ADVANTAGES OF TORQUE AXIS ARMS

September 1988 - The question is, "What Level of Performance Increase Can One Expect From Them", and also,  What negative effect might they have?
   The most significant advantage of a torque arm are improved belt life and better acceleration.  Because the engine is mounted on rubber bushings that reduce vibration to the frame, it is possible for it to shift during acceleration.  When this happens the clutch can come misaligned and speed up belt wear. With a torque arm in place, the amount of engine movement is regulated by the tension on the torque arm.  Generally top-end performance will not change unless a machine was way out of alignment before installing the torque arm.
   One danger with torque arms is over-tightening .  If the cushioning affect is taken out of the motor mounts, all of the vibration will be transferred to the chassis and this result in a cracked frame.  A properly adjusted torque arm should allow the engine to move up or down, but not twist.  There shoould be no tension of the arm while the machine is sitting still.