Flexing of titanium front axles and swing arm pivots

Tokyo_Tiddler
Posts
2120
Joined
7/25/2009
Location
Somewhere in, NJ US
Edited Date/Time 6/13/2014 10:34pm
I am running a titanium rear axle but am hesitant to run a titanium front axle or swing arm pivot as I have heard some riders complain about flex when using titanium in these 2 areas. MXA magazine says they do not like titanium front axles because of the flex concern.

Titanium bolts have only about half the strength/ stiffness as steel when it comes to flexing..

Anyone have first hand experience running titanium for these two areas and noticed the flex or effect on handling?

thanks,
mike
|
6/13/2014 10:34pm
Im probably wrong, but I think the FIM doesnt even allow titanium axles. I think sometimes the quest for saving ounces isnt worth the risk, but I dont race, so what do I know.
6/3/2026 3:16pm
I am running a titanium rear axle but am hesitant to run a titanium front axle or swing arm pivot as I have heard some riders...
I am running a titanium rear axle but am hesitant to run a titanium front axle or swing arm pivot as I have heard some riders complain about flex when using titanium in these 2 areas. MXA magazine says they do not like titanium front axles because of the flex concern.

Titanium bolts have only about half the strength/ stiffness as steel when it comes to flexing..

Anyone have first hand experience running titanium for these two areas and noticed the flex or effect on handling?

thanks,
mike

So, what I hear you sayings is, using Ti can flex up a chassis that was routinely called too stiff? 

Honestly, I’ll never be able to ride it hard enough to tell. 

1
Tokyo_Tiddler
Posts
2120
Joined
7/25/2009
Location
Somewhere in, NJ US
6/3/2026 3:59pm
I am running a titanium rear axle but am hesitant to run a titanium front axle or swing arm pivot as I have heard some riders...
I am running a titanium rear axle but am hesitant to run a titanium front axle or swing arm pivot as I have heard some riders complain about flex when using titanium in these 2 areas. MXA magazine says they do not like titanium front axles because of the flex concern.

Titanium bolts have only about half the strength/ stiffness as steel when it comes to flexing..

Anyone have first hand experience running titanium for these two areas and noticed the flex or effect on handling?

thanks,
mike
MoogenKen wrote:
So, what I hear you sayings is, using Ti can flex up a chassis that was routinely called too stiff? Honestly, I’ll never be able to ride...

So, what I hear you sayings is, using Ti can flex up a chassis that was routinely called too stiff? 

Honestly, I’ll never be able to ride it hard enough to tell. 

Wow, you dug up an ancient post. I was referring to where factory bikes at the time often didn't use titanium in some areas because of flex concerns.. another area being the shock linkage pull rod to knuckle pivot bolt. Since that post, I now have personal experience with titanium bolts in all those areas and I also don't ride hard enough to tell.. not the Ti front axle, not the linkage pivot bolt, but I did notice a very slight change in the chassis with the titanium swingarm pivot bolt.

2
6/3/2026 4:20pm Edited Date/Time 6/4/2026 10:15am
I am running a titanium rear axle but am hesitant to run a titanium front axle or swing arm pivot as I have heard some riders...
I am running a titanium rear axle but am hesitant to run a titanium front axle or swing arm pivot as I have heard some riders complain about flex when using titanium in these 2 areas. MXA magazine says they do not like titanium front axles because of the flex concern.

Titanium bolts have only about half the strength/ stiffness as steel when it comes to flexing..

Anyone have first hand experience running titanium for these two areas and noticed the flex or effect on handling?

thanks,
mike
MoogenKen wrote:
So, what I hear you sayings is, using Ti can flex up a chassis that was routinely called too stiff? Honestly, I’ll never be able to ride...

So, what I hear you sayings is, using Ti can flex up a chassis that was routinely called too stiff? 

Honestly, I’ll never be able to ride it hard enough to tell. 

Wow, you dug up an ancient post. I was referring to where factory bikes at the time often didn't use titanium in some areas because of...

Wow, you dug up an ancient post. I was referring to where factory bikes at the time often didn't use titanium in some areas because of flex concerns.. another area being the shock linkage pull rod to knuckle pivot bolt. Since that post, I now have personal experience with titanium bolts in all those areas and I also don't ride hard enough to tell.. not the Ti front axle, not the linkage pivot bolt, but I did notice a very slight change in the chassis with the titanium swingarm pivot bolt.

Sir, I’m doing my due diligence on the topic. There’s not a steel fastener anywhere in my build. I’d like to eventually speak more scientifically. Right now, I’m a Mad Scientist with a Lab Project. Hoping for the best. 

I’ve got a Titanium Pro Circuit 5.2 spring off a late model KYB on to the Showa. Was reading your post about that earlier. 

There’s a plethora of historic information in here. Just using the search option. 

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