[mxracer76]

Ok so ever since 09 Honda has been dealing with the "stink bug" feel of the bike. Every year they "say" that they change the linkage arm and bell crank. And for 2012 they "say" that they finally followed the aftermarket companies and put a longer linkage arm on to lower the back end.
This is where things don't make sense. I have read on other web forums that people are measuring their linkages and they are all the same length. 144mm seems to be the number that everyone is getting. Even on the procircut website it states that 2009,2010 and 2011 linkages are 144mm stock and theirs is 146mm. Now, I have read that some people are measuring their 2012 linkages and are also getting 144mm, same as 09-11. I have 2 2012 crf450's and I took off both linkages and measured both. They are both 144mm, same as 09,10,11. So why did Honda say they put on a longer linkage arm when they really didn't?
The only logical explanation that I could thing of is that the only changes that were made was to the bell crank. Still does not answer why they would state that they put on a longer linkage arm!!

[mxracer76]

No comments or input??

[crfsonly]

2009-10 stock was 144.5. The Ride Eng link we offer is 146 to lower the bike 10mm which helps even out the chassis.

2011 stock was 143.5, The Ride Eng link we offer is 145, again lowering the back about 10.

2012 stock was a 144 but the stock knuckle was redesigned and lowered the back 2mm. Ride Eng stuck with the 145 for this bike. The 1mm longer length provides a 6mm drop from our link plus a 2mm drop from the stock knuckle for a total of 8mm.

2013-14 the outer arm is 143.5mm. We don't recommend lowering the back of this model but the Ride Engineering complete linkage does offer some important handling advantages over the stock complete linkage and it does keep the ride height the same as stock.

Hope this helps!

Ken

[mxracer76]

Hmmm, well that actually does help thanks you!

Opens a few different questions and possibilities.

You say that the stock 09 is 144.5 and the stock 12 is 144. And the Ride Eng link is 145.

So, if the extra 1mm of length of the Ride Eng link lowers 6mm on the 12, would it be safe to say that the 09 144.5mm stock link would lower the 12 3mm?

[crfsonly]

not sure as the knuckle was changed in 12. you'd want to make sure it fits and then measure the change once installed.

[mxracer76]

Well I know one should never assume but seeing as the Kouba says that their links #CRF9-1, CRF9-2 and CRF9-3 fit all crf450's and 250's from 2009 and up, Im assuming that the stock linkages are all interchangeable as well.

[crfsonly]

interchangeable in terms of bolting up but it doesn't mean you'll get the results you want from a height or function standpoint. also, there could be other clearance issues with the linkage/shock.

[mxracer76]

I can somewhat see what you are saying but Kouba has a one link fits all so this is what leads me to believe that they would all interchange. As well when you look at the knuckles, the replacement bearing kits are all the same for 09-13 and 10-13 250's.

So assuming that the knuckles have all the same bearings with just slightly different positions and with kouba's idea of a one size fits all link. They all have to be interchangeable.

So its more than likely possible that if a link that is stock at 144 and you put on a link that is 145mm you get 6mm of drop, a link that is 144.5 should provide 3mm of drop.

Its just basic geometry. As long as all the parts are interchagable which kouba has proven they are.

[crfsonly]

not doubting it would bolt up. just not known what the final seat height would be or how it would affect how the shock performs and the rear rides. the answers to these last two questions is not simple geometry but rather mechanical and hydraulic dynamics.

[mxracer76]

Well, kouba doesn't seem to be worried about mechanical and hydraulic dynamic differences since they make a one size fits all link, just saying.

For example, you can take their CRF9-2 link and put it onto a 2010 CRF250R then take that exact link off and put it straight onto a 2012 CRF450R without any problems or mods. And that is right from their website. Yes there will be a slight height difference but it will still work with no problems. If there was going to be problems, why would they sell a one size fits all link?

[crfsonly]

not sure where the confusion is with my comments. i've said the OEM links will likely bolt up. since the OEM links are NOT the kouba links the geometry and dynamics involved will not yield the same results. so, you'll still have to install the OEM link you are interested in to determine seat height, linkage clearance, and suspension function.

since you're fond of kouba comparisons, an example of what i am talking about is the kouba CRF4 link. the CRF2, CRF3 links work with the CRF250X, CRF250R'04-09, CRF450R'02-08, CRF450X. however, the CRF4 link only works with the CRF450X. the CRF4 link will mount to the CRF250X, CRF250R'04-09, and CRF450R'02-08 however there will be clearance issues with the full range of suspension travel.

[mxracer76]

Its not that there is confusion. Just the wheels in my head turning and thinking of new options and posibilities to try.

This is why this site is awesome! So much knowledge, so many points of view. The only real way to really know is too try it out.

I love the feel of the 12 and know that lots of people say it does feel better with a longer link. I actually bought a kouba link from this site. Before I put it on I did ride comparison with a friends bike, also a 12 450 but with a kouba link already installed, I set it up exactly the same and found the kouba link lowered it too much and I didn't like it so I never did put the link on that I bought. That is why it's for sale lol

So I'm just thinking of other possibilities.

Thanks Ken for your input!!

[mxracer76]

Was thinking about it today and your comment about the link CRF4 for the 450x is a good one however, that is an extreme case. That link is meant for a massive amount of lowering and is more than likely way longer than stock to achieve that.

I however am comparing OEM links that are between .5mm to 1mm difference. And aftermarket links that are 2mm or so longer(procircuit and Ride End) Without rechecking, if I remember correctly the kouba link I have is 149? Which is drastically longer than stock.
At that point I can see where there could be clearance and or other issues.

[05250x75]

hey, i don't have a problem with the height of my bike (its an 05 crf250x) but i need a new rear linkage part, I can find plenty of lowering links for cheaper than quoted by honda, but I don't want my bike to be any lower because I'm over 6' does anyone know where i can order one from? p.s. I'm in canada, which does create problems. thanks!

[Deanzo]

hey, i don't have a problem with the height of my bike (its an 05 crf250x) but i need a new rear linkage part, I can find plenty of lowering links for cheaper than quoted by honda, but I don't want my bike to be any lower because I'm over 6' does anyone know where i can order one from? p.s. I'm in canada, which does create problems. thanks!

Ken, who owns this site sells them.
http://partsfinder.onlinemicrofiche.com ... c=0&d=2005 CRF250X SUSPENSION - SHOCK ABSORBER - REAR
With a bit of luck that link takes you to the part/parts you are after.

I'm in New Zealand, CRF Only is in the US, he has no issues shipping to me (or anywhere for that matter) none of my orders have ever gone missing and as a rule here in five or so days, so Canada would be easy.