Hi, My new to me '07 XRL apparently has a Devol lowering link. Don't plan on removing it since i like the way the bike sets now as I can stand flat foot on it. I was wondering if I need to lower the forks with it, they were lowered when I got the bike, but I have since raised then to stock height so I don't have to look under the front brake line when I ride. I have read good and bad reviews on the link but I don't know if I can make out what applies to me so it's staying on. I noticed the bike was a little squirrely at interstate speeds with the lowered forks and seems a little better now with them raised. I will be looking into suspension setting up next couple of weeks.

Loosen the brake line at the master cylinder just enough to allow you to turn it and you can get it out of the way of your speedo. Dropping your forks in the clamps will make the front end less squirley at speed, but you end up making the bike sit taller. A lowering link works great for mostly street riden bikes. If you ride off road much you will likely find that the shock blows through it's travel very easilly as the longer link increases the leverage rate on the shock.
If it works well for you...ride it!

Thanks for the explanation on how it lowers it. It just kinda makes the bike "heavier" on the shock. I'm leaving it since it's mostly a road bike, I have been on some off road here and there when ever I have time, but mainly dirt road, washes, and a few whoops. I raised the forks and couldn't tell a difference except it felt better at 70-75ish MPH and if I replaced the link I would scarcely tell a difference if any. I'll have to move the brake line tomorrow.

bluffskier, on 04 February 2012 - 04:52 PM, said:

i have pulled the line down using zip ties to get it out of the line of sight.

Man that link with full height forks made the difference.The bike is rock steady at 75mph.

I have a Clarke 4.7 gal tank I'm about to install but need a cap. I had read that they have changed since 2006 but I have no idea when the tank was manufactured. I have read an XR650R cap might fit, but would like something with good reviews that wont leak.

bluffskier, on 09 February 2012 - 07:37 PM, said:

Buy an aluminum cap and call it a day. The plastic cap on my Clarke lasted about two years before it puked its guts up at the gas station one morning.

this is what I have come across,

XR 400 cap should fit clark tank,gas cap,
'06 Honda XR650R gas cap fits
The Honda gas cap to buy is the one that fits all the XR models (80, 100, 200, 250, 600 and 650) from 1984 to present. It's Honda part number 17620-KT1-780. $17 at RonAyers.com. <-no idea if thats the best price? just what I put in my notes back when I first came across this information.
but I don't think the Aluminum cap cost all that much more then a plastic one,especially If you go for the plain jane rather then the engraved one.