This is a recent post of ours on a bike forum in regard to the most common misconceptions about Yamaha YZ and WR lowering links....
Lowering the rear does not mandate raising the fork tubes in the clamps an equal amount; changes to rake/trail affect geometry at a different rate than changes to the rear.
On average, lowering the rear 1 inch on a linkage bike with a connecting rod or rocker usually means the forks are raised 3 to 6mm to get "balanced" handling. If you do not raise the forks you will get understeer aka a chopper.
The more a link lowers the bike the more plush it will be due an increased leverage ratio but it will also bottom easier. Those in need of a heavier spring rate with the stock setup may require a heavier spring rate with the aftermarket link.
Internal spacers decrease overall travel. A link with an increased leverage ratio does NOT decrease overall travel.
As for beginners and those who benefit from a lowering link, many tall go-fast type racers use lowering links - not in the 1.5 and 2 inch version, but more sub-1 inch - from companies like Pro Circuit; almost every pro SX and MX bike I've seen in the past few years changes their suspension link based on the track and conditions. It helps decrease front end weight transfer and allows the rider to keep the bike lower on jump faces and keep the power on longer through the square edge and chop.
Bolt-on artists or those who do not like to alter or mess with the stock setup should stay away from lowering links. But for some it can increase speed, traction, cornering, stability and confidence. To each their own.
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