How to add swingarm spool mounts to a Honda F4i

These are instructions for how to add swingarm spool mounting holes to a Honda F4i swingarm.  Swingarm spools provide a safer and much more convenient method of lifting the rear of your bike for doing tire changes, chain lube, etc.  Most bikes come with threaded mounting holes for spools, but the F4i is an exception (this could also be done on any other bike that doesn't come with spool mounting holes).  This definitely isn't the simplest way, but I wanted a nice clean look without the mounting holes sticking off the bottom, and I wanted something stronger than just drilling and tapping a hole in the relatively thin-walled, hollow, aluminum swingarm.

This method requires that you take the swingarm off the bike.  I won't go into detail on taking the swingarm off, so if you haven't done that before and you don't know how, you might want to take a look at the service manual or something similar.  The swingarm on your bike should look something like the picture above.  I also added a picture of some spools on another bike so you can see how they work.

I did all the work at the TechShop in Menlo Park, CA because they have all the tools I needed including an engine hoist, TIG welder, sandblaster, powdercoating system, angle grinder, hand tools, etc.  If you're interested in TechShop it's a DIY membership-based workshop, you can get more info at www.techshop.ws

Step 1: Remove Swingarm

As I said I won't go into detail on removing the swingarm, but you'll need to lift the rear of the bike without using the swingarm, which means you can't use a traditional rear stand.  I used an engine hoist at the TechShop to hold the back end up, but you could also probably use a jack if you're careful.  You'll have to remove the rear tire, the brake caliper and lines, and the front sprocket cover, before you can remove the swingarm.  You'll also have to make a special tool that looks like the picture above for the locking collar on the swingarm pivot bolt (marked in red on the second picture).  I used an angle grinder with a cut off wheel to cut reliefs in an old socket.