iflyphi
Zone Head
Posts: 542
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posted June 06, 2006 03:11 PM
Anybody installed swingarm extentions yet?
I'm getting ready to install swingarm extentions, longer non o-ring chain, lowering links and a longer rear brake line and was wondering if anybody has done it yet and could give me some technical advise. Like, how to jack up the bike; how to install everything the easy way; how to bleed the rear brake line, etc.
  
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Outsiderzx12r
Zone Head
Street Racer
Posts: 841
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posted June 06, 2006 04:56 PM
Kawracer over on ZX-12R.org has installed them and raced with them.
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OutsiderZX12R
2000 ZX12R-A1
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dubious
Needs a life
Needs more time to ride!
Posts: 8442
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posted June 06, 2006 10:29 PM
 Edited By: dubious on 7 Jun 2006 00:00
I hung mine off the beam in my ceiling, a car engine hoist would work too, used a come along, and nylon winch straps, wrapped the hooks in rags to protect the tank, and subframe, lifted it by the 2 large holes on the side of the subframes .
Just slightly remove the weight of bike off rear wheel, pull old links out, lower bike as needed to align new links, and bolt em up.
If you don't own a rear stand you can use this method of lift to remove rear wheel and install extensions.
brake bleeding too long to write , do a search on the net!
Make sure you do not get the brake fluid on any paint you do not want to strip!, and it eats plastic too!
Basically do not spill brake fluid on your bike. ANYWHERE!
Got a chain rivet tool, or are you using a master link, got pin pusher to cut chain to length?
BTW I dropped the front end1" by raising the forks 1" in the triple clamps, this will help handling when the bike is not strapped down.
If your extending the swingarm use the fully adjustable links scnitz sells
These ones:
to get the bike level, as the swingarm extensions will raise it somewhat, the muzzy ones leave you 2 options other than stock, not adjustable IMO, and the ones wth the threaed adjuster can be adjusted without removing the link bolts, I can adjust mine in about 5 min by myself, without lifting the bike again!
Good luck!
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natural selection.....
destiny will overcome intervention.
Some are not worthy of the effort.
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iflyphi
Zone Head
Posts: 542
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posted June 07, 2006 10:12 AM
I'm getting the muzzy lowering links just because there cheap, and so am I. Not sure what you mean about getting the bike level?? I want to drop it too the lowest setting because the swingarm will be about 6" over.
As far as the chain, I'll just have a master link and use a chain breaker.
How does the bike handle on the street streatched and lowered?
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dubious
Needs a life
Needs more time to ride!
Posts: 8442
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posted June 07, 2006 11:05 AM
If the bike is for pure drag use PURE... use the muzzy links....cheapo!LOL 
IF it will be ridden on the street at all, it is imperative you keep the steering angle as close to stock as possible..... you will need infinately adjustable links to maintain the steering head geometry!
if you do not level the bike the steering rake ...angle will be out, and the handling will suck, the more its out of level the worse it will get. It will push in the corners.
You can only lower the front by 1 to 1.5 inches or the fender will smash into the upper fairing when the suspension compresses.
Unless you get the forks modified and shorten the travel.... which IS NOT cheap!
If you run a strap on the street your retarded, cause you will go down., just a matter of time.
The front tire will bounce and skitter across bumps instead of following road irregularities, and will leave the pavement.... NOT GOOOD when leaned over in a corner.
I lowered the front 1 inch and the rear 2.5 inches... now it pushes slightly in corners, meaning less weight and angle on the forks, less traction on the front tire due to frt to rear weight bias being out of balance. It is acceptable for my riding conditions,and desires.
Fully adjustable links will allow you to keep the drop equal on both ends , 3 position ones won't.
Foolish not to dish out the extra $70 for this if your already spending so much on the bikea nd modding it.
Lowered only 1", and 2.5 inches, and lengthened the wheelbase by just over an inch due to 16 tooth sproket made a huge difference in the launch.
Much more predictable off the line and does not wheelie in second anymore...Stock motor and exhaust! Does not want to stand straight up in 1st either.
Great for 1/4 mile, not great for wheelies.
That will change after today... smeg by Brocks and PC3 arrived, as well contemplating the throttle valve mods!
These experiences are drived from street riding, no track near here.
Traction is limited compared to a groomed track!
To the track next month!
Extended swingarm will exagerate the front end push if you do not level the bike, and beacause the swingarm is not parallel to ground, the longer it is the more it lifts the rear of the bike.
3 position links again are insufficient o adjust the bike properly and get the steering angle corrected.....
But hey... wipe out your bike, due to unbalanced geaometry.... over $70.
Its your bike do what you like... you asked for advise, ... now you have mine!
Get adjustable links!
measure the distance from the axle to a specific point on the body for each end ... when you lower the bike, make sure the amont you reduced from these measurements is equal, then the steering angle will be correct!
GET ADJUSTABLE LINKS.. if you plan to ride it on the street... period
I do not want to sound like an asshole but, I'm giving you sound safe advise,
Hearing you want to save $70 and jeaopardize yoyr health and thousands $ really seems foolish to me!
RIDE SAFE
____________
natural selection.....
destiny will overcome intervention.
Some are not worthy of the effort.
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iflyphi
Zone Head
Posts: 542
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posted June 07, 2006 01:15 PM
The only street riding I'll be doing is to drive too the drag strip. The road is straight, flat, and boring. Eventually I'll just trailer the bike. I had an 86 GSXR1100 that I turned into a drag bike. Bought an extended swingarm, 10" over, I think, took out the rear shock and mounted a solid strut, and lowered the forks about 1 1/2". Could run 9.20's with a little nitrous, and had 1.50 60's times. Never really road it on the street much as it had a slick on the rear.
What would have been really nice is for someone to figure out how to just strap the back end down, like the front, for when your at the track. I went out too the garage and was scratching my head trying to figure out a way to just strap the swing arm down(or is it up).
That way I wouldn't have to put any links on. I could ride too the track with 8" over swing arm, strap down the front and back, race, unstrap and go home. I'm not really a "ricky racer". I don't go around corners fast anymore, just to old, and not that good at it anyways, never was. I just like to drag race, and presently neither one of my cars is capable of supporting a trailer hitch. Thanks for the advice, I do appreciate it, and take it in the spirit it was given. I understand about rake angle and front/rear bias, but as long as the bike will go straight, not woble at 150mph, and I can get on the front brakes hard when I need too, don't really care about the rest. I have an 05 ZZR1200 that I can't give away, so I'll just ride that in the twisties. Did I mention I live in Louisi-frickin-anna, and there aren't any twisties??
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dubious
Needs a life
Needs more time to ride!
Posts: 8442
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posted June 07, 2006 02:30 PM
Ahh .. right on.
Was not sure of primary use for the bike!
Enjoy... !
____________
natural selection.....
destiny will overcome intervention.
Some are not worthy of the effort.
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