My new 2012 DL650 V-Strom is a great all-rounder. The only qualm I had with it, and it was pretty minor, was that it was just a hair taller than I was comfortable in all situations with. Mainly duck walking it around the garage, driveway, or a parking lot was a challenge. I had dialed back the rear spring preload and that did help, but it made the rear to squishy. My goal was to lower the rear enough that I could put the right amount of preload back in.
I bought the 3/4" lowering links from MurphsKits.com. They arrived quickly, aren't expensive, and look like a quality hunk of metal. If you need the butt of your DL to squat down just a little, I soundly recommend these.
I bought the 3/4" lowering links from MurphsKits.com. They arrived quickly, aren't expensive, and look like a quality hunk of metal. If you need the butt of your DL to squat down just a little, I soundly recommend these.
Bottmom to top: New link, old link, 14mm wrench
This is where the old 'dogbone' link used to go. A before shot might have been nice... That is the center stand bumper in the foreground.
Driving this chunk of 2x4 under the tire *almost* put all the part in perfect alignment to re-install the bolts through the suspension components and links. I needed about another 1/4" of lift. I put the 2x4 on a piece of pegboard then drove both of them under the tire. Perfect. Having a helper slowly lift the tire would have been easier yet.
Completed install from the right side of the bike. Toqued to about 55lb/ft, ready to go!
If you have someone willing to jiggle the tire up and down while you pull the bolts out and then put them back in, this is a 15 minute job. Tops. Its just two bolts for crying out loud!
When I was through I raised the forks in the triple tree about 3/8". just trying to balance out the changes out back. With front and back lowered, but preload added back to front and back, I think it might be 1/2 to 3/4 lower. It still leans on the kickstand. Might be a couple degrees more upright, but not enough to worry about for now.
I don't have too many miles on this mod yet, but it feels pretty good. Between getting lowered, adding the center stand, and adding side bags, I worry a little about clearance. I'm not out trying to prove anything with late apex cornering prowess, so I should be ok.
When I was through I raised the forks in the triple tree about 3/8". just trying to balance out the changes out back. With front and back lowered, but preload added back to front and back, I think it might be 1/2 to 3/4 lower. It still leans on the kickstand. Might be a couple degrees more upright, but not enough to worry about for now.
I don't have too many miles on this mod yet, but it feels pretty good. Between getting lowered, adding the center stand, and adding side bags, I worry a little about clearance. I'm not out trying to prove anything with late apex cornering prowess, so I should be ok.
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