Bike is LOW - All parts stock - We gave up for the day. Oh, well....

[jacob92icu]

Hmmm. Ill just weld an sv650 tail on Jkin, I don't want to ruin a good frame. I really cant think of anything but shorter dog bones, but can you even buy dog bones that raise the bike for the gs500?

[jacob92icu]

After doing a search on google and popping up on one thread in particular about raising links I found this ebay offer. This specifies it will only raise the rear 1 1/4'' which could be enhanced to 2'' once I get the R6 shock. What do you guys think?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Raising-Riser-kit-GS500-GS-500-All-Years-/280368971226?hash=item41474afdda&item=280368971226&pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr

[gsJack]

Just order a set of those Burkhart links that are less than $20, they come in an infinite number of lengths.  Stock links are 7 1/16 between hole centers and the ones that they sell for 2" lower are 7 7/16 between centers so you need a pair 6 11/16 between centers for 2" raise.   Approx 3/8" shorter than stock.

http://burkhartcycle.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8_18&products_id=87

[adidasguy]

I've been measuring and taking pictures.
One is a 1989 parts bike. Rear end of swing arm is 1" high.
Other is a later model. It looks just fine.
Every measurement I can see is the same.
Links, shock, everything.

Now sometimes I see what may be a 1/8" difference somewhere, that may be just to human error.
Given that 2" is only 3/8" difference is the links, a few error all in the same direction could cause a difference in height.

I am still stumped.

It will take some careful measuring to determine actually what is different. I have frames and swing arms for measuring but am running out of time today.
the 89 parks bike clearly has the same issue as jacob's bike.

[jacob92icu]

So Jack, I would be safe buying the 6 11/16 links for a 2" raise?

*EDIT*

After looking at the link you posted Jack looks like you can only buy lowering links, would I have to go with the GSXR750 raising links? Or what are you seeing from that company that would work?

[gsJack]

It's about a 5:1 ratio between the amount the bike height changes to the link length change.  My notes on it:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v443/jcp8832/LinkDims.jpg

I'm running a 150/60 rear tire now which is the same OD as the stock 130/70 with 1 1/4" lowering links and a worn out rear shock with 90k+ miles on it and it fits my modified dimensions just about right.  I'm about 3-4" shorter now than I was when I bought my first GS.  I'm putting on a low mileage e-bay 07 shock with a 140/70 rear Roadrider and the 2" lowering links I've had for a while.  Expect with the 1/2" rise from the bigger tire and the new shock it will ride at about the same height as it does now.

[jacob92icu]

So then how would i go about ordering custom size for the gs500 from Burkhartcycles?

[oldmech]

did they install the swing arm pivot point at a different point on the 89 model per chance? or is the swing arm a different length?

[gsJack]

So then how would i go about ordering custom size for the gs500 from Burkhartcycles?

http://www.burkhartcycle.com/Site/extras/linktable.htm

The 6.660 or the 6.720 ones would be close enough to 6 11/16 desired length.

[Janx101]

errr... know you said knuckle to something is same length... but the top photo... the downwards facing U steel thingy .. that the knuckle?... its longer in the top photo... about a half inch different by my eye... which .. using gsjacks 5:1 ratio gives a little over 2" .. give a take a little for not exactly half inch ..

or is the ratio only for dogbones?

[jacob92icu]

Ratio that Jack gave is only for dog bones. We compared the knuckle on my bike with a stock knuckle Adidas had hanging around and it was the same size. The difference you see is probably because of the closer up picture maybe.

[yamahonkawazuki]

We can - but we measured everything. Dog bones are stock. Shock stock.
We are puzzled.

i know. and im not doubting your skills in repairs or assy. either. just wanted to see a side shot of the bike so i could see if anything appeared different

[jacob92icu]

The 6.660 or the 6.720 ones would be close enough to 6 11/16 desired length.

Are you not suggesting the 6.835 for a reason? Thats even closer to the 6 11/16th link. So your sure this will raise it two inches? Cause I think I will go ahead and buy these if they will.

[Janx101]

Ratio that Jack gave is only for dog bones. We compared the knuckle on my bike with a stock knuckle Adidas had hanging around and it was the same size. The difference you see is probably because of the closer up picture maybe.

this is the lower photo .. with my bestest attempt with paint shop on it...

the distance between the relevant points marked by the yellow lines... zoom factor of camera or not... is longer on the original upper photo... you could fit almost another whole bolt head in the extra length of metal avail...

whether or not it makes a real world difference regarding overall length of shock??.. dunno.. could be current spring length/preload shows OAL same... but unless i am missing something obvious... the distance/length of the bit in the red circle... is not the same as the original top photo... addys bike i assume,... cos it looks like you could do a white glove inspection on most of it!?

[gsJack]

The 6.660 or the 6.720 ones would be close enough to 6 11/16 desired length.

Are you not suggesting the 6.835 for a reason? Thats even closer to the 6 11/16th link. So your sure this will raise it two inches? Cause I think I will go ahead and buy these if they will.

11/16=.6875 so the 6.835 would be closer.  Just took a quick look at the list and missed that one.  Knew you would check it.   A man my age shouldn't go by memory on the decimal equivelents. 

[adidasguy]

i know. and im not doubting your skills in repairs or assy. either. just wanted to see a side shot of the bike so i could see if anything appeared different

Tomorrow I will take a photo of the 89 parts bike with a 1" difference and Phenix. I will use a ruler and be the same distance away and the same distance above the ground.

Given all parts are identical now (shock, knuckle and dog bones) compared to Phenix, something is causing his rear wheel to be 2" too high. Only difference is  the vintage of the frame: 1989 .vs. 1993

Still very puzzled....

[jacob92icu]

So is this burkhartcycle site reputable? Is it safe to purchase online and give all your email information and everything to create an account?

[Snake2715]

I think its sharp, am furious what you find to be the difference though.

I am sorry you  are "furious". I think you'd want to be "curious"

yeah love working from the phone to come back later and see a mistake. At least this one was worth a laugh (at least to me).

[jacob92icu]

did they install the swing arm pivot point at a different point on the 89 model per chance? or is the swing arm a different length?

Yea, from what I remember we measured them and they were all the same. Thats kinda the idea I was thinking of though.

[jacob92icu]

Just bought some of those burkhartlinks. Hopefully they come soon