Is there any way to effectively raise the rear end of the DR650 up? Mine is not in the lower position, however I have some older dirt bike forks going in my DR soon that will raise the front by about an inch. Can I do the same to the rear with those adjustable links they sell on the bay. Or is just better to get a stiffer spring in the back thereby reducing the static sag somewhat. I just want the back to match the front after the mod. Any help would be great. Thanks!
I need a raise
Started by ccothran, Jan 26 2012 10:27 AM
9 replies to this topic
Posted 26 January 2012 - 10:27 AM
Is there any way to effectively raise the rear end of the DR650 up? Mine is not in the lower position, however I have some older dirt bike forks going in my DR soon that will raise the front by about an inch. Can I do the same to the rear with those adjustable links they sell on the bay. Or is just better to get a stiffer spring in the back thereby reducing the static sag somewhat. I just want the back to match the front after the mod. Any help would be great. Thanks!
Posted 27 January 2012 - 04:40 AM
Sure there´s a way to raise your rear - go for the cheapest links you can find in the bay. I went with a set for 30 bucks (steel) to raise the rear of my DR by 30 mm (1,2"). Makes a noticeable difference and is stil perfectly rideable with stock fork, so you shouldn´t have any problem when inserting longer forks. Just be careful: 3 cm in the front AND back really make that bike rise up in seat-height!
Posted 06 February 2012 - 10:47 AM
Different links are the best option. A stiffer spring may raise the rear a bit ... but why compromise spring tension?
If you weigh more than 170 lbs. then you will need a stiffer rear spring anyway ... but adding a spring just does not do that much for ride height. A different set of Dog Bones (links) will raise the rear up at least an inch ... or more. Heavier springs in front won't raise the front very much, but if it gets too high ... you can simply lower the fork tubes within the triple clamps. You have nearly an inch to play with. The DR handles better with the rear raised up a bit.
The DR has a large amount of Static Sag ... no matter what spring you run. That will not change much. Race Sag (rider on bike) will change with a stiffer spring ... and that is what matters. 3 to 3.5 inches of race sag is good to start with.
More important than spring tension is good rebound damping ... which the stock shock is seriously lacking. Good rebound damping really helps the DR650 .... both on and off road.
If you weigh more than 170 lbs. then you will need a stiffer rear spring anyway ... but adding a spring just does not do that much for ride height. A different set of Dog Bones (links) will raise the rear up at least an inch ... or more. Heavier springs in front won't raise the front very much, but if it gets too high ... you can simply lower the fork tubes within the triple clamps. You have nearly an inch to play with. The DR handles better with the rear raised up a bit.
The DR has a large amount of Static Sag ... no matter what spring you run. That will not change much. Race Sag (rider on bike) will change with a stiffer spring ... and that is what matters. 3 to 3.5 inches of race sag is good to start with.
More important than spring tension is good rebound damping ... which the stock shock is seriously lacking. Good rebound damping really helps the DR650 .... both on and off road.
Posted 06 February 2012 - 12:24 PM
I have heard of lowering links for the DR but not raising links. Do you have a link? (I know, I know)
Posted 06 February 2012 - 02:12 PM
On ADVrider somewhere I looked at this link in order to possibly raise the rear end of my DR650 http://www.ebay.com/...em=170624302050 . I am 5' 10" and 165 lbs. I am probably going to keep my stock rear spring for now, put on my '88 RM250 forks, and buy this link to gain some clearance and give my bike a more balanced look. In the future I'll tackle the damping in the rear end. Baby steps! It sure is fun to mix and match!
Posted 06 February 2012 - 07:15 PM
SixteenDOHC, on 06 February 2012 - 12:24 PM, said:
I have heard of lowering links for the DR but not raising links. Do you have a link? (I know, I know)
I always get this mixed up ... but ... I think a LONGER link raises up the rear end up... a shorter link lowers it. Eagle Mike and others used to make Dog Bones for the DR650. Now? Sorry, I don't follow it. The German link to Ebay looks good and price is right.
Also check with ProCycle or Kientech for more help. If you're really tall, then another popular option is to buy the peg lowering kit. I prefer the changing links .... then picking the exact spring for my weight and riding conditions. With a nice re-worked shock (Cogent Dynamics) ... or an aftermarket one (Ohlins, Wilburs, YKK, Elka), the DR really improves. The front forks can also be upgraded and tuned in for you and your riding. Lots of options there too. Some put on forks off dirt bikes or other dual sports. Can get complicated .... so go slow and be sure everything bolts up ... unless your a machinist!!
Posted 07 February 2012 - 03:10 AM
Usually shorter dog bones raise the rear, longer ones lower it. Another effect of shorter bones is a rise in overall rear shock progression, so when raising the rear you might get away with the stock spring, as long as you are not too heavy for it. In this respect one should not add the rising bones AND a much harder spring at the same time - better try single effects first.
Posted 07 February 2012 - 11:38 AM
el capitan, on 07 February 2012 - 03:10 AM, said:
Usually shorter dog bones raise the rear, longer ones lower it. Another effect of shorter bones is a rise in overall rear shock progression, so when raising the rear you might get away with the stock spring, as long as you are not too heavy for it. In this respect one should not add the rising bones AND a much harder spring at the same time - better try single effects first.
Posted 08 February 2012 - 03:25 AM
Anyone have another link for DR650 raising links? The ebay link seems to be sold out?
Posted 08 February 2012 - 10:57 AM
http://www.ebay.at/i...=item2ea8b249bd About 30$ plus shipping from Germany.
