Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Do you make a lowering link for the TTR250? We don't, Koubalink.com does

Charlie asks if we make a YamaLink for a 2003 Yamaha TTR250.

Your TTR250 lowering link is made by Kouba Link: http://koubalink.com/TTR250.html

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Yamaha TTR125 lowering link, YamaLink?

Two questions this week about the TTR125 lowering link. Do we make one? No we do not. I'd say YamaLink gets less than 5 requests for a TTR125 suspension link per year. It'd be a very expensive YamaLink based on labor and the amount of seals and bearings.

Rafael's 2008 YZ450 lowering link fit his son's 2004 YZ125 YamaLink?

Rafael asks "My question was if the Yamalink wishbone out of the 2008 yz450f will fit the 2004 yz125 (steel frame)?"

Our reply: No it is different.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Thumpertalk.com member Jeff and his Yamaha WR lowering link email

Jeff writes "I actually heard about you guys on the ThumperTalk site looking for info on this bike since i just bought one last week. I have a fairly short inseam (30") and i wasn't comfortable straddling the bike on my toe nails. The youtube video makes it look pretty simple to install and i look forward to getting it. Anyway, i weigh 175 lbs so i think i can probably keep the stock spring and just adjust the sag to approx 100 mm, correct? If all goes as planned i will definitely recommend your product to my fellow co-workers here at Parts Canada."

Our reply: At 175 pounds your WRF will be too soft at 100mm. You're on the border of needing a heavier spring, but I would first try setting the race sag at 94-90mm and going in on the high-speed compression. We walk you through this in the instructions that come with the YamaLink. If you find it's bottoming or too plush then it'd be time for a heavier spring. Get one for a 200 pound rider and that would allow you to set race sag closer to 100mm if you so desired.

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Yamaha YZ450 lowering YamaLink questions

Yamaha YZ450 rider Brian had just a few more questions:

are the bearings already greased?
what kind of grease do you guys use/recommend for the linkage?
there's a grease fitting on your "dog bone" that I bought from you.
what's the best type of re-packable grease gun/fitting should be used for this?

Our reply: Everything is pre-greased. We use a moly-based grease. Any grease gun should work.

3 day delivery for Jason's 2002 2003 2004 YZF suspension YamaLink lowering

That was fast! I received the link today. Already have it installed. It works perfectly. Just sending a msg to compliment your company. Excellent product, fast shipping and great communication. Thank you. Jason

Brian's question about his YZ450 YamaLink lowering

Brian writes "When installed, does the link I purchased create an additional 1 1/2 inches of sag?"

Our reply "Important! Your YZF must be properly sprung for the extra 10% YamaLink leverage + rider weight AND you MUST RESET SAG otherwise the bike will be too soft (stock spring limit of about 170 pounds/77kg)! For more aggressive riding we recommend setting sag around 94-90mm. Lighter riders are RESETTING sag to 3.9 in/100mm for maximum lowering."

Monday, November 26, 2012

Josh's question about 2010 Yamaha WR250R YamaLink lowering

Hope this is the right address for this technical question... Anyway, just installed a yamalink on 2010 wr250r. Everything installed easily (great product!). My question is concerning lowering the front (moving forks UP in the triple clamp) I had previously lowered the stock shock mechanism and didn't do any lowering of the front, it seemed to handle great. When I put on the yamalink it was a little too low, so I raised the stock shock maybe 1/2 or 3/4 inch... My questions are...

1. Does the stock shock lowering mechanism do the same thing as the yammalink or are they doing different things to the geometry? How do they interact with each other?

2. If someone only lowered 1 inch with the yamalink, but left the stock shock at its highest, would the front still need to be lowered?

3. If the bike feels good with yamalink, but no front end lowering, is there any damage or mechanical wear that takes place, is it dangerous or is it strictly a "feel" thing?

Josh, The stock lowering is purely lowering. The YamaLink is lowering + increased leverage which makes the bike handle much better on the braking bumps, acceleration bumps and square edge.

Lowering the front end with a YamaLink-only, with the stock lowering only or with the YamaLink + stock lowering is purely personal. Not lowering the front end would cause it to understeer a bit, a chopper effect.

No damage takes place. It is purely a feel thing, yes. What feels good to one rider may feel "odd" to another. We recommend sliding the fork tubes UP at a starting point of 12mm (.5 inches) and the rider adjusts up or down a few millimeters based on how he/she likes their bike to feel.

Who makes a kickstand for the YZ 125 which fits a YamaLink lowering kit?

Can you give me a recommendation on the proper kickstand purchase for a 2006 yz 125 that has been lowered using one of your yamalinks? Gonna wrap one up & put it under the tree for my son for christmas.


The two most popular are Trail Tech and Pro Moto Billet. Trailtech supposedly makes a supermoto version which is shorter than a "regular" sidestand.

PMB: http://www.promotobillet.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=25_76&products_id=171

Trailtech: http://trailtech.net/kickstands.html has a good return policy (but I'd read the fine print just to be sure)

Friday, November 23, 2012

What spring rate for 2012 WR450F with YamaLink lowering

Rider just called asking what spring rate for his 2012 WR450F Yamaha should he have? Weight before gear is 190 pounds. The stock spring is 5.3 kg/mm and at 190 he will put a 5.6kg and with a YamaLink he'll need a 5.8 spring to lowering his suspension with our link and have good sag measurements and bottoming control.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Nathan wants to know if we make a Yamaha YZ85 lowering link

Jim writes "I have a 2007 yz85 that I need to lower for my son. Do you have a kit for that?"

We do not make a YamaLink for any year of YZ85.

Jim wants to know if we make a lowering link for his Yamaha TXZ 665 Tenere

Question: Do you sell a lowering kit for a 1991 Yamaha TXZ 665 Tenere?

No we do not. Every YamaLink we sell is on the website.....Truth be knownb, we've never even heard of that Yamaha!

Monday, November 12, 2012

Yamaha TTR250 lowering, check out www.koubalink.com

Troy writes "Hello, I do not see them listed but you keep coming up in a web search for the TTR250. Do you make a link for this model. Ours is a ‘99."

Our reply: www.koubalink.com has the Yamaha lowering link for your 1999 TTR250.

Monday, November 5, 2012

Australia rider Adam's 2001 YZ426 lowering kit Yamaha YamaLink

Adam writes "I am in Australia. I weigh 80 kilo without gear. This is for pure bush/scrub/hill-climbing and mud rainy season application. Are there various types/ratios Links that you produce, or is there just one."

For the 2001 YZ426F there is just one YamaLink: Click HERE And you must be properly sprung for the YamaLink's extra leverage: Click here for more info on that.

Do bearings come with Daniel's Yamaha 250 YZ lowering link?

Daniel from Auckland wanted to know if his Yamaha YZ250 RACE YamaLink came with bearings. Answer: Yes. And seals. And super easy to follow installation instructions. Click HERE for more info.

Friday, October 26, 2012

Michael asks: Do you make a 2000 YZ125 lowering link kit?

We do: Click HERE

Eric's 2010 YZ250F supermoto Yamaha lowering suspension with YamaLink

Question: Hi, I'm setting up my 2010 YZ250F for supermoto and was wondering which lowering link you recommend?

Answer: It's purely personal. Most lightweight 'moto riders go for the 1.5 inch YamaLink since the extra leverage allows them to properly utilize the stock spring's recommended sag settings. But heavier riders may find the 1.5 wallows too much, thus the 1 inch YamaLink option.

Aaron has question about WR250R lowering. Three or four inches??

Hi, can you lower the Yamaha WR250R about 3 or 4 inches?

Aaron, Hi. We don't know of any way to lower the WR250R the 3 or 4 inches you seek; it would destroy the bike's handling and balance if that were possible, anyway. We could've lowered the WR250 more, but extensive testing told us that 2 inches in the rear was the maximum & still get a balanced ride up front. More than 2" (1" from factory lowering & 1" from YamaLink) makes the WR250 ride like a chopper.

Chris from Australia has lowering link shock setup question WR426

Yamalink works great. Lowered a fair bit and now i can handle the wr426 a lot better. Brought front forks up 3mm and its tops. Only thing is the suspension is a tad soft now. I did notice that you say to get a 10% heavier spring to account for this but im finding it difficult to read the sprig rates. Can you give me a hand in selecting a spring? I have no issues installing it myself.

Our reply: Set your race sag to 94mm - 90mm and turn the high speed compression knob in clockwise half a revolution. Don't even touch the flat blade. At 75kg (165 pounds) you are totally fine with the stock spring if the shock has not been revalved.

Rear spring rate for 2004 WR450F with YamaLink lowering

Our reply to a YamaLink customer about which spring rate for his 185 pound weight. Answer: A 2004 WR450F with a 205 pound rider weight (10% factored in) would get a 5.8 kg/mm spring.

Your dealer or any company like Race Tech, Factory Connection, etc. There are a handful online or mailorder who sells springs for pretty much every bike. If you're in between spring rates after figuring out body weight + 10% we recommend going for the higher spring rate. Example: you now need a 6.1 but the spring rates are only 6.0 and 6.2 kg/mm, get the 6.2 spring

How much to ship Kevin's YamaLink to Australia?

Hi can you please tell me the total cost of a lowering kit for my 2007 yamaha 250 wrf. Answer: Shipping costs for a Yamaha lowering link to Australia are HERE.

Do you make a 2006 YZ125 Yamaha lowering link?

But we do make two YamaLinks for that bike. Both are found on our website. One is HERE and the other is HERE.

How to turn Jeff's rear shock spring for the 2004 WR450 lowering link setup

Jeff from Nevada asked for some setup advice on his 2004 Yamaha WR450F suspension. Our reply.... "I always use my hand to turn the shock spring. One side of your bike will be easier than the other to slip your hands in. Make sure the threads are cleaned and maybe put some lube on the threads so the spring turns easier. One complete revolution is about 2mm. Six mm is .25 inches."

Where to buy a Yamaha lowering link in Spain? Here!

Great YamaLink distributor in Spain at

Monday, October 15, 2012

Curt's 2008 Yamaha WR250R suspension lowering question: stiffer?

Curt's hometown mechanic gave some inaccurate information to him about lowering his WR250 (the R model). Here is our reply: The WR250R YamaLink does NOT make the rear suspension stiffer. The opposite: the extra leverage makes your rear shock more supple which helps the bike get better traction and cornering. No disrespect to the "professionals" you took it to, but they have no idea what they're talking about since they instructed you the end result would be the opposite of what the YamaLink actually does.

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Monday, October 1, 2012

John tells us "Hi, I just installed the Yamalink on my WR250R and it was a piece of cake. Installation took me less then 30 minutes. The only problem was I had no helper to hold the wheel up when putting it back together, so I used a ratcheting tie down strap, went through the wheel and up over the exhaust pipe and seat and used the ratchet to move the wheel to align the bolts. The bike feels a whole lot more user friendly now and the rear suspension feels way more plush. I will spread the word. Thanks for a quality product that works, John

Friday, September 28, 2012

Rich asks about Yamaha WR250R WR250X lowering

Rich asks "Hi. On your FAQ page you say 'We could've lowered the WR250 more, but extensive testing told us that 2 inches in the rear was the maximum & still get a balanced ride up front. More than 2" (1" from factory lowering & 1" from YamaLink) makes the WR250 ride like a chopper.' What is the "factory lowering" ???

Our reply: The WR250R and WR250X have a built-in 1 inch lowering by way of its lower shock mount.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Ethan's 2002-2004 Yamaha WRF YamaLink lowering

I installed the yamalink yesterday and I couldn't be happier. It feels like I'm riding a completely different bike. The customer service was great and I'll definitely recommend you to everyone who has a Yamaha.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Michael wants to know about a 2000 YZ125 YamaLink, do we make one?

Michael writes "Do you make a 2000 YZ 125 lowering link?"

Michael, Hello. Yes, we do.It's HERE

Eric's 2010 YZ2250F supermoto Yamaha lowering question

Eric asks "I'm setting up my 2010 YZ250F for supermoto and was wondering which YamaLink you recommend?"

Our reply: It's purely personal. Most lightweight 'moto riders go for the 1.5 since the extra leverage allows them to properly utilize the stock spring's recommended sag settings. But heavier riders may find the 1.5 wallows too much, thus the 1 inch YamaLink option.

Monday, August 13, 2012

John's WR250R with YamaLink lowering and D606

John writes "Changed to d606 tires, rear of wr250r raised an inch, front stayed same. Do you need to lower forks with yamalink, install or will geometry be back to normal with rear lowered an inch with yamalink, since rear is up an inch now? Hope this Question makes sense."

And we replied "Our recommendations with a YamaLink is to raise the forks in the triple clamps 12mm as a starting point and then adjust up or down based on personal preference."

Charley's Yamaha WR450 YamaLink lowering link question

"The web site states that it will lower my bike 2", one by lowering the stock spring 1" an 1" from the yamalink. I have searched the web and can find no reference to a 1" adjustment to the stock spring. Can you please explain the adjustment for the stock spring?"

Our reply: You're looking at the wrong YamaLink. The 1" + 1" is for the WR250r and WR250x.

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Steve's 2012 YZ 125 lowering for his son and the YamaLink

Hello, I am picking up a 2012 yz 125 for my son and would like to lower it using your link. Since the bike was used by a 150lb rider I will also need to buy new springs for it. He weighs 100lbs without gear on, is 5’ 3”. He is an advance motocross rider on 85’s and supermini’s, hasn’t ridden a 125 yet. The Racetech guidelines are recommending a rear shock spring of 4.2 and front springs .38.

With the yamalink should I get a heavier rear spring, in your advertisement it says 10% but is that only for over 170lbs? I want to lower it as much as possible and have 4 inches of race sag.

Our reply: Steven, Hello. My 13 year old nephew is the same height, weight and ability as your son. He recently started riding a YZ125 while still riding his Super Mini and 85. At first he put on the 1.5 with a lighter spring, but eventually went to the stock spring and the 1.5 YamaLink. Today he is on the YZ RACE.

My recommendation for 99% of lightweight YZ 125 riders is to consider a lighter spring, but for the 1% of kids like your son and my nephew I say try the stock spring first (the too-heavy one) and reset sag and go in clockwise on the high-speed compression (the big knob atop the shock, not the flat blade) in 1/3 turn increments until the bike handles big g-outs and flat landings.

My 16 year nephew weighs 140 and races local pro, borrowing (stealing) his little brother's YZ for Schoolboy when his own KX450 is tore apart. He ran the stock spring and the 1.5 for a few months, and loved it but said he'd probably go to a slightly heavier spring. But since the bike has the RACE YamaLink on they have zero issues....and they're not just saying that cuz I'm their uncle. Dang kids!

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have more questions.

Brad asks for a little help setting sag on WR250R WR250X lowering link YamaLink

Brad, The YamaLink comes with super easy to follow install instructions. Here is a copy/paste of the fine tuning:

RESET SAG to factory spec. Most settle at 3.25 inches. If you feel the rear is too soft, turn in the compression just a little bit & rebound in 1 or 2 clicks. Fine-tune based on terrain, personal preference, etc. Combined with the stock .9 inch lowering option via the shock block (http://www.wrrdualsport.com/tech-guide/suspension/115-lowering-r2), the YamaLink lowers the rear suspension an additional inch.

IMPORTANT! Slide the fork tubes UP in the triple clamps - start at around 12mm & adjust based on preference. FYI, 18mm is the MAX you should go. Re-torque the upper fork clamp bolts to 17ft. lbs. & the lower clamp bolts to 14ft. lbs. And don't forget to properly tighten the chain before riding.

Larry's Yamaha WR250R WR250X lowering link install question

Larry from Florida writes "Just got my link. Watched the install movie and looks simple except for, is the bike sitting on ground or unloaded????"

Our reply: I find it much easier to put the WR on a stand or box. But a few do it with the bike on the ground.

Steve from Tucson's 2003 Yamaha WR250F YamaLink lowering link

I received the YamaLink and installed as per your advise & instruction. We went riding yesterday and it work perfectly. It was a joy to ride & not have to worry about finding a high spot to ensure my balance. The performance while riding seemed just as it was before. Thanks for taking the time to help me understand how it would work and for the great product. It was worth every penny. Regards, Steve 2003 WR 250F

Friday, July 13, 2012

RacerX 2014 Yamaha YZ450F Dean Wilson

2014 Yamaha YZ450 rumor and news: Jason Thomas said he heard from a good source that Yamaha is telling Wilson that any reservations he has about the backward-engine YZ450F can be eased by a new model coming out for 2014 and one that he could potentially ride 2013 outdoors if they can get it homologated fast enough. So the big question is if this is enough to ease Wilson’s mind on the Yamaha, which is quickly proving that perception is reality. I don’t believe the machine is the best one out there, but it’s also not the worst bike ever and a career-killer like others have made it out to be. Truthfully, the truth lies somewhere in the middle.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Shipping Ian's Yamaha WR450 lowering kit to UK

Ian writes about paying for his WR450 YamaLink kit. "Hi, I am trying to buy this lowering kit and want to choose Option 1 shipping but cannot seem to find this option when choosing PayPal can you advise."

Our reply: Make sure you do not estimate shipping. Click HERE Just go to checkout. That's where you should have two options.

Monday, July 9, 2012

Jason from Canada wants to know spring rate for 2004 YZ250 lowering link

Stock is 4.7kg At 185 pounds Jason needs a 5.0 before a YamaLink. With a YamaLink we recommend Jason use a 5.2 kg/mm spring with the new Yamaha lowering link kit.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Glenn from Massachusetts likes his WR250R WR250X YamaLink lowering kit

Got it, man you guys are fast! Thanks so much, this makes the WR so much better.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

The factory lowering 1 inch Yamaha WR250R WR250X

Seems a few WR250R and WR250X YamaLink riders are in need of the factory lowering picture tutorial. Here it is: click HERE

Friday, June 15, 2012

Pat's 2006 Yamaha YZ450 lowering link update

Hi, I have been out on technical trails with the 06 YZ450F suspension lowering link a few times now and it works great, very plush and it keeps the rear wheel hooked up well, the grease zerks are also a big plus. Best regards, Pat

Friday, May 25, 2012

Jesse's girlfriend's Yamaha TTR230 lowering link question

Aussie rider Jesse writes "My girlfriend has a ttr230, she doesn’t feel comfortable with the height & wants it lowered. I need to confirm your lowering link will do the job, & if adjusting the sag etc is going to be necessary. Also this link would do the rear of the bike? Would you recommend bringing the forks up half an inch in the triple clamps to balance the lowering? We are in Australia, can’t seem to find this part anywhere else, and are very keen on purchasing if it will do the job."

Our reply: If your TTR230 is 2005 or newer the YamaLink will do the job. We recommend sliding the forks UP in the triple clamps 10mm and then adjust up or down a few millimeters either way for your girlfriend's personal preference.

Travis' 2002 2003 2004 YZ250 lowering link kit YamaLink question

Travis owns a 2002-2004 YZ and writes "I got the link super fast and the install was a piece of cake. I'm on a 250 and I was only able to raise the forks maybe 5mm until it was close to the bars. I got the sag set and haven't been out for a test run yet cause I wanted some advice first. If I need more steering input is there anything I can do to the front shock set up to compensate for the lower rear? That way when I'm in the trails I can do some trial and error. Also I weigh 155."

Our reply: There is no 1:1 ratio of fork & rear change. Five millimeter may be more than you actually need. Raising the forks is not for lowering the front end, per say, it is more to "balance" the geometry. I'd set your sag at 94mm and turn the high-speed compression (the big knob) in clockwise 1/4 turn. Also turn your rebound in 1 or 2 clicks. Simply follow the instructions.

How to lower suspension 2012 WR450 WR450F YamaLink

The most asked question the past few months, "do you make a suspension lowering kit link for the 2012 WR450F?"

Yes, we do make a YamaLink for the new Yamaha WR450

Will's 1998-2001 YZ250F YZ400 YZ426 lowering kit spring rate

In response to Will's question about spring rates for his Yamaha YZF and using a lowering kit: "Be sure to factor in the YamaLink's extra 10% leverage into your weight. Example: If you are 200 pounds get a spring for a 220 rider, etc. If you are in-between spring sizes go for the heavier one with a YamaLink."

Stefan's 2011 YZ450F suspension lowering kit for woods riding and racing

Stefan writes..... I bought a 2011 yz450f and I'm setting it up for the woods.  The front end feels too busy and I want to make it turn slower and more stable.  I'm 210lbs "C" class enduro rider.  Which link would you suggest to make things more stable?  I'm not concerned about buying a new rear spring as well since I'm borderline too heavy for the stock one now.  I am 6'2" so I'm also not concerned about lowering seat height as much as mellowing out the light front end feeling.

As you know stock is 5.7 kg/mm and at 210 pounds before gear it is recommended you use a 5.8 kg/mm.
I'd get that 5.8 kg. The YamaLink I'd recommend is the RACE version, NOT the 1.5 inch version:

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Brian's WR250R Yamaha lowering kit question


Brian writes: I am intending to buy a wr250r but need a lower seat height then standard (36.5"). Can you tell me how low will your linkage will make my intended buy be. I am in the UK so need to know roughly how much the shipping will be.
Brian,

Your Yamaha can be lowered 1 inch via the stock shock mount and another 1 inch from the YamaLink: http://www.motorcycleloweringlinks.com/index.php?content=yamaha-lowering-link-wr250xr

Friday, April 27, 2012

Chris' son's 2005 YZ 125 yamaha lowering question

Hi, I recently bought a kit from you for my sons 2005 YZ 125, I just installed it last night, and will put the wheel on and set the sag tonight. Couple questions, does your link come lubed, or should I hit the grease fittings on it and fill it up? When lowering the forks, they must already be lowered as the top of the fork is just about touching the handlebar , don’t suppose there is any trick there in lowering them any more? Just don’t want it to ride too high in front. Any other set up tricks? He is a 14 year old and weight is 140 lbs with gear on. 


Our reply:
Chris,

The YamaLink comes pre-greased and should last for years if your son does not ride in a lot of rivers or hits the pressure washer directly on the bearings.

If your forks are slid up already they are fine. RESET sag, dial in the high-speed compression and rebound, and then think about moving the forks if need be. There is no 1:1 ratio of fork vs rear lowering because changes to the rear effect geometry at a much different rate than the front. In fact, 6mm (.25 inches) is a lot of fork moving when compared to 1.5 inches in back.

Follow the instructions. Try 100mm sag and then think about 94mm sag and going in on high-speed compression in back.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Steve's 2009 Yamaha WR250F lowering suspension question

HI. I am from the UK and ride a 2009 WRF250 and use it for leisurely trail riding. I am 5.11 but still struggle to put my foot on the ground without falling over (being 61 years old do'snt help much either!) so I would like to fit a yamalink to lower the bike .I weigh 190lbs and I wonder if you could let me know If I have to change the rear shock spring before I fit the yamalink. Thanks for your help.

Steve, The stock 2009 WR250F spring rate is 4.9 kg/mm. At 190 pounds BEFORE A YAMALINK you need a 5.4 kg/mm to achieve proper sag. So you need a heavier spring anyway. With a YamaLink you need a 5.6 kg/mm spring to achieve proper sag.

Monday, April 23, 2012

1998 1999 2000 2001 Yamaha WR lowering kit UK

From a ThumperTalk and UK WRF rider.... It's been a while - but I just thought I'd say thanks for great service and a great product with the Yamalink. Fitting was relatively straight forward, with the supplied instructions and YouTube video making it pretty trouble free. From start to finish, including lowering the forks by about 6mm, adjusting the sag and going for a test ride took just over an hour. It's transformed the bike, and my confidence on it. I made a post on ThumperTalk - there is a bit more interest in YamaLink HERE

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Shane's 2012 Yamaha WR450F question

I have just bought a 2012 WF450F and would like to lower it, how much will your link lower the rear of the bike? Do you have these available in stock now?

The 2012 WR450F will be lowered 1.5 inches. We have them in stock.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Jim's 2005 Yamaha WR250F lowering link question

From Colorado rider Jim on his 2005 WR250F: The wr250f with the Yamalink is working pretty well I think with sag set at about 100 mm. I did raise the forks in the clamps now up to 11 mm. I don’t get any head shake and thought I might try even more to see. You know the gal known as Plushpuppy has hers raised about 18mm she says. Would getting head shake at speed be the way to tell if I went too far or are there other indications I could look for ?

At lower speeds the Yamalink has made the greatest difference in lowering the center of gravity as well as allowing me to get my feet down on steep technical mountain trails. No more falling over in the rough stuff. Yeah !

Our reply: Great! Yes, headshake is the "key" to knowing if your forks are raised too much in the clamps. All personal preference; what works for you may not work for someone else, and vice versa.

Friday, March 23, 2012

Mike's 2003 YZ450F Yamaha lowering link question

Mike writes: I am 5’7” tall, and a new dirt rider. I have raced DH mountain bikes for years, and roadraced motorcycles for years, but never spent much time in the dirt on a moto. I just bought a 2003 YZ450F so I can tool around with my 9 year old while he learns. I am normally pretty aggressive on two wheels, but I’m not sure to what extent I will take to it. My problem is that the bike is VERY tall, and I’d like to lower it as much as possible without ruining the handling. I’ll most likely just be trailriding. Does your lowering link for my bike handle properly if I also lower the front by raising the forks in the tripples? How much can I do that, and what will be my net seat lowering? Will there be any ill effects if I also shave the seat as well as using your link and lowering the front?


Our reply: At 180 you may need to go to a heavier spring since you are on borderline with stock setup. The YamaLink's extra leverage would make the bike "think" you are 180 pus about 18 pounds, and before gear that's too heavy with the stock spring.

Many decrease race sag to about 94mm and turn in high-speed compression in 1/4 turn increments. That would work great tooling around following your kid but it would more than likely be too soft and bottom excessively on a MX track or aggressive riding until you put on a heavier spring.

Jim from Colorado has a 2005 Wr250F lowering link question

Jim writes: I have a 2005 wr250f. (steel frame) It handles really nicely at speed but when climbing the slow rocky or loose stuff in 1st gear it looses its line easily and wants to tip due to the top heaviness of the machine. Do you think the lowering link will help significantly with this issue on my bike ? Ideally do some folks get spacers in the front forks to go with the link to lower both ends the same ? I understand this is different than raising the forks in the clamps which changes the rake.

Our reply: Losing the line is a combination of lack of momentum and the rear tire not digging in. The extra leverage of the YamaLink will help tremendously if sag and spring rates are set properly.

I don't know of anyone who puts spacers in their forks. Travel is often decreased and the bike rides more rudely on the small bumps.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Don's 2010 Yamaha YZ450F suspension link question

One of the riders is a fast intermediate at 250 pounds and the other is a fast Expert at 190 pounds. Both have 2010 YZ450F's. Whatever input you can offer is appreciated.
Cheers, Don


Our reply: A 250 pounder is waaaay too heavy for the stock spring. A 6.4 or closest is
recommended. With the YamaLink the 190 pounder may be able to get away with the stock
spring after he resets sag and turns in high speed compression in 1/4 turn
increments. Many 190 pounders also go to a 5.9 or closest spring.

Breanna's 2001 YZ250 lowering link question

Im 5'4" and 130lbs ive been riding my 2001 yz250 for about a year now and decided i wanted to lower it. Any suggestions for sag and i believe im at a 4.6kg spring what would you reccomend? im excited to receive your product itll help at the starting gate having both feet on the ground!


Our reply: Stock was a 4.8 and without a YamaLink a 4.3 or 4.4 is recommended.

Keep your 4.6 spring on, install the YamaLink and reset sag. Our
instructions are super easy to follow and offer a few setup options. If you
have the stock 4.8 that is a good option to have, but try what you have on
first.

Monday, February 13, 2012

Monday, February 6, 2012

Pete's YZ250F YamaLink suspension lowering

Just want to let you know that I have a couple of rides on my yz 250f and could not be happier with the changes in performance in my bike with the yamalink. I also wanted you to know that I was real appreciative of the service before the sale that you provided in your saturday morning phone call. That kind of service is uncommon these days...especially with online sales. I changed the spring, made adjustments on the front end as per instructions, and find the bike more comfortable to ride and start...not to mention i feel that my riding will quickly improve, as i can already tell a difference in the cornering and high speed bump control. I'll keep yall posted...but thanks again.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Paul's 2006 WR250F lowering link spring rate

Paul owns a 2006 WR250F, weighs 90kg (that's about 200 pounds) and wanted to know about spring rates with and without a YamaLink.

Our reply: Your 2006 WR250F stock rear spring rate is 5.1 kg/mm

BEFORE the YamaLink is installed, RaceTech recommends a 5.5 kg/mm spring rate with the stock suspension to achieve proper sag and the best handling. Too much sag due causes understeering, bottoming and wallowing. You say you're not bottoming: was the bike purchased used and from a heavier rider who put a heavier spring on??

WITH a YamaLink on your bike a 5.8 kg/mm spring is recommended otherwise it will bottom too easily and understeer more.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

2012 Yamaha YZ450F suspension lowering link

Hey Guys. I'm a 92kg guy recently brought a 2012 YZ450F all standard great bike it feels a bit awkward like the back ends higher than it should be.I used to race as a junior back in NZ got up to national level then in the expert class's as a senior.Lost interest for a while now getting back into riding 6 years down the track it all feels the same (Tad rusty) but better on the new bikes except the rear suspension/rear of bike.Any help & or suggestions if you have any other performance recommendations for the 2012 yz450 would be muchly appreciated.


Our reply: "The stock spring rate is 5.8kg/mm. At 202 pounds and expert ability a 6.0 kg/mm spring is recommended by Race Tech before adding a YamaLink RACE 1 inch.

2002 2003 2004 Yamaha WR250F lowering suspension & sag

Richard writes.... "Good Afternoon. I recently bought a YamaLink for my wr250f and I am going to need to get a heavier spring. I weigh about 212pounds and as you say in the article it is very soft. I find it bottoms out when riding off-road I am more of a leisure rider than high impact. Please could you quote me on a spring for my weight.


Our reply....."Okay, let's figure out the spring rate.

At 212 pounds you are too heavy for the stock WR250F spring to achieve proper sag; the stock spring rate is set for a rider of about 180 pounds. And then of course adding the YamaLink's extra leverage requires a heavier spring.

The stock spring on an 02-04 is 4.8 kg/mm.
At 212 pounds with the STOCK suspension you need a spring rate of 5.4 kg/mm BEFORE the YamaLink.
Now we add the YamaLink and the spring you should use is a 5.8 kg/mm to achieve proper sag.