Dog bones - 195mm center to center

[binge]

Do they exist on a stock bike?

I've managed to fit the Gixxer 750 shocker to the B12. It meant mounting the entire shock linkage further down in the frame. Alot of work. Final thing I need is a set of Dog bones which are 195mm long to seat it right.
Current dog bones are alot shorter. They seem to be made from 5 to 6mm steel, cant see myself being able to fab them up with a grinder very well to be honest.




Cheers


Ben

[r0b]

I don't know about a stock bike with that size, but if you look on ebay for "lowering kit" or "jack up kit" in motorcycle accessories there are tons of dog bones for sale.

I had a quick look and there is one seller, who I presume is making them, selling for 15 quid who you could ask

I got a jack up kit for my zx9r 3 or 4 years ago and the ebay dog bones are still mint - even though i've neglected the linkage area so quality is ok
____________________
'92 Honda NX650 Dominator RD02
'98 Kawasaki ZX9R C1
'00 Yamaha TT600R Belgarda

[G]

You can cut 5mm steel with a jigsaw and the right blade easily enough (I was quite surprised by this when I first found out.)
And remember unless you've got space issues, you don't need to make the 'dog bone' shape, unless you're also worried about the weight.

[binge]

Not too fussed about the weight G.
I considered making a set of adjustable ones using some M12 rose joints and threaded shank/bar.
But there simply isn't enough room now im running the k2 shock. It's alot bigger than the B12 shock.


I'm sure B&Q sell lengths of flat bar. If I can get something around 20mm wide, and 5mm thick. I could just cut and drill 2 lengths of that.


Adjustable is the way forward, but I simply have no room to do it.

[binge]

Tried making some today.
Managed to fuck it up good and proper.

I might have to buy myself some really thin grinder blades tomorrow, the ones I've got are taking too long to cut through this steel.




Ben

[G]

As I say, I'd go for a jigsaw for 5mm, cuts through it pretty nicely with the right blades.
However, thin grinder blades are certainly nice, both for speed and for cutting a bit more cleanly.

[Pete.]

Easy to make. Do yourself a favour and make them from 6mm.

Another idea is one I use for 'busa lowering links. Drill four holes in each then you have 3 levels of adjustment - 2 sets of links gives you a large range of adjustment. (The pictured ones are for a hayabusa).
____________________
a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[binge]

Really cool suggestion Pete, and I did consider it.
But where I've had to lower the linkage to fit the Gixxer K2 shock, and also flip the linkage upside down too.

Literally 6mm on the dog bones, changes the tail unit by about 50mm. It's ridiculous.

I'm dubious that 195mm is going to be wrong. If it's like 2 or 3mm out, it's going to make it noticeably "wrong" on the ride height.
It has to be smack bang on the mark.

Hence the reason I thought about adjustable ones, made from M12 rose joints and some drilled/threaded hex bar.

BUT, it wont fit.

Here's a comparison just so you have an idea how different the shocks are.


https://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac227/pitbikeben/Photo1724.jpg

[binge]

Well I guess it pays to ask the Ebay sellers before buying bits to make them.

I emailed 2 sellers on ebay yesterday. One looked like a mainstream seller who makes them for loads of bikes.
The other looked like a private seller who makes them from home.

Got two replies. One was basically saying his are all lazer cut, and he cant make custom lengths. However, his XJ1300 lowering kits are bang on 195mm center to center. He sent me the item number for it, £15. Sorted.


The other guy said he makes his own, and will forward me some pictures, all I need to do is add the measurements, send back, and he will make them up, and send them out. Again, at £15.


Yesterday at work, I was being impatient, Went into town and spent like £20 on a 12mm drill bit and a pack of 10, 1mm cutting discs. Teach me I guess!

[Pete.]

Well I cut you some flat bar today to make them

The difference in length of those two shocks is quite large. You might find you have changed the spring rates quite dramatically by altering the linkage geometry..
____________________
a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good