WR/YZ lowering: how to set sag

We're glad WR/YZ lowering link riders are coming straight out and asking, "How do you set sag?"

It's not a stretch to say most do not know for one reason or another. This site is our favorite on explaining and showing how to set sag. Quick and easy read.

Click: Too Tech

WR/YZ lowering link & fork question

WR/YZ lowering link question of the day.

Hello,

When you install the link, does it increase/decrease the rake of the front forks? How do you keep the factory rake settings on the forks after installing the link?

Thanks,
Jay


Reply:

Jay,

Since there is no 1:1 lowering ratio of forks vs rear (because changes to rake/trail affect your bike's geometry at a different rate than changes to the rear), our instructions give guidelines for raising the forks in the triple clamps.

For the WR250R/X (total of about 2" lowered in rear), the forks are raised at a starting point of about 10mm.

For the WRF and YZF 250F/426F/450F (1.25 to 1.75 inches), the forks are raised at a start point of 6mm.

For the two stroke YZ (1 inch), the forks are raised at a start point of about 5mm.

Everyone then adjusts based on personal preference, riding style, terrain and where they set their sag (sag must be reset after installing the YamaLink); a quick turning yet stable ride is easily attained.

YZ lowering question o' the day

From Greg asking about his YZ lowering needs...

I trail ride, hill climb, race hare scrambles, and some minor jumping. I am 5'10" and ride a YZ250F and I touch almost with balls of feet on level ground. Hill climbs during races if something happens putting a foot down is not an option most of the time. Will this help me and if so is there help in setting all my settings where they should be after applying the link. By the way I weight 180 lbs. Thanks a lot.

Greg,

Your YZ250F YamaLink comes with easy to follow installation instructions AND set-up guidelines covering sag, compression, rebound and fork adjustments. Takes about 10 minutes to install, set the sag, dial it in and go.

At 180 pounds (with or without gear) you're on the edge of needing a heavier spring with the stock setup. With the YamaLink you will reset the sag at 3.5 inches, go in just a hair on the high speed compression and two clicks in on the rebound. The YamaLink makes your suspension more plush and it soaks up the square edge and braking bumps while giving you better traction and cornering. It's all due to the increased leverage ratio which also makes the rear wheel travel through its arc easier and it will bottom easier, hence the tuning guidelines above. Big jumps and ditch bashers are not recommended for aftermarket links. Cross country, off road and GNCC/WORCS type guys love it!

YZ lowering question of the day...and sag

Troy asks about his YZ lowering....

"i have a 2003 yz 125. i am about 132 lbs 5' 6" should i adjust sag first then try the link or a combination of both i have not really messed with the sag or adjust the suspention thank for your help"


Troy,

Hi. You should always set sag on any bike whether stock or with a YamaLink. Your bike is recommended at 3.9 to 4.1 inches.

Some inseam challenged riders put too much sag in to get their feet on the ground but when you do that it takes away from the overall net travel left to suspend you for that BIG hit...and you are riding too far into the progression of the travel. Meaning: yes, your feet can touch with too much sag but the bike will ride very rudely. Rude plus less overall travel is not a good thing, ya know.

When YZ 125 riders put on the YamaLink 1" lowering link, they have to reset sag because it has an increased leverage ratio. This makes the bike more plush on braking bumps and square edge, and it allows the rear wheel to travel further into its suspension arc.

Of course sag is dependent on having the proper spring rate. If you are too heavy for your bike to begin with (about 170 pounds is the average weight of rider that Yamaha sets their YZ125 up for) a YamaLink will magnify the wrong spring rate.

But if you have the correct spring rate and set sag at 3.9 to 4.1 inches, your 2003 YZ125 will corner better, get better traction and not wear you out so much after hours on the track or trail.

Hope this helps. Let us know if I can answer more questions.
Thanks!

Not about WR/YZ lowering: Will we be kidnapped in Mexico?

We have some great friends! Tonight at dinner - at a crappy Mexican restaurant that just opened in town - they were taking bets as to whether or not I'd be kidnapped during my 6 nights at Tierras del Sol. I'm serious. They were too. Most of the "bad stuff" is taking place hours and hours away from the white sandy beach where you'll find my empty bottles. Having said that....

If your emails are not answered EVER AGAIN, chances are I'm in the trunk of a Nissan Sentra in the bottom of some farmer's ditch. Sweet.