eye candy.

Long Travel Swingarms

Long travel swingarms use a longer wheelbase and redesigned pivot location to increase rear wheel travel, sometimes by several inches. This allows the Blaster to tackle bigger terrain and land larger jumps. But it does change the handling characteristics.

Quick Change Swingarms

Quick change designs allow the swingarm pivot to be easily moved or the entire arm swapped out. This makes it simpler to alter the wheelbase and dial in the suspension. It's also handy for quickly switching between trail and performance setups.

Elka Shock Swingarms

Some aftermarket arms are designed specifically to incorporate an Elka shock absorber. This single piggyback unit replaces the Blaster's standard twin shocks for more advanced suspension performance.

Popular Yamaha Blaster Swingarm Manufacturers

There are a number of companies crafting high performance swingarms for the Yamaha Blaster:

Works Performance

Works Performance is one of the most trusted names in Blaster swingarms. Their chromoly steel and billet aluminum arms offer race-inspired designs perfect for motocross and dunes. Works arms allow significant gains in wheel travel.

Precision Racing Suspension

PRS is a top source for steel and aluminum long travel Blaster swingarms allowing up to 18 inches of rear wheel travel. They also make quick change arms and Elka shock mounts.

LA Sleeve

Renowned for push button adjustable long travel swingarms. LA Sleeve's unique designs let Blaster pilots fine tune the wheelbase and handling at the push of a button.

Tree Racing

Tree fabricates burly chromoly steel and aluminum swingarms for all types of Blaster builds, including long travel desert racing setups.

TMW Offroad

TMW offers both affordable steel and premium billet aluminum swingarms. They specialize in long travel arms that provide significant gains in wheel travel without compromising handling.

Installing an Aftermarket Yamaha Blaster Swingarm

Upgrading to an aftermarket swingarm is a more involved mod, but still manageable for an experienced ATV mechanic. Here are some tips for proper installation:

• Select a swingarm designed specifically for the Yamaha Blaster.
• Match the swingarm pivot design to the frame mounting points.
• Adjust chain, brake line, fender, and shock lengths to accommodate new arm.
• Set sag and tune suspension with the new swingarm installed.
• Start with mild testing to ensure proper handling and alignment.

With care taken during installation and setup, a new swingarm can take your Blaster's performance to the next level. The right upgrade matched to your riding style can maximize the capabilities of this legendary sport ATV.

FAQs

What is the stock swingarm length on a Yamaha Blaster?

The stock swingarm length on a Yamaha Blaster is 14.5 inches.

How much wheel travel can an aftermarket Blaster swingarm add?

Aftermarket swingarms can add 2-6 inches of additional wheel travel depending on the design. Long travel arms add the most vertical wheel movement.

Do I need to change my chain length when installing a new Blaster swingarm?

Yes, you will likely need a longer chain to accommodate the increased swingarm length. Always check chain length during installation.

What swingarm material is the strongest - steel or aluminum?

Steel swingarms are stronger than aluminum in terms of tensile strength. But properly engineered billet aluminum arms are plenty strong for most Blaster builds.

Should I upgrade the rear shock with a new Blaster swingarm?

It's highly recommended to install a better quality shock with any swingarm upgrade to properly handle the increased forces and travel.