82 xr

[Dstorch032]

Looking for Info on modifying 82 xr500r  suspension. Stock is too tall. Need to lower

[Turboloader]

Set your sag to 100 mm, use a pre load spanner to crank down the shox. Lower profile rear tire might help, lastly, shave down your seat foam, carefully..

[Turboloader]

Give it a try...?

[Willie71]

If you need to go lower than just correct sag settings, contact race tech. They can sell you top out spacers to lower the bike as much as you want to. You can send your components to them if you can’t do the work yourself. 
 

How tall are you? If you are over 5’8”, the stock suspension settings (ride height) should be fine. 

Edited June 28, 2021 by Willie71

[XR Papa]

I have a 03 XR400R seat height is 36", i`m 5`8" with 32" inseam and 160lbs.  I contacted the race tech shop here in FL about reworking my suspension with the gold valves and lowering it 1" front and rear. Got a estimate of 1100.00 still undecided if i`m going to go for it. Already decided against shaving down the seat or using a lowering link. May have to get all the parts and do the labor myself.

[Gregory C]

3dc 7th 4e8 n6

[gt63]

take 3" out of the seat, better than lowering your ground clearance with suspension mods, first set the sag like mentioned. 

[Willie71]

1 hour ago, XR Papa said:

I have a 03 XR400R seat height is 36", i`m 5`8" with 32" inseam and 160lbs.  I contacted the race tech shop here in FL about reworking my suspension with the gold valves and lowering it 1" front and rear. Got a estimate of 1100.00 still undecided if i`m going to go for it. Already decided against shaving down the seat or using a lowering link. May have to get all the parts and do the labor myself.

Your suspension would dampen as good as a modern bike then, so a worthwhile investment. Once you consider getting an ohlins rear shock would set you back more than $1500 by itself. The front is easier to fix. Any XR or CR front suspension will be a bolt on or near bolt on upgrade. Better rigidity, and better brakes too. 

[XR Papa]

Yeah when you consider $450 to $500 is what i`d be paying for someone with the experience and right tools to do the work, the parts are not all that expensive.

Not going to take three inches out of my seat because there would be nothing but the seat pan left. According to their tech I won`t lose my ground clearance with their method of lowering versus one of those crappy links.

The stock Honda rear spring is rated for a rider of at least 190lbs. Not ever going to work like I want it to for my light 160lb ass.

Edited June 30, 2021 by XR Papa

[AMSinator]

Try https://www.koubalinks.com/ lowering links, tell em' Matthes or weege sent you & I think they give a discount?

https://www.dirtrider.com/tests/gear/141_0611_kouba_link_motorcycle_lowering_link/

They support Racer-X 

Otherwise Devol offers links also.

 

[XR Papa]

My XR goes to Race tech next week. Looking forward to a more comfortable seat height and better handling bike. 

[AMSinator]

Have you checked/set  the race/ride sag for this bike.

The spring rate might be too heavy for your weight.

Checking/adjusting sag will help determine this.

[DEATH_INC.]

On 6/30/2021 at 12:52 PM, XR Papa said:

According to their tech I won`t lose my ground clearance with their method of lowering versus one of those crappy links.

 

Really? They know better than that, how are you going to lower the bike an inch without loosing an inch of ground clearance?

[XR Papa]

BFD So I will lose an inch of ground clearance back in the 70`s I raced and trail rode bikes with a lot less clearance and suspension. My XR goes to Race tech next week. Looking forward to a more comfortable seat height and better handling bike. 

[Turboloader]

On 6/29/2021 at 7:52 PM, XR Papa said:

Yeah when you consider $450 to $500 is what i`d be paying for someone with the experience and right tools to do the work, the parts are not all that expensive.

Not going to take three inches out of my seat because there would be nothing but the seat pan left. According to their tech I won`t lose my ground clearance with their method of lowering versus one of those crappy links.

The stock Honda rear spring is rated for a rider of at least 190lbs. Not ever going to work like I want it to for my light 160lb ass.

160? almost the weight of a tall woman. Hit the burger stand bro...?

[Turboloader]

Those late 70's early 80s dirt bikes were tall, 83 up bike got lower and more user friendly...Check your reed valves on that bike<<<<<waiting for an uneducated response to this statement. LOL!?

[XR Papa]

2 hours ago, M E T A L A C I D said:

160? almost the weight of a tall woman. Hit the burger stand bro...?

Got to limit the burgers to no more than twice a week, tough to maintain the 6 pack abs after you pass 60. If I ate more burgers I would have to cut back on the beer.

[AMSinator]

I love those ventilated fenders.

I have one that came with my Fox Factory Forx I got back in 84.

Seems it was a Hurricane fender, have to look on my old one.

Cycra still made one years back, not sure anymore.

[Turboloader]

7 hours ago, XR Papa said:

Got to limit the burgers to no more than twice a week, tough to maintain the 6 pack abs after you pass 60. If I ate more burgers I would have to cut back on the beer.

Eat the burgers drink the ale! Eat a Man's meal! Ha-Haaaaaa!

[Turboloader]

6 hours ago, AMSinator said:

I love those ventilated fenders.

I have one that came with my Fox Factory Forx I got back in 84.

Seems it was a Hurricane fender, have to look on my old one.

Cycra still made one years back, not sure anymore.

Acerbis had some cool after market fenders....