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Re: What are my options for raising rear suspension?
The problem with a bracket to extend the shock length is that if the bracket flips forwards or backwards, it will essentially lower the rear. How long are your shocks now?
You might be able to find much stiffer shocks from a heavier bike - that way that 1.5" of travel will be enough. But too stiff of a shock will of course be much harsher to ride.
Re: What are my options for raising rear suspension?
I'm dealing with the same thing on my R5 where I added a rear hoop and a flat seat. I considered stiffer springs but was worried that that wouldn't be enough. I'm now looking at moving the shock mounts a couple inches lower. this should accomplish two things; rectifying the clearance problem but also raising the rear end a bit which will give the bike a more aggresive stance. I don't anticipate a problem with suspension with a small move but if I'm mistaken I'm all ears. (I've seen this done way more aggresively than I'm planning)
Also this is way cheaper than buying new shocks or springs. If you don't weld yourself you should be able to get it done for less than $50.
Re: What are my options for raising rear suspension?
diesel450 said:
I'm dealing with the same thing on my R5 where I added a rear hoop and a flat seat. I considered stiffer springs but was worried that that wouldn't be enough. I'm now looking at moving the shock mounts a couple inches lower. this should accomplish two things; rectifying the clearance problem but also raising the rear end a bit which will give the bike a more aggresive stance. I don't anticipate a problem with suspension with a small move but if I'm mistaken I'm all ears. (I've seen this done way more aggresively than I'm planning)
Also this is way cheaper than buying new shocks or springs. If you don't weld yourself you should be able to get it done for less than $50.
That's a great idea, but at this point I'm just sick of modifying and chopping at my bike. I'm going to try just getting some longer shocks from a larger honda.
My only concern after doing that is chain length and clearance...oh geez.
Anyone know of a legitimate way to extend a chain if I need to?
Is it practical to install multiple master links?
Re: What are my options for raising rear suspension?
Tristan said:
My only concern after doing that is chain length and clearance...oh geez.
Anyone know of a legitimate way to extend a chain if I need to?
Is it practical to install multiple master links?
AAHH yes the point of exasperation, I know it well. Its up to you what's more important at this point, your time or your money. Also really think about what you want your bike to look like. Sometimes the hardest part is making the decision. that said if you can find shocks that work that may be the way to go.
Raising rear won't affect chain length at all. :
You still have tightest point when all 3 pivots line up.
You may have other issues as swing arm is going to be below design arc and you may have to run with excessive slack
If you raise the rear ride height your chain will loosen, not tighten. So you should not need to add any length to your chain.
PJ is right in that you will need to run your chain "looser" with the swingarm down, but you will be limited by the chain clearance at the pivot as to how far you can jack up the rear anyway (I'm guessing about 2"), and the increased slack with such a small(ish) change should be minimal.
Jack up the rear of the bike (do you have a centrestand?), take off the shocks and move the rear end down until the top side of the chain just touches the swingarm pivot. Make sure the chain is taught (bike in gear, pull the wheel backwards). That's pretty well the lowest you can/should go. Measure the distance between your shock mounts and that's the length of the shocks you should be looking for. When the bike is off the stand (with the new shocks) the weight will be back on the rear end again and the chain will lift back off the swingarm pivot when riding.
If you still need more clearance you could either get larger sprockets (again you are limited with the front size), or if all that fails you might have to re-think your hoop.....or use struts..... :
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