
KXF3 link shown above.
We have longer links available
to lower the rear of the KXF450 1 3/4". These are listed on our
order form. We do not recommend them for the KXF250 as they will
lower the rear too much and cause rubbing and geometry problems.
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1)
Raise the motorcycle with a bike stand, milk crate, etc., so the rear wheel
is just slightly off the ground. Remove the two 17 mm nuts that hold
the “H” link to the rocker and the engine cradle and push the bolts out
the left side/front mounting bolt first. The lower chain roller comes
out with the front bolt and the swing arm may need to be raised slightly
to allow the rear bolt head to clear the chain. **If you have the Pro-moto
Billet side stand, it must be removed before the front link mounting bolt
can be removed.
2)
The new links come with only the bearings and seals, so install the center
sleeve& the two step washers (flat side out) from your old OEM link
into the new Koubalink. Install the new link (grease fitting facing down)
on the bike (rear mounting bolt first) by pushing the mounting bolts in
from the left side. Make sure all the vent hoses are inside the front mounting
brackets and in front of the link before you line up the mounting holes
of the bracket and link. You will have to raise the swing arm to align
the front mounting holes with the link’s eye.
3)
After installing the KoubaLink, check that the grease fitting is facing
down. *Left link engraving will be upside down and back wards, right side
will be readable left to right. Install the 17 mm nuts & torque to
35 lbs-ft.
4)
For the best performance, set the race sag (amount of vertical movement
of the rear axle FROM no weight to bike weight plus rider weight) at 3.25”
to 3.50” with rider in full riding gear, standing on the pegs. Slide
the fork tubes up until they barely clear the bottom of the stock bars.
That should leave approx. 3/8" showing below the index line on the fork
tubes. *Do not over torque the triple clamp bolts. (14 ft. lbs. lower,
17 ft. lbs. upper) If the links are for lowering purposes ONLY, sag
can be set at 100mm/3.90", and will lower the rear 1.7” on the KXF250
and 1" on the KXF450. The easiest way we have found to adjust the rear
spring preload is to use a long punch to loosen the top jam nut from the
right side and grasp the spring at the bottom and turn the spring and the
nut at the same time. **You may have to put some lube on the shock threads
to allow the nut to turn freely. Turning the spring/nut "clockwise"
increases the preload and decreases the sag. **Do not forget to tighten
the jam nut with the punch after setting the sag.
5)
For additional lowering of the front, the handlebars can be spaced up by
installing a washer of 1/4" max thickness on top of the flanged washer
above the top rubber mounts. This will allow the forks to be slid
up farther but is not recommended unless you require quicker steering.
Remember, lessening the rear race sag or sliding the fork tubes up will
make the steering quicker and the opposite will slow the steering. Disclaimer:
Lowering the rear more than the front can change the geometry and could
affect the handling.
If
you like what the KoubaLink does for your suspension, please tell everyone,
if you do not, please tell us. We can be contacted at our email address
below and are always interested in your questions or comments.
Norm
Kouba
Email:
njkouba@ix.netcom.com
Web
page: http://www.koubalink.com