Lowering Links (Cheapest alternative)

[nadroj]

Hello all,

I wanted to lower my 2fiddy. Mainly my GF wants me to lower it so she can feel more comfortable on it (I bought the bike for her).

ANYWAYS, I am the cheapest bastard you have ever met. But I recently discovered a good way to lower the ex250 on the cheap.

Apparently the ninja 250 dog bone length measure from the center of the holes is 6.5in (unconfirmed just what I read on the interwebs).

What I have discovered is that the 05 - 08 zzr600 (not zx6r) has a 7 1/8 in. dog bones.

that is about a .625 change in length which based on what I have read should net me about a 1.3in drop (maybe a little more).

I am planning on picking up the dog bones tonight to confirm but I will keep everyone update as to whether the fit or not.

[garth285]

Thanks! Please keep us posted!

I have done things like this for years, on my old zx-10r (2011) I used a CBR1000rr link and it worked perfectly.

[garth285]

I think the ZX-10r's have a little over 7" link in them as well. I might have a set at home I'll check out.

***EDIT*** - 7.28" is what the ZX-10r's links measure bolt hole center to center....

[nadroj]

Originally Posted by garth285

I think the ZX-10r's have a little over 7" link in them as well. I might have a set at home I'll check out.

***EDIT*** - 7.28" is what the ZX-10r's links measure bolt hole center to center....

Hmm interesting. that would net about a 1.5 in drop. Those would actually work well. I have read mixed answers on the exact length of the zzr600 links anywhere from 7 1/8 to 7.5in so we will find out soon enough.

I have already ordered the zzr600 link which may be exactly the same as the zx10 dogbones. They guy who had them locally fell through so I had to order online (12$ shipped) so pretty inexpensive if you ask me.

[garth285]

Think smart not expensive! lol.....

Yeah the 10r's links are cheap... 10 bucks on ebay not bad.

I have a buddy of mine who still works at my old dealership who may have some links laying around I can go steal.

[nadroj]

Originally Posted by garth285

Think smart not expensive! lol.....

Yeah the 10r's links are cheap... 10 bucks on ebay not bad.

I have a buddy of mine who still works at my old dealership who may have some links laying around I can go steal.

That would actually be real helpful just to see what lengths are out there. I know a lot of people are trying to raise the rear of the ninja maybe find a bike that has 6in or 6.25in dogbones to raise up the rear.

[garth285]

Yeah would be nice if there was a spreadsheet of the popular sportbikes link lengths out there lol.

Another idea... some sellers will help you on ebay if you ask them certain things. quite a few times I've messaged sellers to find out dimensions of things... some will help others will not.... Might be worth it to find some used stuff on ebay and ask for the lengths, just have to make sure they understand you dont want total length of link and its got to be say from left side of bolt hole 1 to left side of bolt hole 2 which will keep the measurements equal.

[cuong-nutz]

I have links from an 07 zzr600 if you want them. Send me your address.

[alex.s]

why not just buy a strip of eighth inch steel, cut it to length, and drill some holes in them.... presto chango, new dogbones. cost... about $5 maybe?

[garth285]

Sometimes spending an extra $5 is worth the time it takes to machine everything. We live in the age of the interwebs where info is a click away... I'm sure all it takes it finding the right link you want and a quick trip to ebay and you will get what you want.

I used to make all of my own parts but I'd rather just find a part that is mass produced and get it on the cheap cheap on line.

[snot]

If she adds gel insoles to her boots it helps. Also, boots with a heal + insoles will give her 1+ inches.
I use 2 sets of insoles in Vega boots, I got 1.5 ~ 2 inches

[nadroj]

OK Guys I got the dog bones in from the 05-08 zzr600 and they are indeed 7 1/8 from center of hole to center of hole.

Will install them today and let you know how much they drop it. The holes are the right side for the bolts and didn't require any drilling which is nice.

[nadroj]

Originally Posted by cuong-nutz

I have links from an 07 zzr600 if you want them. Send me your address.

Dang I just saw this would have jumped on it.

[nadroj]

Originally Posted by alex.s

why not just buy a strip of eighth inch steel, cut it to length, and drill some holes in them.... presto chango, new dogbones. cost... about $5 maybe?

easier to just order the zzr600 dogbones.

[alex.s]

it's easiest to just take your bike to a mechanic and have him handle it for you. however that isn't the cheapest alternative is it? see in the title how it says "cheapest alternative"?

50 cents worth of steel and 10 minutes of your time seems like a lot cheaper than spending minimum $20 + shipping + installing to get the same result. (except that you can't decide to change zzr bones after the fact, you get to order a different bikes stock dog bones if they aren't right)

[garth285]

Originally Posted by alex.s

it's easiest to just take your bike to a mechanic and have him handle it for you. however that isn't the cheapest alternative is it? see in the title how it says "cheapest alternative"?

50 cents worth of steel and 10 minutes of your time seems like a lot cheaper than spending minimum $20 + shipping + installing to get the same result. (except that you can't decide to change zzr bones after the fact, you get to order a different bikes stock dog bones if they aren't right)

You are forgetting the cost of a few other things ya know.... drill, drill bit, tape measure, cutter/grinder.... lol.....

In this day in age if you just do a little online research you can find what your looking for.... Zx-10r links are $10 shipped to your door

[nadroj]

Originally Posted by alex.s

it's easiest to just take your bike to a mechanic and have him handle it for you. however that isn't the cheapest alternative is it? see in the title how it says "cheapest alternative"?

50 cents worth of steel and 10 minutes of your time seems like a lot cheaper than spending minimum $20 + shipping + installing to get the same result. (except that you can't decide to change zzr bones after the fact, you get to order a different bikes stock dog bones if they aren't right)

10$ free ship. Don't want to muddle up this thread with other stuff. If someone wants to manufacture dog bones I am pretty sure they wouldn't need to check on forums to see how to do it.

Like I said will confirm tonight to see how far it drops. For now I know they do fit.

[garth285]

Sounds great! Thanks! I may have my hands on a few different links myself. I'll let you know what I find!

[gantt]

I bought the 1.5 link. Got it on the bike with the gsxr swap. Bike is down for a few months while I do some mods so I can't vouch for any changes. Going to go through the carbs, valve check, fork springs and oil. Move the rear brake reservoir. Tidy up some random things. And last but not least, fab up an undertail exhaust!!!

[nadroj]

So a quick update.

The 05-08 zzr600 lowers the newgen ex250 about 1.5 in. Forgot to take a measurement prior to swapping the dogbones so if someone could take a measurement that would help, but my guestemation is 1.5in lower.

You do not have to drill anything or use different bolts, just take the oem ones out and put the zzr600 dogbones in.

[garth285]

Originally Posted by nadroj

So a quick update.

The 05-08 zzr600 lowers the newgen ex250 about 1.5 in. Forgot to take a measurement prior to swapping the dogbones so if someone could take a measurement that would help, but my guestemation is 1.5in lower.

You do not have to drill anything or use different bolts, just take the oem ones out and put the zzr600 dogbones in.

Thanks for the info. You might be best doing the measuring the same.... someone may be measuring the bike in a different way than you are.

I normally will measure the bike on a rear stand and measure from the floor to say the passenger peg bracket at some point and then lower it and do it again.

Just so you know your self how much of a drop it really is.... tire size can also throw the measurements off if someone does it a different way.... keep the variables to a minimum!

[nadroj]

Originally Posted by garth285

Thanks for the info. You might be best doing the measuring the same.... someone may be measuring the bike in a different way than you are.

I normally will measure the bike on a rear stand and measure from the floor to say the passenger peg bracket at some point and then lower it and do it again.

Just so you know your self how much of a drop it really is.... tire size can also throw the measurements off if someone does it a different way.... keep the variables to a minimum!

Good point.

I'll swap them soon again.

Basically before my gf was on her tip toes now she is almost flat footed on it and has more control.

I'm hoping once she gets used to it we will swap it back because for me is a bit low (I'm 5'9")

[snot]

If she uses boots with inserts she will be flat.
Did you lower the front?

[nadroj]

Originally Posted by snot

If she uses boots with inserts she will be flat.
Did you lower the front?

No, I know you should lower the front when you drop the rear, but I am hoping it wont stay lowered for much longer.

She did not want to go the boots route.

[LittleRedNinjette]

I would still lower the front... She may want to keep it that way. Best to be level.

[garth285]

Time for clipons!