lowering link install

[SpudRider]

I own a 12-ton press, and I occasionally replace worn bearings in the swingarms and lower shock linkages of my motorcycles. However, if I were buying a lowering link from CSC, I would exercise the option to buy one with the bearings installed.

If you decide to switch back to the stock link/dogbone, you will want the link to contain bearings. Also, if you decide to sell the bike, or the stock link/dogbone, you will want the link to contain bearings. Therefore, I do think it's best to purchase a lowering link containing bearings.

[rjmorel]

Must be our lucky day boys. I see CSC has the lowering link marked down $25 to $74.95 and the aluminum skid plate marked down $40 to $89.95. Look under accessories / body/guards. rj

[SpudRider]

Thanks for the good tip, Rob. If you don't mind, please post that tip in the RX3 megathread, where it will get more exposure.

[rjmorel]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Thanks for the good tip, Rob. If you don't mind, please post that tip in the RX3 megathread, where it will get more exposure.

Done Spud, rj

[GSC]

Thank you for info people.
$98 got me a lowering link w bearings installed from CSC
That and the little fork lowering trick will satisfy my 28" inseam reach nicely.
I hope it doesn't adversely affect the bike handling. I can always put it all back easy enough I suppose.

[Weldangrind]

Good news! That'll be welcome news for several riders, I'm sure.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by GSC

Thank you for info people.
$98 got me a lowering link w bearings installed from CSC
That and the little fork lowering trick will satisfy my 28" inseam reach nicely.
I hope it doesn't adversely affect the bike handling. I can always put it all back easy enough I suppose.

Good for you.

[GSC]

Originally Posted by rjmorel

Trip, I just loosened the triple clamp bolts that tighten around the upper fork tubes under the handlebar and slid them up towards the handlebars. This puts the bike down lower on the forks and lowers the seat a little. At our height every bit helps.

Spud ,I that very thought did surface as I exchanged the links how much simpler it would be if they did come with the bearings installed so you didn't have to swap them, rj

rj
please would you elaborate on the fork lowering a little more?
may I do this with front tire on the ground, one fork at a time??
thanks

[rjmorel]

Originally Posted by GSC

rj
please would you elaborate on the fork lowering a little more?
may I do this with front tire on the ground, one fork at a time??
thanks

Be glad to , heres a pic also.
Yes you can move forks with front tire on ground one fork at a time. Loosen all 8 allan bolts, 4 for each side .Grab one tube at a time and twist the tube and it will slide right up. It may be easier to remove the plastic panels off gas tank to get to the bottom allen head bolts on the lower triple clamp. DO NOT LET THE TAPERED FATTER PORTION OF THE TUBES GO UP INTO THE TOP TRIPLE CLAMP.
You can see just under the fork cap 2 lines showing how far up I've moved the forks , about 3/8". , usually the fork cap is even with the top of the triple clamp.
Also shown in pic are the 7/8" handle bar risers installed. I thought I could raise the forks up higher to just before they touched the bottom of the handle bars but the tapered portion on the fork tube will not allow the tubes to go up any farther. Hope this helps, rj

[GSC]

Outstanding description and photo. Without risers will I get full amount like you did, 3/8"?
That experienced info is just what I need to proceed.
Thank you rj

[rjmorel]

Originally Posted by GSC

Outstanding description and photo. Without risers will I get full amount like you did, 3/8"?
That experienced info is just what I need to proceed.
Thank you rj

Yes 3/8" is where the tubes were at after raising them, but before I put the handle bar risers on.
So raise them till just before they hit the bottom of the handle bars and your there if you don't have risers on the bars.
The limiting factor if you raised your bars is the taper part of the fork tube not allowing it to go up in the triple clamp any father .
rj

[SpudRider]

With the front wheel installed, the fork tubes won't rise individually, since they are locked together by the axle. If both forks are loosened enough the forks will rise in unison, but be careful so they don't slam into the handlebars. If the forks rise too high, you will need to get the weight off the front wheel to lower them again.

It is actually much simpler to elevate the front wheel. After you remove the wheel, you can raise each fork individually to the desired height. Then you can insert the axle to make sure the forks won't bind, before you re-install the front wheel, and lower the bike.

[GSC]

Finally got time to lower bike today with new rear link and front fork moved up per rj's advice.
Found it very simple job and quite satisfied.
Also followed CSC's tutorial and flipped clamp on the rear brake line for added insurance of clearance.
Thank you all for good tips!

[SpudRider]

Good for you. Thanks for posting the update.