Raising links for '09 klx250 - pros & cons?

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  #21  
Old 08-10-2011, 09:50 PM
RaceGass's Avatar
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07 & earlier klx have 117 mm links
09 & later have 119.5 mm

So you guys figure the shorter links raises the bike by how much?

So much so that longer forks are needed?

Pic would help to see the changes.
 
  #22  
Old 08-11-2011, 07:52 AM
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I raised mine with 1 inch dog bones about a month ago, about $30 cheap aluminium (not sure on the actual length). I can only say good things about this mod.

I am 6'3 and just love the new ride height. With a AC10 110/100 tyre, forks to the top of triple clamp and the 1 inch raising link my seat height is 935mm which I believe is the same as the klx450.

At first it felt that the rear end was really stiff with this mod, however it was just that it took a tank to loosen up the linkages and allow the suspension to work. It also felt that the front was low but feels great now and the high beam is perfect.

Steering can't say it has made much difference. Obviously it has a tighter turn, and at first in sand it seemed a bit twitchy but can't say I notice now.
 
  #23  
Old 08-11-2011, 04:47 PM
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i probably bought the same aluminum dog bones and 1 inch raise was the only one i found for klx250sf...i did clean everything with lubricant spray and used the thicker grease for the bolts...5'10" and the height is now perfect for me and my legs...i went ahead and took it in for a professional front and rear suspension adjustment yesterday...early this morning, i went for a 25 mile test ride...san francisco gets extremely gusty on the 101 freeway/highway with horrible pavement...up to 70 mph the bike was extremely stable and smooth, and the strong winds didn't bother me...at 80mph the bike was still quite stable, but i felt the pressure of the wind and loud wind noise in my icon variant helmet (full face motard helment with the visor)....the bike was stable, but my head was not!...i think i'll get a regular full-face helmet for my freeway rides....at 90 mph, the noise of the wind was almost unbearable...the bike was still stable, but now my body, backpack and helmet was not....i maxed out at 96mph (near redline) with strong wind blowing straight against me...101 is sea level and flat in sf....

Originally Posted by nornalup
I raised mine with 1 inch dog bones about a month ago, about $30 cheap aluminium (not sure on the actual length). I can only say good things about this mod.

I am 6'3 and just love the new ride height. With a AC10 110/100 tyre, forks to the top of triple clamp and the 1 inch raising link my seat height is 935mm which I believe is the same as the klx450.

At first it felt that the rear end was really stiff with this mod, however it was just that it took a tank to loosen up the linkages and allow the suspension to work. It also felt that the front was low but feels great now and the high beam is perfect.

Steering can't say it has made much difference. Obviously it has a tighter turn, and at first in sand it seemed a bit twitchy but can't say I notice now.
 

Last edited by ahnh666; 08-11-2011 at 05:11 PM.
  #24  
Old 08-12-2011, 10:57 AM
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ahnh666 what is the icon variant like? Sorry to go off topic.

I ride mostly offroad but for the road run into town and back i can't bare the open face, especially if it's cold or raining.

I tried on the varient by chance in the local shop recently and just loved the comfort factor. Thought this helmut would be great also for less serious adventure rides.
 
  #25  
Old 08-12-2011, 06:13 PM
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visibility is great...it's very comfortable...i ride with the mouth and two vents on front top closed....only because i get some air flowing from underneath the helmet....it's not that great when it's super cold for this reason...it's fairly aerodynamic...i don't have too much problem checking the left and right lanes....once you get to about 60mph+...if it's gusty, just be prepared to catch some wind when you turn your head...looking straight ahead....i don't have too much problem...but, once you start going 80mph+...if it happens to be a windy day, and winds blowing sideways...and, you are passing cars or being passed from the sides....you can get your head in some crazy left and right twitching...it gets like this for me when i'm on the 101 and i'm passing the bay waters and nothing blocking any of the sf winds....i would say anything past 80mph is not recommended for this helmet (or this bike)...i paid about $220 for it after some negotiations with the shop...

Originally Posted by nornalup
ahnh666 what is the icon variant like? Sorry to go off topic.

I ride mostly offroad but for the road run into town and back i can't bare the open face, especially if it's cold or raining.

I tried on the varient by chance in the local shop recently and just loved the comfort factor. Thought this helmut would be great also for less serious adventure rides.
 

Last edited by ahnh666; 08-12-2011 at 06:20 PM.
  #26  
Old 07-11-2021, 05:23 AM
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bump........
 

Last edited by ekim250; 07-11-2021 at 06:06 AM.
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