Lifan 2007 200GY lowering link?

[pushak513]

Just found the forum and I have asked everywhere else sooo here goes. I just got a 2007 lifan 200GY for my girlfriend and it sits up way to high for her. I know they make lowering links for the name brand bikes but I was wondering if any of those could be modded to fit or if someone knew where to get a lowering link for this bike. Im trying not to have one machined but I will if I have to. the shock is already all the way down so I need to lower it any other way possible. thanks alot for the help

[Weldangrind]

Welcome!

I don't know if the GY link is a direct copy of a big name, but if it is then my guess is Honda. Can you remove the link and show us a pic? Perhaps we can identify a suitable alternative.

Failing that, it wouldn't be much of a trick to weld one together using some DOM tube. Another member here did that, but I can't recall who it was.

[Weldangrind]

I found it: Lowering Link (http://chinariders.net/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=9602&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=lowering)

It was wjack57 who fabricated a link.

[pushak513]

well I will have to say that thread was very helpful and did give me some ideas. here is the original link that came out of it..if anyone knows of one that will fit..if not I guess I'll have to come up with something.



http://i337.photobucket.com/albums/n370/pushak513/0615011706.jpg

http://i337.photobucket.com/albums/n370/pushak513/0615011707.jpg

the link is 4 inchs from the end of one barrel to the other and each barrel is 1 3/4 wide if that helps at all.

[Weldangrind]

That looks quite similar to a '96 XR250R link. Maybe that's an option.

Honda XR250R Fiche (http://images.cmsnl.com/img/partslists/rear-shock-absorber-xr250r-1996-usa_bighu0343k2200a_2fe8.gif)

[pushak513]

well I got some tube and a piece of plate from work and took it to the metal fab guy around here..he said it was no problem to make me one so I guess sometime next week I will post an update with pics and let everyone know how it worked..or if it worked..really hope it does

[SpudRider]

well I got some tube and a piece of plate from work and took it to the metal fab guy around here..he said it was no problem to make me one so I guess sometime next week I will post an update with pics and let everyone know how it worked..or if it worked..really hope it does
Please do keep us updated. :) You want to make the lowering link slightly longer than the stock link, but not a great deal longer. ;) If you search these forums, you will find some suggestions for the optimum length.

Spud :)

[pushak513]

from end to end the stock link was 4 inchs..after looking at lowering links for other bikes I decided to make the new link 6 inchs end to end. so im adding a 2 inchs into the overall length which im hoping drops the bike about 1.5 inchs..if it isn't right I can always make a shorter one :lol: the guy is even recessing the ends to fit the rubber washers

[FastDoc]

You'll have to do the measuring and calculating but I think that you'll drop much more than 1 inch for an inch of link length change.

[SpudRider]

You'll have to do the measuring and calculating but I think that you'll drop much more than 1 inch for an inch of link length change.
I agree! 8O Two inches is way too long, and will probably not even fit onto the bike. ;) I would guess something like 3/8-5/8 inch would be more like it. I encourage you to do more research.

Spud :)

[recracer]

agreed 2 inches is way to long here is the best thread on this topic . http://www.chinariders.net/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=9602&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

[SpudRider]

agreed 2 inches is way to long here is the best thread on this topic . http://www.chinariders.net/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=9602&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0
Thanks for posting the link to the definitive thread on lowering links, Racer! :) I just added the thread you referenced to the Tech Sticky. :)

Spud :)

[Weldangrind]

I found it: Lowering Link (http://chinariders.net/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=9602&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=lowering)

It was wjack57 who fabricated a link.

That's the same thread I posted above, but it might not have been obvious because of how I packaged it.

[SpudRider]

I found it: Lowering Link (http://chinariders.net/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=9602&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=lowering)

It was wjack57 who fabricated a link.
That's the same thread I posted above, but it might not have been obvious because of how I packaged it.
Indeed, you first posted the link, Weld. :) I'm sorry I overlooked it. :oops: As always, thank you for your many contributions to these forums, and your constant, gracious willingness to help others. I can't imagine what these forums would be like without you. :)

Spud :)

[Weldangrind]

That feeling is quite mutual, Spud. :)

Apparently, great minds think alike (or perhaps fools seldom differ), because I had also updated the Tech Sticky in the DS forum. :lol:

[FastDoc]

Its lucky I'm not a Moderator or the Tech Sticky would have been updated three times. :roll:

[SpudRider]

...Apparently, great minds think alike (or perhaps fools seldom differ), because I had also updated the Tech Sticky in the DS forum. :lol:
I prefer the former evaluation to the latter. ;)

Spud :lol:

[pushak513]

well I should have it back monday or tuesday..if it is entirley to long I'll just have to cut down till I get it right. I do need a pretty signifigant drop anyway for her to ride comfortably. keep on tryin till I get it right. In that other thread there was mention of getting smaller wheels. I don't really want to get any smaller wheels but regualr street tires might help. where can I find some of those to fit this bike?

[Weldangrind]

If you decide that you'd like smaller wheels, I have a set that I'm willing to trade. I have a 16" rear wheel and 17" front on an otherwise full size bike.

[pushak513]

well I wont make anyone wait on a update any longer :D went and picked up the link from the welder today..I'll have to say he went above and beyond what I asked ihm for..I really hope I dont have to cut it down, it looks so nice like it is..once the rain stops I'll put it in and get some pics of the bike. the new link is 5 7/8 end to end.. the middle that was extended is now 3 3/4. I guess we will see what kind of drop that gives and shorten it up from there.this really wasnt that much of a project and I got the materials for free..welded for 20 bucks so I think I came out ahead.

http://i337.photobucket.com/albums/n370/pushak513/0621011653.jpg

http://i337.photobucket.com/albums/n370/pushak513/0621011653a.jpg

[katoranger]

That is pretty cheap. A marketed link would be many times that.

[Weldangrind]

That looks great! I wonder if it will need a dogleg like wjack's did. If so, it won't be difficult to heat and bend, but it'll mess up that fancy paint.

[SpudRider]

That is pretty cheap. A marketed link would be many times that.
Indeed! The lowering link for my Honda XR650L cost $90. ;) However, it did come with bearings, and two grease zerks. :)

Spud :)

[pushak513]

hopefully the weather is decent enough to get out and try to put it on..updates and better pics once I install it. since there arnt any made for this bike im going to use the old bushings and everything on it and just pack it full of grease by hand

[Weldangrind]

You might choose to do a dry run first. Install the bushings and link, but don't pack them full of grease at first. Once the link is installed and you're happy with it, mark an area on each end of the link where a zerk would be convenient and would not contact the frame or suspension, as suspension articulates.

Installing zerk fittings is really easy and cheap. If you want to install a zerk that has 1/4-28 thread, you need a #3 drill bit and a 1/4-28 tap. I normally work my way up to the #3 bit with regular high speed steel bits and use the #3 for the final size.

A zerk would allow you to pump some grease into the link at each oil change. A squeaky suspension will drive you nuts.

[pushak513]

well you learn as you go I guess...the link will have to be shortened up and it will also have to have a dog leg like jacks. the extended length and the angle just wont let it fit. guess its back to the shop to do some mods and try again. :?

[pushak513]

well the new link worked perfectly I really should have taken a picture of it off the bike but I went ahead and installed it..I will get pics of it on the bike though..might have to mod the kick stand just a but but it works for now. If I had measured the original ride height I could give you an idea of the drop..Im 6'1 and before I was on the balls of my feet with no weight on the bike..now I can stand flat footed no problem.I think one other major problem with these bike is how wide the seat it..makes the bike seem taller. might mod that 2. I usually work on cars but this is getting pretty interesting.

[recracer]

Very good Yes i'd love to see the photos .

[SpudRider]

I glad the lowering link worked well for you! Please do post photos! :D

Spud :)

[Weldangrind]

X3 on the pics. The more detailed, the better, because it will help someone down the road. Thanks!

[pushak513]

Just wanted to know what other seats will fit on this bike that may be a little thinner. this ones real wide and not really comfortable. thanks for the help

[recracer]

I am not aware of any interchangable seats . You could remove the seat cover and reshape it and pad to your desire ,the cover is only stapled on . we still await your lowering link photos