02 CRF450R shock linkage swap ??
Posted: Sat Dec 01, 2012 1:16 pm
I have been trying to find exact info on a linkage swap for the 02 CRF450R , from what i understand the 03 had a SHORTER linkage , i recently purchased a Pro Moto Billet adjustable linkage for a 05 CRF450R i matched it to the size of the original 02 and then went with a insert that made it 3mm shorter than the 02
I tried to re-assemble everything and after removing the upper shock bolt so i could get the bolt thru the link (at the 3 point **triangle shaped** pivot end)then the swingarm would not move at all neither up or down like it was bound up , it seems the shock is now ABOVE the upper mounting bolt and the swingarm will not lower enough for anything to line up , and i do not know why the swingarm will not hang lower with the shock not attached at the top , i would have thought it would swing all the way down , if i unhook the linkage the swingarm moves freely as does all the linkage points but it does not go down any farther than it is currently moving , but will go up till the tire hits the fender, all the linkage bearings have been greased , and the bike worked fine with the stock linkage , i just wanted a little less push and this was supposed to be the cure
The only thing i can think of to remedy this is to either (A) return to my stock linkage , or (B) lengthen the linkage by means of using a different offset in the inserts ,my only concern with this is that it would defeat my goal , which was to enhance the steering to rid the bike of some push , basically make it turn more like a Suzuki without sacrificing handling or adding head shake , and i do not know what the side effects of lengthening the linkage would be , aside from i would GUESS the longer linkage would give the bike more push and defeat what i was trying to achieve
I have re-valved the suspension already (myself **Race Tech Gold Valve kits Front and Rear**) and have purchased softer pressure springs for the forks , i want this for Moto , as well as i ride the bike off road so the added turning would be a benefit
Any info from someone with knowledge on this particular subject would be appreciated..
I tried to re-assemble everything and after removing the upper shock bolt so i could get the bolt thru the link (at the 3 point **triangle shaped** pivot end)then the swingarm would not move at all neither up or down like it was bound up , it seems the shock is now ABOVE the upper mounting bolt and the swingarm will not lower enough for anything to line up , and i do not know why the swingarm will not hang lower with the shock not attached at the top , i would have thought it would swing all the way down , if i unhook the linkage the swingarm moves freely as does all the linkage points but it does not go down any farther than it is currently moving , but will go up till the tire hits the fender, all the linkage bearings have been greased , and the bike worked fine with the stock linkage , i just wanted a little less push and this was supposed to be the cure
The only thing i can think of to remedy this is to either (A) return to my stock linkage , or (B) lengthen the linkage by means of using a different offset in the inserts ,my only concern with this is that it would defeat my goal , which was to enhance the steering to rid the bike of some push , basically make it turn more like a Suzuki without sacrificing handling or adding head shake , and i do not know what the side effects of lengthening the linkage would be , aside from i would GUESS the longer linkage would give the bike more push and defeat what i was trying to achieve
I have re-valved the suspension already (myself **Race Tech Gold Valve kits Front and Rear**) and have purchased softer pressure springs for the forks , i want this for Moto , as well as i ride the bike off road so the added turning would be a benefit
Any info from someone with knowledge on this particular subject would be appreciated..