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whiskey
Provo, UT
USA
58 Posts |
Posted on 03/27/2003 at 10:35:55 PM
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| I'm curious if anyone knows of much differece between the lowering links that I know of .. the Devol, Dual-Star and XRs Only. How much does the Devol supposedly lower? I read that the Dual-Star and XRs Only lowering links lower 1 1/2 inches. Are they all basically the same? Thanks... |
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Marchman
XR400R
1 Posts |
Posted on 03/28/2003 at 03:17:00 AM
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| If your bike isn't that old just press-out the bearings from the stock link and into the lowering link. It's easy with the right sized socket and a table vise. Took me about 10 minutes. Regrease it, of course. |
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Stu
Tirana
Albania
354 Posts |
Posted on 03/28/2003 at 06:55:01 AM
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I would imagine that if the lowering link lowers it enough that it would not be necessary to make any further adjustments (e.g. raising the front forks in the triple clamps). At least I don't plan on raising the front forks if I don't need to.
The DualStar (which is on the way to me as I type) is claimed to lower the bike 1.5", but this is in combination with raising the front forks 0.75". The description at DualStars web site stated a full 1.5" lowering when used in conjunction with another "simple adjustment" or something like that, which a salesman confirmed that this involved raising the front forks. I don't have the link/instructions, but I understand from other posts that they are raised 0.75". I will make exact before/after measurements (link alone without front fork adjustment) once I get the DualStar link (which I heard is the same as the Devol).
I agree with Marchman. Regreasing the link bearings should be done anytime you have the link out. The only reason I got mine with the bearings/dustcaps installed was for a simple and fast installation, making future changes if deemed necessary (for whatever reason) easy.
Like mothermac99, I too am not doing anything fancy - but at the same time I don't lose any performance or stability. This is why I don't plan on raising the forks.
I am going to tune the suspension by using the RaceTech suspension kit. According to my profile (2002 XR250R and 120 lbs) and talking to one of their salesman, I won't need to change any of the fork or shock springs. For my weight, the stock Honda springs are what I should have. That was a big surprise. The BIG question is whether just using their valve kits for both fork and shock as well as adjusting the fork oil level and charge the rear shock nitrogen pressure to their specs (215psi) will give me a race sag of 100mm (100mm = ~4"). If I can get 3.5-4" of race sag I'll be a very happy camper. I won't need the lowering link or anything else (removing seat foam, etc.) so I'll be able to plant both of my feet firmly on the ground. Stock, I can only get just under 2" of race sag. That's with the rear pre-load spring maxed out (7.30"). It was my understanding that if you adjusted pre-load to get proper race sag (3.5-4") and then got too much free sag (0.75-1") that that meant you'd need softer springs. Well, that's exactly what happened with me. But RaceTech says I only need their valving kits and adjust per their recommendations. I guess I'll know in a few weeks after ordering the parts.
//Stu |
02 XR250R |
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Stu
Tirana
Albania
354 Posts |
Posted on 04/11/2003 at 12:02:44 PM
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This post is in response to HCWHunder’s request for the dimensions to my DualStar (Devol) lowering link which I just received today, so here it is with the dimensions keyed to the image below.
As you can see in the below image, it is a Devol link (never mentioned at the DualStar site. Oh, the zerk fittins shown on the image at that site is for the other (cheaper) link they sell with brass bushings installed, not for the better link machined for roller bearings, according to the salesman I talked to.
I purchased it with two roller bearings and four dust seals installed. You can see these parts in the image. Cost was $80 for the link plus $38 for two each roller bearings and $20 for four each dust seals for a total of about $140.
I do not have my calipers with me so I cannot provide accurate measurements right now. I am giving the dimensions based on what I read from a ruler which I’m guessing is +/- 0.02 inch. I will have my calipers in a week or two and will post accurate measurements then.
This lowering link looks like quality. You can probably see the CNC work done for the logo. The most critical dimension is the inside diameter for the bearings. Don’t machine this dimension (B) until I can provide an accurate measurement as it’s critical for a press fit of the bearings. Perhaps you can get this dimension from your stock link.
All dimensions in inches.
EDITED 25 APR 03 with correct dimensions
A - 3.619
B - 0.947
C - 0.219
D - 1.377
E - 5.012
F - 1.496
No need to reduce the thickness in the center. You can just use a 1.50 x 5.00 bar of aluminum and machine it from that. Of course, the above is what I received for a 2002 XR250R.
I think I will install zerk fittings on both sides of this lowering link so I can easily grease it installed. I’m guessing that the roller pins ride against the aluminum they're pressing into so drilling a hole will allow the grease to penetrate. Can anyone confirm this?
As an aside, I also received some “super duper” (my words) bearing grease from DualStar, 4oz for $8.95. It’s labled High Performance Micro Particulate Barrier Bearing Grease – Noleen, A Specially Formulated Heavy Duty Grease for High Load Bearings. Looks like normal run-of-the-mill grease to me. I think that was a waste of money - man-o-man, $9 for four ounces is ridiculous. Next time I’ll just get a tub of waterproof BelRay or similar. Unfortunately, a lot of items commonly available in the U.S. are hard to get or just aren't available here in Pakistan…
//Stu |
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whiskey
Provo, UT
USA
58 Posts |
Posted on 04/19/2003 at 1:12:41 PM
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Hey Stu,
I was wondering if you installed the link yet. If so, what do you think of it? |
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Stu
Tirana
Albania
354 Posts |
Posted on 04/21/2003 at 07:52:01 AM
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There are not enought hours in the day. My bike is coming into my living room tomorrow and I will install the lowering link, Qwiksilver carburator and Scotts damper this week. I've already drilled/tapped the steering stops to accept screws for the Scotts damper. Just have to bolt it on. Lowering link should take all of 15 minutes. I'll post my impressions.
As the bike has only about 400 miles on it, I've pretty much gotten used to the height (have a 29" inseam), and actually, it's not all that bad now. If I had to do it over I probably wouldn't get it (the lowering link). If I see anything detrimental from the lowering link, e.g. handling, it's coming out.
I am getting to be "one with my bike"  |
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whiskey
Provo, UT
USA
58 Posts |
Posted on 04/21/2003 at 3:13:53 PM
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| I here ya there. I bought my bike about three or four weeks ago I think, and haven't had the time to go out riding yet. Maybe this weekend, or next, I'll start to get more time. The going up and down the street and a few laps around the church parking lot across the street just aren't cutting it. |
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Stu
Tirana
Albania
354 Posts |
Posted on 04/25/2003 at 06:11:51 AM
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I started another thread with my impressions of Devol lowering link - long story short, I didn't like it and returned to the stock Honda lowering link.
UPDATE - I have updated the dimension of the Devol lowering link as measured with a caliper. I edited that post with the correct numbers, which were only off by 0.01 or so. Not bad for eyeballing it! Here are the correct dimension as well, all in inches:
A 3.619
B 0.947
C 0.219
D 1.377
E 5.012
F 1.496 |
02 XR250R |
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HCWHunter
93 XR250R
USA
27 Posts |
Posted on 04/27/2003 at 12:36:00 AM
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Thanks for the dimensions. I actually got them from someone else too and his measurement for A was a little different - 9.25cm while yours converts to about 9.192cm. Your picture is pretty compelling though! Would you be so kind as to give me the A. measurement for the stock link to compare with his measurement? You can just measure center to center on the bolt ends without taking it off. Thanks.
HW |
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Stu
Tirana
Albania
354 Posts |
Posted on 04/28/2003 at 06:08:08 AM
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| I measured with the original link installed, but I couldn't measure from the bolt ends as the bolts are reversed (the front is inserted from the right, the rear is inserted from the left). I measured from center to center and came up with 3.015". It's probably actually 3.000. |
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Eric 23
00 KLX300
52 Posts |
Posted on 07/07/2003 at 07:02:55 AM
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| I've been following this thread with interest because of my 5'8" stature. Before I invest in lowering links, my plan is to get the race sag set at 3-3.5", see what that does, and then go after the seat cushion. I can touch the ground with my toes, but being able to firmly set my feet would be a big improvement. I ride observed trials and finally set up the suspension on my trials bike. Every adjustment makes a difference, and when it all comes together it's beautiful. I personally wouldn't install lowering links without lowering the front forks. Without balancing the front to the rear you throw off the geometry. Just my 2 cents. |
2000 KLX300, Mikuni pumper, FMF Power Core, Uni filter |
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Topic |
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Build your own XR250R suspension lowering link
