Installed Leveling Links - Wow - a new bike

[Godlover]

I installed leveling links on my RSV today and immediately felt like I was riding a new bike. I can't believe how much easier it is to handle. Two things: I felt more air as I was sitting up higher and looking over the windshield - and I used my Carbon One adapter and couldn't take the bolt out so I had to lower the bike and just use the jack. If you haven't installed the links you are missing a great ride!

[bryan52577]

Mark,
Glad to hear that, I did the smaller tire 150 to 130 "by accident" and could not be happier with my handling. :clap2: Like going from a tank to a dirt bike for handling, huh. :thumbsup2:
Bryan

[Seaking]

Leveling links.. the ONE mod everyone should be doing to their RSV.. its one of those mods you can do easily yourself and which you get the most tangible return for it.. you can actually feel it.. =)

I installed so many of them already, it's fun to see people's faces light up when they go for that initial ride hehe

[OutlawRider]

I am short legged and have enough trouble pushing the bike back with my short legs. I hear it raises the bike which will put me more on my toes.

[Godlover]

Yes - it will raise you a bit. I noticed it right away. I have short legs for a 6'4" person at 32 inch inseam - and I do fine.

[wes0778]

I am short legged and have enough trouble pushing the bike back with my short legs. I hear it raises the bike which will put me more on my toes.

We inseam challenged (27") folks have an option to get the same results. Lower the front end by an inch. It is a relatively simple thing to do, although it is labor intensive. With the proper help (Squidley, Gunboat, Donde and some others) it only takes about 3 hours.:thumbsup:

[Red Rider]

How much higher do they raise the bike up?

[Seaking]

For me it feels like riding the rear wheel up a 3/4 inch sheet of plywood (some say it feels higher) but remember, that's at the rear wheel which makes it feel less at the saddle to feet location.

Its that simple of an install, that if you absolutely don't like it or can't handle the height difference, you can just as quickly swap it back.

I have a 30" inseam and have NO probs. The bike is that much easier to handle that you don't have as much top end heavy feelings to worry about. You don't seem to need to lean your bike out as far when you come to a stop and put your left foot down..

Give it a try.. it might take a few minutes to get used to but man, well worth it.

[Red Rider]

I need tires frist, then I'll look into getting some.

[screamstone]

where does one get these magical "leveling links???"

I'd love to have her be a tad more nimble- especially at slower speeds. At 6' another inch high won't bother me at all.

[WHiP]

I just ordered a Works Shock ($700.00USD thank you very much), is there any reason the leveling links won't work with that shock?

[Godlover]

where does one get these magical "leveling links???"

I'd love to have her be a tad more nimble- especially at slower speeds. At 6' another inch high won't bother me at all.

Diamondr has them. About 90 bucks but well worth it. DiamondR is one of our vendors.

[Aimhigh]

I just ordered a Works Shock ($700.00USD thank you very much), is there any reason the leveling links won't work with that shock?


what does this shock do for the bike...or is it a replacement part?

[VentureProf]

I've been running the leveling links and a Works Performance shock for three seasons now. No issues. Bike handles great - as you know the Works shock is a high performance shock that is custom set for you based on information you provide (for spring rates, valving, etc). Great combination. So much so that I've not gone to the smaller front tire. I don't want to risk giving up stability at highway speeds that some have mentioned with the smaller diameter front tire.

kelly

[Freebird]

Yep...Diamond R is where to go. GREAT folks to deal with.

http://www.diamondraccessories.com

[nbowersock]

I've read many testimonials about leveling links, but don't understand exactly what they do? Could someone please enlighten me? BTW, I have an 08 RSTD, are leveling links a useful mod on them?

Thanks for your patience and help.

Nico

[V7Goose]

Putting slightly shorter struts on the rear shock (sold by DiamondR as Leveling Links) raise the rear of the bike 1", thus changing the rake of the forks and slightly shortening the trail. The changes to the steering geometry make the bike handle much snappier at slow speeds. As an added benefit, the raised rear end makes the bike look better (at least to me), increases cornering clearance on the mufflers, and makes it more comfortable for riders who are not midgets (in my book, a midget is anybody under 5'5"!).
Goose

[bmxndad]

Anybody have pictures of these installed?

Ross

[Freebird]

Here is a tech article that might help.

http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=492

[wes0778]

(in my book, a midget is anybody under 5'5"!).
Goose

I resemble that remark, :rasberry::rasberry::rasberry:
SOOOO, I lowered the front instead of raising the back... :thumbsup2:

[Godlover]

When I did mine - all I did was jack up the bike, removed were the two bolts, installed links, and that was it. I did have to take off the Carbon One adapter as I couldn't get one of the bolts out with the adapter under the bike. No real problem. It is a pretty easy mod and worth its weight in gold.

[Seaking]

When I did mine - all I did was jack up the bike, removed were the two bolts, installed links, and that was it. I did have to take off the Carbon One adapter as I couldn't get one of the bolts out with the adapter under the bike. No real problem. It is a pretty easy mod and worth its weight in gold.

I managed to do six leveling links installs last year without having to take the adapter off to access the bolts.. Hmm might have been easier but we were able to play the jack gently to take the strain off the bolts to remove them and the sleeves.. a nice coating of Honda60 lube and poof.. new bike.

[Eldermo]

I ordered the level links today, but I was wondering about the 130 front tire being squirrelly, Like some people were saying. So I checked the tire sizes for other touring bikes and they all use the 130's on the front. So there must be something to it. I would appreciate any opinions on this.:confused07:

[bryan52577]

I ordered the level links today, but I was wondering about the 130 front tire being squirrelly, Like some people were saying. So I checked the tire sizes for other touring bikes and they all use the 130's on the front. So there must be something to it. I would appreciate any opinions on this.:confused07:
I have a 130 E-III Dunlop on the front and will not go back to a 150, even if you GAVE me the 150 + some $$$! Hope that answered your question?

Bryan

[kbran]

I have the EIII 130 on front and the leveling links and don't find it squirly as some say. Had the Avon 130 on before and the same. Love it this way:thumbsup2:

[theostar]

if you remove the top bolt first the swing arm will rise enough that the carbon one does not have to come off. did a vmax rear exchange last weekend and with the rear tire off the links were easy. didnt remove adaptor as i had it standing on the legs it came with:scared:

[screamstone]

Hey- Freebird's article says holes 6 5/8 apart OC... this the right distance for leveling links?? In the pic at the end of FB's article, the links looked the same size. Are the Diamond R links holes the same distance apart?

I also saw some premade links at the local bike shop for only $50... Really nice looking, chromed. If I can't get in touch with my machining buddy, I may just grab those since I'm taking the tires off this weekend.

[Freebird]

The dimensions in the write-up are correct. Lay them beside the stock links and they will look almost the same. I don't remember now but there is only a fraction difference in the stock and the raising links. Diamond R I think uses the same dimension. This item was originally developed by Rick Butler and after he saw how great they worked, he gave the idea and measurements to Diamond R. They are great folks to deal with if you don't end up making your own.

As for what you saw in a bike shop? I have no idea what they would be or how they would measure. I've never seen another company making them. Are you SURE that they were to RAISE the rear? Baron's makes a kit but it lowers the rear.

[Squidley]

I ordered the level links today, but I was wondering about the 130 front tire being squirrelly, Like some people were saying. So I checked the tire sizes for other touring bikes and they all use the 130's on the front. So there must be something to it. I would appreciate any opinions on this.:confused07:


I have run the 130 on my 2nd '99 and I found that at certain times a good cross wind will blow the bike around more. My personal set up, that worked best for me as far as feel and performance has been the level links and the stock 150 size front tire. You get the same effect as the 130 tire as far as numbleness, but have more meat on the front tire to handle wind a bit better. This was my experience with running across the country with a 130 on the front through some wind prone states.

I notice your in Montgomery, there's quite a few of us in the greater Houston area. Hopefully we'll get hooked up with you at an event soon :thumbsup2:

[tsigwing]

Hey- Freebird's article says holes 6 5/8 apart OC... this the right distance for leveling links?? In the pic at the end of FB's article, the links looked the same size. Are the Diamond R links holes the same distance apart?

I also saw some premade links at the local bike shop for only $50... Really nice looking, chromed. If I can't get in touch with my machining buddy, I may just grab those since I'm taking the tires off this weekend.


I recently replaced mine and when I layed them side by side thought they were the same, but on further inspection the Diamond R ones are about a 1/4" shorter. Quite surprised at what a difference it made. And you DO NOT have to remove anything to install them, just lift the bike slightly on a jack to relieve pressure on the shock.

[screamstone]

I'll try to post a pic later, since I took one with my phone... Here's my best ASCII rendition:


(O====== OOO)

So it was a "racing link" with a hole at one end, and then three holes at the other end. They have multiple sizes. one end has one hole, but then the other end has 3 holes to "Tune" the suspension. I figured if one of them happens to be 6 3/8 OC, I might just grab 'em. They were chromed and only around $50.

I'll frankly probably end up having my friend machine them for me, or just getting the Diamond R's- but I was curious when I saw those "tunable" racing links.




The dimensions in the write-up are correct. Lay them beside the stock links and they will look almost the same. I don't remember now but there is only a fraction difference in the stock and the raising links. Diamond R I think uses the same dimension. This item was originally developed by Rick Butler and after he saw how great they worked, he gave the idea and measurements to Diamond R. They are great folks to deal with if you don't end up making your own.

As for what you saw in a bike shop? I have no idea what they would be or how they would measure. I've never seen another company making them. Are you SURE that they were to RAISE the rear? Baron's makes a kit but it lowers the rear.

[Chiro]

I don't have a bike lift but I was wondering, is there a way to put the links on by using a bottle jack? I would strap the front of the bike so it didn't fall over. I think I would like to try the leveling links but have no room for a bike lift. What do ya think?:puzzled:

[tsigwing]

I don't have a bike lift but I was wondering, is there a way to put the links on by using a bottle jack? I would strap the front of the bike so it didn't fall over. I think I would like to try the leveling links but have no room for a bike lift. What do ya think?:puzzled:


all you have to do is lift the bike enough to get the tension off of the bolts, should be doable

[Eldermo]

I notice your in Montgomery, there's quite a few of us in the greater Houston area. Hopefully we'll get hooked up with you at an event soon :thumbsup2:


I'd love to do that. I usually ride with a friend that has a goldwing, and sometimes we ride up to Yankees in Carlos, There will be 200 bikes there and I am the only one with a Venture.
I also wanted to ask you if you would recommend anybody in our area to install the links.
I got them from Diamond R on Saturday.
I appreciate your input.:thumbsup2:

[Godlover]

I'd love to do that. I usually ride with a friend that has a goldwing, and sometimes we ride up to Yankees in Carlos, There will be 200 bikes there and I am the only one with a Venture.
I also wanted to ask you if you would recommend anybody in our area to install the links.
I got them from Diamond R on Saturday.
I appreciate your input.:thumbsup2:

If you have a friend who is 1/2 way mechanical they should be able to install them. It is quite simple and it will make a big difference in how your bike handles. Good luck!

[Eldermo]

Thanks, I know a mechanic, he just hasn't done the links before. It'll probably be pretty easy for him to do. What sort of time should I expect to pay for? about an hour?

[tsigwing]

Thanks, I know a mechanic, he just hasn't done the links before. It'll probably be pretty easy for him to do. What sort of time should I expect to pay for? about an hour?

Seriously, it takes 15 minutes at most, that's if you have to look for tools. There are two nuts to be loosened, you remove the old link and bolt, insert new, tighten, done. Very very easy.

[bobcat]

I've been following this thread regarding leveling links. I never heard of them but couldn't ignore the many testimonials to their worthiness. I've ridden 1st gens for about 20 years and just recently purchased a new '09 RSV. That was the first thing I noticed with my new bike was the awkwardness in turns and at low speeds.

After reading this thread I went out to my bike to look for those links which I quickly found. It looks real simple to remove and replace the links and to make them as well. A couple of metal straps and a drill should do it which kind of bothers me. Many a time when I thought something to be simple or easy its turned into a nightmare, but this MAY be different...Tomorrow I'm off to buy the metal straps and I'll report back on how it went..

[bobcat]

The opening title to this thread pretty much says it all..Installed leveling links....WOW, a new bike..

I went to Home Depot and bought a 36" piece of 1 1/4W X 1/4 thick steel for $7.48. My retired neighbor used to build race engines and has every tool imaginable..When I told him what I was trying to do he was only too eager to help..After we cut the strap into two 7 15/16 pieces the rest was easy..( I have enough steel left over to do another set ) A couple of clamps, some measurement markings, a drill press and viola, it was done. I painted the two new links and when they dried I stuck them in. I had a little trouble getting the old bolts out and the new ones in but not that big a deal. I didn't remove any valves or tire and it was still easy to install..Getting the nut back on the upper bolt was the toughest challenge but after a few cuss words it threaded..

I took the bike out for a test run and the difference is noticeable immediately...I'm with all the other testimonials, it makes steering a lot lot easier, especially a low speeds and in the twisties..

[Renne]

After many hours of "thread" time reading the pro's and con's of which ever, lower the front,,,raise the back, a Butler seat mod, a 130 vs. a stock 150 front tire I finally caved in. Being a metal artist with all the tools one could imagine, I decided to pop out a set of leveling links according to the posted measurements. Took all of 20 minutes to make a set and another 30 to install em, (first time and I'm slow),,,,,results,,,,,,,well,,,,,an improvement of over 50% in handling,,,,,,,Thank Rick ! My ho,,,,,I'm leaving them on ! Anybody with a hacksaw, drill press and grinder can do these in just a matter of minutes! Total cost of materials about $3.00............................What can I say?

Renne......slow speed "smil'in".........:12101: