Yamaha WR lowering: From Montana to Dakar

Received an order/email from a Montana-based rider looking to lower his Yamaha WRF, and eventually take the WR to Dakar. That got us to thinking about the trip and all the extra weight.

With a YamaLink the first and most important part is resetting sag. The increased leverage ratio does a few things: better traction, more plushness, better cornering....and also makes the rear wheel travel through its arc easier thus leading to easier bottoming.

That's why the resetting of sag and being properly sprung for rider weight + gear is so crucial. Ninety nine percent of our customers have a great handling bike that is stable but turns great and corners like a dream. Those who have issues do NOT know how to set sag or set up a bike (or follow directions, ha).

And then you throw in extra gas and water and tools to make it cross that desert. When you get the YamaLink, follow the instructions for resetting sag and dialing the bike in. If you're on the border of needing a heavier spring with the stock setup you will definitely need one with the YamaLink's increased leverage. I'd say this "border" is for riders around 175 to 180 pounds before gear. Most are going one up one or two spring rates. But if you are a lightweight rider then this should be no concern with the stock setup.

2010 YZF Yamaha lowering link (adjustable?)

We received a phone call from a curious 2010 YZF owner about our upcoming YamaLink 2010 YZF lowering link. Long story short, he asked if our new model was going to be a rocker or a connecting rod and if it was going to be adjustable.

Adjustable lowering links are not new. A few companies build them for other makes of off-road bikes. Adjustable lowering links, for the most part, are a solution to a problem that never existed. Why?

a) Cost is usually more to build than a straight-forward Yamaha lowering link.
b) We found through prototype YamaLinks that people just want one amount of lowering so they can set up their bike based on that lowering amount. They either want a lot of lowering or just a little lowering. Which leads us to...

c) A tall rider who buys a YamaLink with just one inch lowering is not looking for MORE lowering later. They are usually a faster and tall rider in search of a little more leverage to plush out the high-speed chop. They know exactly how much leverage and lowering they want for NOW and forever.

c.1) A short rider who buys a YamaLink with 1.5 to 1.75 inches lowering is not looking for LESS lowering later. It's not like they are going to get taller or say "hey, the ground is too easy to touch, let's make this harder, again."

Okay, okay, we know some parents may buy a YamaLink for a child who is growing. During testing of our prototype adjustable lowering links - GASP, yes, we built a few adjustable 2010 Yamaha lowering links - the kids and parents told us they would more than likely use the most lowering level and then NOT use a lowering link as the child got taller. What about the option to use a 1 inch Race link? Seems only "grown-up" tall and fast racers want that, not the tall and not-so-blazing-fast rider who is going through a gradual growth phase. They either want the full 1.5 (or 1.75 inch) lowering or nothing at all.

If you truly want an adjustable 2010 YZF lowering link I'm sure we can go back to the prototype bin and fish one out for you. It will cost more, and we're 99% sure you'll end up using just one lowering amount and being happy with that. In the meanwhile we'll stick to our tried and true Yamaha YZ-F lowering link until told otherwise.

Yamaha WR lowering link review

We think Oregon rider and ThumperTalk contributor PlushPuppy's YamaLink Yamaha WR250F review is a great resource.

Click HERE

Yamaha WR lowering suspension email of the day

This comes from WRF rider Graham....


What can I say? First of all superb service.... thank you! Fast delivery, well packaged and no hassle with import tax!! In fact it arrived before I'd managed to pick up my new WR250.

Secondly, a quality bit of kit and very easy to fit with your instructions. Finally I reset the sag and made the other adjustments you recommended as it was way too "plush". On the road it feels great and I'll be out in the dirt tomorrow, weather permiting. Most importantly I can feel that it will allow me to be boss of the bike when I get into those nadgery foot-down scenarios(just like I can at the
minute with my old technology CRF230) I'll recommend you to all "vertically challenged"(or short-arsed) riders I talk to.

Cheers and thanks again
Graham

Our reply...

You're welcome. Glad to hear you reset sag and took the time to dial it in. Some riders not looking for full 1.75 inches of lowering are taking sag out. Yes, it decreases laden seat height and static sag, but with a lowering link it doesn't matter. It's totally personalized. If you are on the border of needing a heavier spring rate for your weight before the YamaLink you may consider going up to a stiffer spring depending on weight with gear and riding ability. You'll know if the WRF bottoms too easily even after setting sag and changing compression and rebound. Your bike should be able to corner and ride aggressively (don't forget to adjust
front fork height to your liking) without any wallowing. Glad all is well with the delivery. Please do not hesitate in letting us know if we can be of further assistance in any way for you or your friends.

2007 YZ250F Yamaha lowering link question

From Dave regarding the YamaLink YZF lowering....

Hi Dan,
I bought the link for my wife who rides every week at one of the tracks
near Temecula. She is worried that the link will give her bike, 2007
YZ250F, a chopper-like feel. Can you comment on this issue?
Thanks, Dave.

YamaLink's reply...

Dave,

Hi.

The chopper feel is what happens when you do NOT reset sag and when you do
NOT slide the fork tubes up in the clamps. Both the reset of sag and fork
raising are covered in the instructions. Simple to do. We have many, many,
many YZF riders who have a great turning and stable bike that is also
lowered. Just have to follow the instructions.

If you need assistance with either the rear sag resetting or front fork
raising please call or email, and I will walk you through it.

No choppers allowed!