Lowering Link Questions

[soupy]

Hey guys, I just picked up a used 2005 620 from an owner who had the bike lowered at the dealership.  It looks like it has an adjustable lowering link and the front forks have been adjusted as well (to the point I can't even lock the front bars while parked). 

My question is whether or not the lowering link can be adjusted back to a stock height without the need of a replacement?  Also, can it be adjusted without the need of removing the bottom bolt that holds the rod and the shock in place? (i.e. w/ just a scissor jack and 2 wrenches)

[scott_araujo]

It depends on the type of lowering link, but you probably don't have to remove it to adjust it.  Most work by having a center section with regular threads on one end and reverse threads on the other.  As you turn it, it either pulls both ends in or pushes both ends out.  There are usually lock nuts of some kind that you need to loosen before you can adjust it.

All that said, you may or may not be able to get it to stock height.  There is a maximum length the link can be adjusted to, beyond that there is not enough thread in either end for it to be stable.   You need to find the manufacturer and which model it is so you can figure out what the max length is.  I think most lowering links go to stock height as a max but I can't say for sure.

Just guessing, but this is a popular lowering link:
http://www.easterncycleducati.com/ecdparts.htm  (bottom of page)
They make both a lowering link (standard length and shorter) and a raising link (standard length and longer).  If they made yours you can ask them about it.  Maybe post a pic of yours so someone can identify it.

Scott

[somegirl]

Keep in mind sometimes the sidestand length has to be altered when lowering a bike, so you might need to change that back too.

[soupy]

Thanks for the replies.  I'll give it another shot in adjusting the bar myself.  I don't mind if it can't full reach stock so long as I can get at least another inch of height of this thing.  I got short legs so it might be quite useful in the long run.  I'll get a few pictures up of the bar, but it definitely looks like every other one I've seen online 

Regarding the kickstand, the previous owner definitely had a new one installed.  Assuming I manage to get some more height out of the bar, is there any way to temporarily keep the bike safely standing up before I go get parts for a stand replacement? (like a small block of wood etc.) 

[soupy]

I checked w/ the dealership that installed it and they just said it was adjustable back to stock height (though no info on the specific part  ).  Doesn't seem like i can adjust this with it still in; and I'm not comfortable removing it out without any proper motorcycle stands/jacks around.  I was turning the center section 'right' with the perspective of the picture.

[BK_856er]

I checked w/ the dealership that installed it and they just said it was adjustable back to stock height (though no info on the specific part  ).  Doesn't seem like i can adjust this with it still in; and I'm not comfortable removing it out without any proper motorcycle stands/jacks around.  I was turning the center section 'right' with the perspective of the picture.

That looks exactly like an Eastern Cycle link.  Adjusting in place is EZ.  Unless the fittings are seized.  But, since it's relatively new you are probably in good shape there.  One end will have a groove cut into the nut - that end is reverse-threaded and needs to be turned clockwise to loosen.  Just loosen the locknut on each extreme end and then put a wrench on the center section to adjust the length.  Mark the rear subframe to some reference location before you start so you know how high you have gone (1mm at the link is about 3mm at the seat).  Leave the required number of threads in the shaft for safety.  It's EZ, but if you're not comfortable seek out some help.

BK

[BK_856er]

I dug up a pic of my Eastern Cycle "raising" link from my M695, which is 272mm eye-eye center for stock height.

BK

[scott_araujo]

To keep the bike from tipping over if you raise it just put a small (6" x 6") block of wood under the kickstand.  You want enough square area that if it moves around a little it won't slide off the edge.  And yeah, that link is designed to adjust in place, may take some strength to break the locknuts free.

Scott

[BK_856er]

And don't forget to check your chain tension after you alter the rear ride height!

BK

[soupy]

Thanks a lot guys, I'll give it another shot tonight after picking up some better wrenches.  From my attempt last night, I noticed that the locknut on the bottom broke free and I was able to maybe spin it 2 threads max (very little movement).  I couldn't get the top one free, but I don't think I was trying hard enough. 

Correct me if I'm wrong, once those nuts are relatively free, wrenching the middle section should make the two pivot ends 'spit out' showing threads?  Or does only one pivot end stretches out?  I think I just need to wrench it harder; I've been holding back cuz I haven't been sure what 'should' happen.

[scott_araujo]

Yes, once the locknuts are free the middle should spin fairly easily.  Whichever way you turned the locknut that broke free, turn the other on in the opposite direction.

Scott

[soupy]

Finally! I got the seat moving up.  Pretty much got 4 out of 5 (max) threads on the link showing and the height is great.  However, now I just gotta figure out how to slide the front triples up another 1/4" (about 1/2" of the fork is sticking above the top triple).  It seems like 1/4" is about where stock is from what I read. 

Is it time to invest in a Pit Bull so I can jack the front?    This is actually kind of fun now that I'm warming with working on this bike.  I think I'll do cam belts and a oil change next weekend.

[scott_araujo]

No real need to invest if you have a rear stand.  Just put the rear on a stand and lift up the front end and have someone put a support under the horizontal cylinder head.  I use two jack stands with a 2x4 in between.  Much less expensive than a front end stand.  You can use a front end stand to lift it or just muscle it up.  Two people makes it very easy to do.

Strictly speaking, stock 'height' of the legs in the triples is measured from the bottom of the outer fork tube to the lower triple.  You'd need a manual for your year and model to get the exact measurement.  The top triple mounts by sliding onto the top headset bolt, it's variable and you shouldn't measure to it.  That said, it usually works out to around a 1/4" showing above the top triple so that's a good ballpark.  Once you set it, test getting up to speed gently.  If it's too far down you can get high speed instability and tank slappers.

Glad you got the link undone

Scott

[scott_araujo]

Oops, I stand corrected.  It's measured from the bottom triple to the top of the fork tube.  Here's a pic from the '06 S2R manual.  Your measurement may vary.

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/L8xsGz4XDdznRsi7gGgnkw?feat=directlink

Scott