lower link and front suspension

[dogeddie]

I was considering getting a lowering link for my son's DRZ400. Do I then also need to adjust the front suspension to match or anything?

Are there different sizes?

Thanks for any help

[habs]

34 minutes ago, dogeddie said:

I was considering getting a lowering link for my son's DRZ400. Do I then also need to adjust the front suspension to match or anything?

Are there different sizes?

Thanks for any help

Lowering links are not very popular here but yes you need to rase the forks in the clamps , same amount as the lowering links . I wouldn’t go more than 1 inch on the links , that will also mess up your sag , so you need to reset it a little stiffer. There’s other ways to lower the seat , but a little more costly. I just shaved 1.5 inch from my seat . 

Edited March 27, 2019 by habs

[dogeddie]

Thanks. Why aren't lowering links popular? I've never used them.

[ptgarcia]

19 minutes ago, dogeddie said:

Thanks. Why aren't lowering links popular? I've never used them.

Because they alter the lever ratio of the suspension, typically leading to less than desirable characteristics in the ride and handling. The best way to lower a motorcycle is by making internal adjustments to the fork and shock.

[dogeddie]

Thanks. I will have to look into that. We shouldn't have bought that bike - it too damn tall and he stopped growing!

[DaveSw]

I tried them on my DRZ-S for a day.  They were a hassle to put on (pulling the stock bushings). With my bars, I couldn't raise the  more than about a 1/2 inch or so.  Not enough obviously to make the bike feel "normal" again with the lowered rear.  Yes, I could get more contact patch with my feet, but I hated the handling enough to pull them off the next day and go back to stock.

I'm 5' 9" and did put the Seat Concepts seat on soon after delivery of the bike.  I can get both feet toes-down when straddling the bike.  If I want to sit still, I just hang a cheek off one side and it's all good.

PS  anybody want a pair of (generic) links?

[mousie]

I'am 5'6" with a 31 inseam. I shaved about 1 1/2 out of my foam seat and put on a new gripper seat cover. I can tip toe both feet now. I thought the same thing when I bought my bike being so tall. I got use to it and your son probably will to. Give it some more sag in the suspension and raise the forks up to just about touching the bottom of the ignition switch. Where are you in Wisconsin? I live in Boulder Junction and we have tons of dual sport riding, just waiting for the snow to leave. 

[dad2u]

Lowering also allows the rear suspension to bottom out way too easy.  How large is your son?  I am a 30 inch leg and I do fine:  once you are underway your feet are up anyway, and when you stop, you can pick which way it will lean, scootch your butt over a bit and get one foot down just fine.  You never need to have both feet on the ground anyway.  I would recommend just getting on with the riding, and you will rapidly wonder why you were concerned.

[Padilen]

Those evil lowering links[emoji23].
They are very popular, just look at all the different brands and bikes they fit.
I used lowering links on mine, as do many others.
They will soften the rear, so a heavier spring MIGHT be needed.
Forks need to be slid up in triples, equal to rear.
Since I had a 2" I couldn't get that in front. I didn't notice any issues, nor did anyone who rode it. I rode dual sport, and seasonal / fire roads.
Shaved my seat as much as possible. Got seat height to about 33 1/2. Sold it to a tall guy, put it back to stock.
2" lowering links, shaved seat and SM kickstand, is all that's left.

[dogeddie]

He's only about 135-140 pounds. He uses the bike pretty much street only as we have a couple dedicated dirt bikes.

Hello fellow Winconsinite! I live between Green Bay and Appleton. I wish we had half the riding opportunities you have to ride in this area. Jealous!