250R Linkage, Shock

[havinnoj]

The 87-89 linkage are shorter... What is the outcome of an 89 frame, 87-89 dogbone, and 86 shock?

[peeping TOM]

try a durablue dogbone,, i,m sure i had this problem a long time ago , the early shock on a 89 set up would have the back end sat way to high..this is memorys from years ago though ,,,,,so could be wrong ..

[Jason Hall]

The bogbone was shorter In 88-89. The lower shock/linkage bolt was also bigger on the 88-89. The distance from the swingarm pivot to the dogbone mount at the top rear of the swingarm Is also different from 86-87 to 88-89. Honda changed the geometry of the linkage for the shorter swingarm In 88-89. The shock Is the same length from 85 atc-89 trx. The outcome would be you will need to have different bushings made, or to drill the bottom shock bolt out to fit the 88-89 lower linkage bolt. The ride height will be the same, as long as you have a stock 88-89 swingarm.

[havinnoj]

good to know. the swingarm is a +4 based off 86 geometry. Seems like too much of a hassle to fix right now...I'll do it when I do a new rear shock.

[deathman53]

I thought that 86's had the bigger shock bolts and 87-89 used shorter dog bones. It the 85's that had very small bolts, I bent about 4 of them. 86 atc's I bought had bigger shock bolts and so did my 86 quad.

86-89 bottom shock bolt

90125-hb9-000

86 dog bone

52460-hb9-000

87-89 dog bone

52460-hb9-670

[mineralgrey01gt]

Originally posted by deathman53
I thought that 86's had the bigger shock bolts and 87-89 used shorter dog bones.


same exact thing I thought

[havinnoj]

would it be possible to use an adjustible strut from durablue to compensate?

An 86 style strut that is lowered would set my ride height up...yeah?

[havinnoj]

anybody used a strut to compensate?

If so...

[Rich250RRacer]

Originally posted by Jason Hall
The bogbone was shorter In 88-89. The lower shock/linkage bolt was also bigger on the 88-89. The distance from the swingarm pivot to the dogbone mount at the top rear of the swingarm Is also different from 86-87 to 88-89. Honda changed the geometry of the linkage for the shorter swingarm In 88-89. The shock Is the same length from 85 atc-89 trx. The outcome would be you will need to have different bushings made, or to drill the bottom shock bolt out to fit the 88-89 lower linkage bolt. The ride height will be the same, as long as you have a stock 88-89 swingarm.

First off, the shocks are not all the same length. The 86 is the longest, 87 is shorter, and 88-89 are slightly shorter yet. The 86 TRX uses the longest dog bone of the TRX's, I'm not sure how they compare to the ATC parts, but they are a different part number. The 87-89 all use the same dog bone, the same part number for all three years. I've interchanged all these and never run into a problem with the size of the bolt or bushing. Keep in mind, the longer the dog bone, the lower the quad is going to sit, regardless of the shock. Shock length and swinger length also affect the ride height. Use this diagram to help, if you don't understand. The blue line will be the dog bone, red is the shock, black is the main link to the chassis (these are all the same, regardless of year), the thin black line is an imaginary center line from the swingarm pivot. By shortening the dog bone, lengthening the shock, or both, you move the carrier farther below the center line, increasing ride height. Shortening the shock, lengthening the dog bone, or both, moves the carrier upwards, closer to the center line, decreasing ride height.

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee108/rich250rracer/swingarmdiag.jpg

[Rich250RRacer]

Originally posted by havinnoj
The 87-89 linkage are shorter... What is the outcome of an 89 frame, 87-89 dogbone, and 86 shock?

The year of the chassis does not matter here. You are using the longest shock, combined with the shortest link, which will create a very high ride height. Unlike someone said, I believe the distance from the swingarm pivot the the dog bone mount is the same no matter what year the swingarm.

[mineralgrey01gt]

hmm, i think thats why my 250r sits so low in the rear because of the shorter shock, i know its not an 86 shock, plus i have the durablue adjustable link on it but the guy i bought it from had it on the same rear end i have and I never turned it and his sat way higher than mine. I learn something new everyday

[havinnoj]

Rich thanks for all the info.

However, running a 86 dogbone leaves the quad low, and 89 dogbone (supposedly) will leave it too high.

If I can get the proper ride height using an adjustable strut - which model (86 or 87-89) of strut would be the best to use?

[peeping TOM]

Originally posted by Rich250RRacer
. I've interchanged all these and never run into a problem with the size of the bolt or bushing.

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee108/rich250rracer/swingarmdiag.jpg


me neither ..as for using a durablue lowering link,, i mentioned it in the first reply...thats how i solved my ride height on my 89 using a 86 length shock..

[havinnoj]

Originally posted by peeping TOM
me neither ..as for using a durablue lowering link,, i mentioned it in the first reply...thats how i solved my ride height on my 89 using a 86 length shock..

That's what I'm trying to do - but what year dogbone?

[havinnoj]

Originally posted by havinnoj
That's what I'm trying to do - but what year dogbone?

what year durablue dogbone did you use?

[86 Quad R]

your wanting a lower ride hieght than what you currently have. right? what dog bone is on your quad now?

the durablue adjustable for the 86 will give you the lowest adjustable height possible.

[havinnoj]

Originally posted by 86 Quad R
your wanting a lower ride hieght than what you currently have. right? what dog bone is on your quad now?

the durablue adjustable for the 86 will give you the lowest adjustable height possible.

86 shock. 89 frame. 86 linkage - need to RAISE the ride height. People say they use an adjustable dog bone but don't specify the year - durablue makes an 86 and 87-89 style.

I don't know if there is that much difference in length...

[86 Quad R]

you need the 87-89. it should raise it quite a bit