Author Topic: Link or Linkless? Pros / Cons (Read 3160 times)

bnau267 · « **on:** August 06, 2013, 11:28:09 PM »

Anyone have experience with a Roll no-link swinger for a stock frame? Thinking about trying this but didn't know if there are any real advantages or disadvantages like stressing the frame or havingto fab a new airbox, etc, etc. I ride woods and this seems like a good setup to run. I was thinking about having a one built to the Roll spec and updated to use the 450r housing/brakes. I would run this on my Arens frame.

Deuce · « **Reply #1 on:** August 06, 2013, 11:57:15 PM »

I have this exact setup. One of my R's is an Arens / Roll bike. The frame was built to be a no link because the rear linkage mount was left off the frame, but the Arens bros left the rear upper shock mount in the stock location. The swingarm is a Roll lobo with an axis shock.

Ride and handling wise the bike is great, I really couldn't be happier with it, but a lot of that is because my rear shock was specifically built for me and the application.

But there are headaches with it, all of which are in the intake setup. Stock airboxes won't work right so I'm currently getting a custom airbox made to fit the application. Next I had to use a lt500 boot, but I ended up cutting it and getting a custom tube bent up so the intake setup has clearance between the frame and rear shock. Next I had to switch to a cr 250 rad valve and use a reed block spacer in order to get the carb at a good angle for a decent route for my intake tube.

This has been an ongoing project this year and hopefully will be done soon. It definitely is not a simple bolt on and ride if you want it done right, but when its finished it will work pretty damn well and make having the suspension setup worth it.

bnau267 · « **Reply #2 on:** August 07, 2013, 12:27:44 AM »

Thanks. I had a feeling more work would be in store for me if I take this route.

Deuce · « **Reply #3 on:** August 07, 2013, 08:49:19 AM »

There is more work involved than other routes with the no link. Even the lobo bikes needed an adapter for the intake to work.

If you do go the route of using the lobo swingarm, I would be more than happy to share all I had to do. Once I get everything back I was going to do a write up

RyanWsly · « **Reply #4 on:** August 07, 2013, 11:20:41 AM »

Reed spacer, jack the air box up (must be 88-89) or aftermarket box, stock boot, remove the grommets from the airbox on the front and it will all run. The air boot will rub on the shock but they do on a lot of stuff, I had to play with moving the back up to get it off the shock spring when you were in the area of bottoming. System works close to a revalve on a 450R to me, I owned both at the same time. Shock length will depend on where you want your ride height, 15.5 or 15.75, shock must be dual rate. I still have all the parts, I switched to a CR linked frame, thought the shock could have gotten better but my frame gave up before it was time for a shock service again to have the valving adjusted some more.

Tbone07 · « **Reply #5 on:** August 07, 2013, 12:55:48 PM »

I have a No-Link, I absolutely love the setup. Not having to deal with linkage is a huge plus. But i'd trade it for a CR500 link setup if it mean not having to deal with intake and airbox headaches.

oldschoolmx · « **Reply #6 on:** August 08, 2013, 07:35:35 PM »

Pro championships have been won on stock link, no link, and CR500 link 250R's in all forms of racing.