So, in an effort to lighten and make my '06 turn a little easier, one of the steps was to raise the back end. I'll also be getting rid of the center stand but for now it's come in quite handy.

On the stand I looked for about 3/4" of lift from a 50 series tire I have on the bike.

Then removed the dog bones and let the back end down on to the piece of wood I used to keep everything in order while measurements were taken.

As it turned out, 6.5" was left from center of hole to center of hole for the new suspension links.

I then measured for the size of bushings I'll need using the stock links.

Found some 8mm 6061 plate in the shop and fabricated two new links.

Unfortunately this is where progress stopped as the only local shop open on Sunday didn't have what I felt is an appropriate bolt. Looking for something strong in M12x110 and I know a guy in town that will have one tomorrow. This is what the setup will look like when done though. Might source two different bushings though.

Anyway, I'll add an update once fully complete and hopefully with some nice weather this week test ride it.

* Last updated by: Cuff on 1/22/2017 @ 4:19 PM *

As it turned out, 6.5" was left from center of hole to center of hole for the new suspension links.

How much is this going to raise the rear from stock height?

Are you sure those are going to be strong enough to not bend? If you look at Brocks, his don't look like they would be stronger but maybe more resistant to bending with the steel adjuster between the ends. I guess I'd rather have them bend than break...but I assume Brocks has been thoroughly tested.

Thanks for the feedback Rook.

They won't bend as there will be a longer lower bolt with spacing bushings to avoid the need for a bend around the shock. This gives the pull between holes a straight shot. Hence the reason I was looking for a stronger than stock lower bolt. Just for peace of mind. I could have just used a factory upper bolt but if I can get a couple stronger bolts why not?

The lift total will be 3/4".

As for the strength I trust 8mm 6061 aluminum over curved cast metal that has an off-center pull to it (as in the stock links). Having said that the stock links are far more than adequate for the forces placed on them with a stock length swing arm.

* Last updated by: Cuff on 1/22/2017 @ 6:42 PM *

I'm also confident mine should be stronger than something like these.

Or even these with the low quality bolts included.

* Last updated by: Cuff on 1/22/2017 @ 7:01 PM *

The lift total will be 3/4".

I'm also confident mine should be stronger than something like these.

oh FCOL, YES!

Or even these with the low quality bolts included.

YES but those rose joints are awful darned purdy,

Imay go with Brocks just to have something favcy under there to go with the fancy Ohlins shock but I think a 200/55 is all I need.

It does look extremely cool to have the rear end lifted as high as possible.

I know what you mean about the heim joints. We'll see how this works out then I might make a set of adjustable ones with some quality parts. I have run a 200/55 S21 and liked it but looking for just a little bit more.

Oh yeah, also forgot to mention I've dropped the front 1/2". Not too much but hopefully combined with the modest rear lift should get what I'm looking for.

How much did you drop the front to improve turn in? Running a /55 series tire helps some also.

I went about 1/2" in the front. I've run a 55 in the past but was looking for just a little more.

As it turns out I need to source an alternative for the bolts. We'll need something a little longer on the top as well as the bottom. My guy didn't have anything strong enough to ease my mind, only 8.8 stuff.

So, it's off to eBay tonight and another shot at a shop a couple towns over tomorrow.

I did manage to mock up the lift without the proper bolts and I may have been a little off on the math. ;-) Raised the back more than I like. Oh well, its not much trouble to make a couple more links.

The good news is the belly pan I ordered now fits with the center stand gone. Damn, I hated that thing even if it was handy.

you could also get the same effect by adding spacers to the rear shock to raise ride height in the rear. did that on my zx10 to help with turn in at the track

Not sure how that would be accomplished with the lack of a center post at either end?

Should be ok with the two new bolts coming. 2 BRAND NEW ORIGINAL GENUINE PORSCHE PANAMERA FRONT SUSPENSION BOLTS M12X130 coming from eBay. m12x130mm. If they're strong enough for a Panamera, they should be fine on a bike.

* Last updated by: Cuff on 1/24/2017 @ 12:41 AM *

Well it's done. Turned out to be almost an inch of lift. A little more than I wanted but oh well. 6.75" on the dog bones hole to hole, 19mm aluminum shims, two stainless steel washers up and down, two Porsche Panamera suspension bolts and a couple nylock nuts.

Now I'll have to 'adjust' the lower belly pan mount as the bolts and links get in the way a little. Another day though.

How's it handle?

Interesting read, I as well wanted to raise the rear, but did not want to lower the front, as I wanted more cornering clearance. I opted for a new rear shock as I needed a heavier spring anyways. Chose a Nitro R2 shock custom made with up to 15mm of additional length, which yields approx 5/8" of lift in the rear. I won't be installing it until February, but would be interested to read your ride review

Not sure Trailboss just yet. Just me and the boy at home right now so I can't go pushing a ride. Next week though for sure.

Thx CDG. Hope you like the new shock. I was told when I bought the bike there were Ohlins internals front and rear but I'm suspect about the rear. There's an RMR sticker up front and yes, the front is like butter but the rear lacks any stickers showing their service and is kind of harsh. I have no frame of reference though on another 14.

Looks COOL.

Also, I'm not sure how there could be any "Ohlins internals" for the rear as the rear shock isn't serviceable, so any upgrades beyond the rear spring I think would require an entire new unit.

Hence my skepticism. I don't think the previous owner was lying to me when I bought the bike but I do think he was led to believe "Ohlins suspension" meant front and back when he purchased.

and thanks Rook, we'll see next week how she goes.

Well after a quick little ride the bike handles a lot better. I've even noticed slow speed improvements in turning. However, at speed you can feel 'outside the bubble' somewhat but that may be attributed to my new smoked screen and a slight forward lean. I don't want to say the bike is less stable at speed but you can definitely tell it's changing direction easier with less input. Still planted though.

Didn't get a chance to push it though being January in Canada. We have lots of sand and salt patches left everywhere and the cold makes the Diablo's sketchy. Those will be gone soon even if I just shoed them on 2000 klm's ago.

I kind of screwed up a little making this suspension change when I did. Along with this winter project I've also removed the center stand, installed rear sets, shaved my homemade seat down, added a solo cowl, added frame sliders, new fuel cap, removed the Givi bags and rack, removed stock mirrors and changed out my screen for a smoked version.

So in reality, the bike was going to feel different anyway.

Now bring on spring, some warm dry weather and new tires.

Looks good. Lifting the rear 8~10mm makes a very noticeable difference in handling so I doubt it's just removing the bags. After the first big weight loss of switching to a full system exhaust. I didn't notice any changes in handling. Not even changing the 11 pound battery for a 2.25 lb Shorai was noticeable. I'm sure those all add up but it takes a lot of them after the exhaust is changed.

Quite honestly I didn't even notice much of a difference going from stock exhaust to single sided. I'm sure it made some differerence. I think partly 14's carry their weight low so things like that are probably more like removing sprung weight vs. unsprung weight.

LOL for most of us the largest drop in weight can come from our guts n butts!

Never hurts to cut weight off the rider. That's the highest weight on the bike but there is at over 50 lbs of junk that can be removed or be offset by lighter aftermarket parts. The problem is the enticement of adding extra parts that add weight.

I did lose weight off the rider as well. 40 lbs last spring. My knees feel it more than the bike. :-)

How do you like the Hindle? I just ordered a full system. Currently running Yosh slips. Looking forward to the weight loss but wondering about the volume?
Bike looks sweet by the way.

Dave

Thanks Dave. She's a little bit dirty but still not bad looking for an 11 year old bike with 107,500 km's.

The Hindle by Brocks is quite nice. A little loud on start up but once the warm up is finished running its course it tames right down. I do have a DB Dawg but find it knocks off all the good sound notes. You shouldn't see much of a difference from the Yosh if you've left the baffles out. It's very sweet btw in some of our local tunnels. :-)

Nice project Cuff, I'm from New West and doing much of the things you are doing.