Ex-500.com - The home of the Kawasaki EX500 / Ninja 500R banner
1 - 20 of 28 Posts

· Registered
Joined
·
79 Posts
Discussion Starter · #1 ·
I just raised the rear of my bike an inch and 5/8ths by changing the dogbones. They were made by dad and are an excellent upgrade for the ex. it doesn't feel like the ass is dragging the ground at all anymore. I'm gonna post up before and after pics as well as pics of the old and new dogbones as soon as i can figure that one out. think i got it figured out so we'll see.

First pic of the before the links


Picture of the old links


Picture of the comparision shot of the old new links


Heres the new links courtesy of dad he's the man


and the afterwards shot


Ok so lets see if i did it right, and ? give me a pm and i'll answer best i can.

******* Child
 

· Registered
Joined
·
79 Posts
Discussion Starter · #2 ·
here's a better pic of the after the install. It was easy only took bout an hour.

 

· Registered
Joined
·
3,566 Posts
smithmax said:
I've seen several references to these parts, but what/where are they?
They are the links that connect the shock rocker to the swing arm, visible from underneath.

Raising the rear makes the bike turn much lighter by reducing the caster. On most sportbikes the amount of change you would make at the rear is nowhere near this much, if any, but these have a LOT of caster built in and react well to this change. They also can well use the additional corner clearance this change provides.

They also do well with stiffer springs. The links I made have a slight step bend at each end to move the center, or span of the link out about 1/16". This affords room for the slightly larger diameter springs that are often used when stiffening the rears. It saves having to use spacers on the link bolts to move them outward and then finding the longer bolts that requires.

Bas, I'm glad you're happy with the change. :)
 

· Registered
Joined
·
3,566 Posts
jakew129 said:
how much do u charge for ur links dad?
I make those as a convenience for people. It's purely a sideline thing in my shop that manufactures industrial equipment.

I have charged $65, shipped in the continental US. The parts are machined as pictured with the provision to accomodate the bigger diameter Penske/Hypercoil springs if that's ever desired. They are from colled rolled steel, flat black enamel finished.

If you want a set, send me a PM to make arrangements for address, estimated shipping time, and shipping info.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
79 Posts
Discussion Starter · #9 ·
I beleive so i got some good riding in this past week and am in love with the links. They help the bike tremendously in two areas, the curves and the stability. My bike now rolls smoothely thru the curves. As well as the stability of the bike is greatly improved. Just after the install i was cut off on my work. With my rear wheel locked up and the arse of the bike slide around enough for the throttle to touch the tank, it never went down. on the old links i would have garunteed a highside out of the matter. when that happened the arse came back under me contrablly regaining traction and i was free to ride off after a few choice gestures to the driver who cut me off.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
3,566 Posts
jakew129 said:
So if im not gonna change the rear spring anytime soon, if im just gonna leave i stock, is it worth me getting a set of these links?
They make it steer lighter, turn in is easier. If you're a highway rider and not much on corners, they may not be worth it to you. On the other hand, if you enjoy the twisties I think you'd see a benefit from the feel but especially, as you get more aggressive, you'll find the fairing lower and pegs scraping. Raising the rear will make a huge difference there, virtually eliminating the scraping risk. At the same time you can raise the front up to 1/2" . That doesn't require any parts, just sliding the fork tubes down in the clamps.

Then, as you get faster yet, the rear will start to wallow on high speed sweepers at full lean. That is when you'll want to re-spring the rear or go for about $850 on a Penske rear shock that is built and sprung to the rider's weight. If you were to order a Penske the links wouldn't be required as the Penske comes with adjustable rear ride height. All you need then, in addition to the shock, is longer shock link bolts and 1/16" - 1/8" spacers so the stock links will clear the spring. The longer bolts are not typical hardware store items in that size and length but can be ordered from a fastener supply house. Expect about $15 to $20 for those by the time you're done with the parts prices as well as shipping.

When doing any re-springing you should consider doing both ends together as they should be relatively matched. One end grossly different from the other, even if one is perfect, causes its own handling woes. Front and rear should be reasonably matched, even if not perfect. Does that help?
 

· Registered
Joined
·
405 Posts
I'm curious, I know you said that the new dogbones wouldn't help highway riding, but would they adversely affect it? I do alot of both high speed highway commuting and riding of the twisties, should I think about replacing the stock dogbones or not?
 

· Fast Old Guy
Joined
·
20,115 Posts
There is really no downside, unless your inseam is shorter than 25". Handling is generally improved at all conditions.
I have them in stock for 94 and newer bikes. $40 + shipping.

FOG
 

· Registered
Joined
·
24 Posts
Being a tall rider (6'5) I am looking for modifications to improve the comfort of the ride. If I add the dogbones to the bike will it provide a more comfortable ride. I like what I see with the cornering abilities, but am extremely concerned about increased comfort.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
1,172 Posts
pacagg2 said:
Being a tall rider (6'5) I am looking for modifications to improve the comfort of the ride. If I add the dogbones to the bike will it provide a more comfortable ride. I like what I see with the cornering abilities, but am extremely concerned about increased comfort.
yes . I have 1 set for sale $40 .
 
1 - 20 of 28 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top