XT1200ZE Gen 2 - Home made dog bone length

[Nissbird]

Hi,

Info for DIY mechanics who want to make their own dog bones.

I made my own dog bones to reduce height of rear by 25mm.

The stock dog bones measure 118mm between centres.
Home made dog bones measure 125mm between centres.

Note: My brand new Gen 2 required exhaust removal to get links off. Once done the link bolts can be put thro the other way, so exhaust removal becomes unnecessary.

 

[Kurgan]

I wonder if the dog bone length or the bottom suspension linkage is different between Gen 1, Gen 2 standard and Gen 2 ES?

EDIT: Seems I did measure the dog bones on my Gen 1 a while ago and they were roughly 10cm / 3-7/8", bolt center to center.

 

[Nissbird]

I wonder if the dog bone length or the bottom suspension linkage is different between Gen 1, Gen 2 standard and Gen 2 ES?

EDIT: Seems I did measure the dog bones on my Gen 1 a while ago and they were roughly 10cm / 3-7/8", bolt center to center.

You are correct the stock dog bones on the Gen 1 are 100mm between centres

 

[Kurgan]

It would have been too easy if Yamaha had the same linkage and dog bones since you've determined that 7mm change in hole centers equates a 25mm change in ride height.

I'll have to see what it will take to increase my rear ride height by 1/2" and if that will still keep the rear wheel off the ground when on the centerstand. I've already raised the forks 12mm to quicken the steering, I just want a bit quicker yet but without bringing the fork tubes up any higher.

 

[RIVA]

What kind of steel did you use for your dogbones?

 

[Checkswrecks]

I wonder if the dog bone length or the bottom suspension linkage is different between Gen 1, Gen 2 standard and Gen 2 ES?

EDIT: Seems I did measure the dog bones on my Gen 1 a while ago and they were roughly 10cm / 3-7/8", bolt center to center.

Easy to look up these questions, by looking up the part numbers for a Gen1 and Gen2:
http://www.yamahapart.com/oemparts/c/yamaha_motorcycle/parts

 

[Nissbird]

What kind of steel did you use for your dogbones?

6mm mild steel plate