KoubaLink, make the FJR 7/8" closer to the ground?

[clutchless1]

I just got the new KoubaLink's in I previously ordered for my FJR. I have done a little reading about them and wanted to know if anyone else had experienced the difference (if there is any) in the handling or will there be any side stand alteration? The reason I ask is my inseam is only 30" so I need all the help I can get in getting my feet on the ground. I figured by adding these links and their claim of getting the bike 7/8th inch closer to the ground, how can I go wrong?

I purchased a Corbin seat for my 06, this got me a tad closer to the ground, but another 7/8th inch would help. Plus these links are a hell of a lot cheaper. So for the short leg impaired, there is help in FJR land.

Their site address is www.KoubaLink.com

These links come complete with all of the directions needed to get you through the install process, shipping through the USPS, all for the total price of $80.00 US. No need to go out of the country, these are made right here in the good ole USA. Oh, no I don't have any affiliation with these people, nor do I get any kick backs. If I'm not mistaken I believe the actual credit for finding this info goes to someone on this very site. I have been reading so much about the FJR and all of the different performance parts you can buy, I really don't remember. Once I complete the install and ride it, Ill let you know how it went.

Ride Safe,

clutchless1

 

[FJRDriver]

I put Kouba Links on my '07 and have been happy with the results. They did lower the seat height and I have not noticed any difference in handling; but I am a fairly sedate rider who never scrapes any parts of my bike.

Also, I did not lower the front forks. This could explain why I have seen no need to make any changes in the side stand.

 

[clutchless1]

Bill, If I'm not mistankig you are the person who originaly wrote about the KoubaLink. I waned to thank you for getting this info out to the rest of us who were looking for a safe and cheap way to lower the ride height without messing anything else up.

I did get these links on without a lot of grief, although I did have the lift which made things easier for me. The install took about 1 hour from start to finish and using very basic tools, a torque wrench that can be set to 30 lb-ft, two sockets, a 17 mm and 14 mm, a 6" extension and a 3/8 drive ratchet. It would be so nice to just use the center stand to get through this process but the top bolt definately hits the center stand when it's down, so the bolt can't be removed like it needs to.

Most of my time was spent jacking and blocking the bike up in the air enough to get this all done, but once you get past this it's all cake from then on. The biggest issue is when you are positioning the blocking under the bike, make sure you are able to move the swingarm up and down in order to remove and reinstall the link bolts. You need to remember because the new links are shorter, the swingarm will be in a different position when the bolts go back in compaired to the position of the swingarm when the bolts came out, the swingarm must be allowed movement up and down to align the bolts. I also know it's real tempting to put the support blocks under the exhaust in order to rest the weight of the bike on them, don't do this! You may create more problems than you need or want. I did jack the rear of the bike in the air, once up to where I wanted it I used blocks of wood to support it while I did this work. I placed these blocks of wood under the rear of the swingarm near the wheel bolt on each side (I'm sure there are easier ways to do this but I figured the swingarm was good enough to support the bike weigt and rear wheel, why not put them here)

Once all is jacked up I just remove the old links, but you will have to pick up the rear wheel a little to pull the first bolt out with your fingers. To install the new links, you just put the new KoubaLinks in reverse order of removing the stock links. Each new KoubaLink is engraved on one side, the engraving goes toward the outside, and both links are identical.

I could go on but I'm sure you get the idea, the directions are minimal but explain everything well. Normally I read things two and three times to be sure I totally understand what is going on, I didn't have to with these directions.

The ride seems unchanged even with the fact I did not change (lower) the front end, but then again I am also a fairly reserved rider. If you are looking at a safe cheap way to lower the FJR without redesigning half of the bike or going bankrupt, this is the way to go.

Thanks to all who wrote about this product and this Company. The people at this Company are friendly, very fast and looking to be sure you are not only satisfied but happy with your purchase. These links were in stock and I had them in my hand two days after ordering them. Oh, the real good thing about this change is they only cost $80.00 including shipping with USPS. I'm happy I'm closer to the ground, I'm happy with the product, and I still have some money in the bank! After buying some of these other parts I can't say that........especially the money in the bank part.

Ride Safe,

clutchless1

 

[dobias]

clutchless1,

You said the new links are shorter. If they really are shorter, they will raise the back not lower it.

dobias