Rear Shock Linkage

[F-Red]

I need some correct info. I believe the 86 rear dog bone (1) and rod assy (4) were 1 inch longer. Can this setup be use on an 88 frame and shock? Will it sit lower or higher in the rear?

[2Nubs]

I'm curious as well. I have an 86, but I use a -1" swingarm. Not sure which dog bone I need. I've found conflicting info.

I'm looking to get rid of the adjustable Durablue link that I have.

[2Nubs]

From another guy that I have gathered some valuable info from:

The shock lengths are different. 86/87 are same length at 16.25", 88/89 are the same length at 16". Longer dogbone(6 3/4") is for the 86/87 shock and swinger, shorter dogbone (5 7/8") is for the 88/89 shock and swinger. This is because of the shorter swinger on the 88/89. I apologize about the misinformation on the linkage pivot position, brain farted, was thinking of 450r stuff. When the swingarm was shortened on the 88/89, the dogbone was shortened to change the leverage ratio on the shorter swinger. That is also why the shorter dogbone is used.

[F-Red]

If the 86-87 shocks are the same length, then why is only the 86 dog bone and assembly rod longer? 87-89 are the same length.

[F-Red]

I just picked up a very nice 86 linkage from Dale (The Dirt Factory). Mainly for the seals and bushings. But now I’m thinking, I want to lower the overall stance of the bike. Installing the 86 on an 88, will lower it by how much?

[2Nubs]

I can’t answer the question about 86 vs 87. I do know factories will use what they have leftover sometimes, but I’m just not sure in this case. Info can be sparse on these beloved R’s sometimes lol.

A shorter dogbone will make it sit higher than a longer one either way. If you decide you don’t want to use the 86 dog bone and would like to sell it shoot me a pm. I use 86 length with my adjustable durable link. I would also be willing to trade.

[2Nubs]

Also, number (4) is the same among all years. It is only the dogbone which changed.

[F-Red]

It’s hard to get good information now days, with all the forums dormant. I’m going to install the 86 dog bone, to see how much lower to sits. If I don’t like it, I’ll probably swap out the bushings and cap seals. They look like there in great shape. If I don’t use it Myles, I let you know.

[jcs003]

wish ESR, Sonny, Troy, LED or dave moore would develop a modern linkage system.  troy was working on something years ago.  apparently never panned out.

[F-Red]

ProMoto makes them. Just not for the R.

[Michael88R]

The new guy running maul tech atv is developing a linkage for Trx250r frame and TRX450R swingarm. I think he has a GNCC rider testing it.  Or go no-link with a lobo or a Koq.

[F-Red]

True or false? No-link, using stock frame, requires a specific shock and specific swingarm to do it.

[Michael88R]

True.  Specific shock and swingarm.  The lobo swingarm will only fit 88-89.  Koq has a swingarm to fit all years.

[F-Red]

Thanks Michael.