YamahaLarry Posted May 11, 2015 #1 Posted May 11, 2015 Mounted my new tires today and I am worn slap out. While I had the rear wheel off, greased splines, flipped rear pads and replaced lowering links with factory links. Left the relocation bracket for rear caliper in case I wanted to go back to lowered bike. After first ride, the answer is no. I love the new height. I went with a 130/90 on the front. Can't wait to get it out on the open highway and really put it to the test. I love the whitewalls!!!
Mike G in SC Posted May 11, 2015 #2 Posted May 11, 2015 Larry, I put my stock links back on my RSV also. But I left the caliper relocation bracket,,,, cause you can quickly inspect or service the rear brake pads in seconds. So, unless you plan to sell the lowering kit, it's kind of handy.
YamahaLarry Posted May 11, 2015 Author #3 Posted May 11, 2015 Mike, I will leave it for now. Left bracket on there by suggestion of someone on here. I don't really like them shining under the bottom, but I am in no hurry to pull that back tire again. Was my first time and somewhat of a learning curve for me. I went to get my 1-1/16" wrench, and it was not in my tool box. So, had to make a trip to Harbor Tool, and all they had in 1-1/16 was impact sockets. So, that made me remove the left side saddle bag. Did it all in my drive way, hot sun, 85-90 degrees and it drained me. Luckily my oldest son showed up in time to help me out with the front tire. Gonna hit the Dragon with it in a couple of weeks and hoping that I will no longer be scraping the pavement in those sharp turns.
YamahaLarry Posted May 11, 2015 Author #5 Posted May 11, 2015 Is that a emblem? Yes, in memory of a 6 year old boy from Ashville, AL that passed away - childhood cancer, Thomas J. Sullivan, aka Superman.
YamahaLarry Posted May 11, 2015 Author #7 Posted May 11, 2015 Beautiful bike Larry, What WWW tires are those? I took the cheap route due to going to repaint the bike in candy magenta in a few months and wasn't sure if I would like WWW with the magenta look. Shinko. Looked at the Avons, and may end up wishing I had went that route.
2WHEELSFORME Posted May 11, 2015 #8 Posted May 11, 2015 I'm very confused now. I installed leveling links years ago and that raised the rear of the bike not lowered. Now I read you removed the lowering links, is that something deferent or has one of us used incorrect wording? It was my understanding that lowering the front with a smaller tire or raising the rear with leveling links would improve handling.
YamahaLarry Posted May 11, 2015 Author #9 Posted May 11, 2015 I'm very confused now. I installed leveling links years ago and that raised the rear of the bike not lowered. Now I read you removed the lowering links, is that something deferent or has one of us used incorrect wording? It was my understanding that lowering the front with a smaller tire or raising the rear with leveling links would improve handling. The previous owner installed the lowering kit, which has longer links. I replaced those links with factory links to raise the back of the bike back to original height, about 1" higher than the lowering kit links. As for smaller front tire, it isn't really much smaller in total diameter, only like 6mm or so, or a 1/4" since it is a 90 and not an 80.
2WHEELSFORME Posted May 11, 2015 #10 Posted May 11, 2015 You keep referring to them as lowering links. You may have something different than what I know of but I know them as leveling links and they raise the rear of the bike. Here is a quote from Rick Butler: Jeff, If Yamaha made this change I feel that their designers would be admitting to a change that they did not feel was needed? I think they designed this bike to have that layed back cruiser stance that went along with that fat 150 front tire. And I don't think that they even considered handling characteristics when they initially designed the Venture. In fact I have told Yamaha (more than once) of this need along with the need to change out the 4 piston rear caliper, but I know it fell on deaf ears. Look at the Yamaha picture below and it's readily apparent that the bike is normally sitting low in the rear which gives the bike more rake and trail which makes for a lazy handling bike. When I was trying to talk Allen Hall into producing these links he had the same issue that most of you describe with raising the bike up about 1" at the rear axle because he felt that the natural name for this item would be a "Lift Kit". That's when I suggested "Leveling Links" as an alternative. So if you want a better handling bike, make the change. And if you are really inseamed challenged, lower the front in the triple tree as many folks have done. This does the same basic thing that changing the links does, which is setting the attitude of the bike to level. Hope this helps, Rick
2WHEELSFORME Posted May 11, 2015 #11 Posted May 11, 2015 So we have two diff types of links. Lowering and leveling? Did not know lowering ones existed. Not sure why anyone would lower the rear of bike unless they just could not reach the ground. Bike already touches hard parts when leaning into curves and as many say is too low in the rear for good handling in the stock form.
cowpuc Posted May 11, 2015 #12 Posted May 11, 2015 Mounted my new tires today and I am worn slap out. While I had the rear wheel off, greased splines, flipped rear pads and replaced lowering links with factory links. Left the relocation bracket for rear caliper in case I wanted to go back to lowered bike. After first ride, the answer is no. I love the new height. I went with a 130/90 on the front. Can't wait to get it out on the open highway and really put it to the test. I love the whitewalls!!! [ATTACH=CONFIG]99267[/ATTACH] AWESOME!! THAT is GORGEOUS Larry:scared:!! I love those white walls!! Had NO idea that Shinko did WW's!!! Had I of known that I would have looked into a set for Tweeks years ago (different sizes though, wonder if they have them for 1st Gens).. That really really looks nice Larry!! CONGRATS on a job well done my friend!! Thanks for the post and THANKS for the
YamahaLarry Posted May 11, 2015 Author #13 Posted May 11, 2015 Yes, they are "leveling links", the longer ones were in the "lowering kit" installed by PO. I took those out and went with shorter links. I think I only referred to them as lowering links in the original post. Maybe I should have said lower level links. Didn't realize this would be confusing to anyone.
YamahaLarry Posted May 11, 2015 Author #14 Posted May 11, 2015 AWESOME!! THAT is GORGEOUS Larry:scared:!! I love those white walls!! Had NO idea that Shinko did WW's!!! Had I of known that I would have looked into a set for Tweeks years ago (different sizes though, wonder if they have them for 1st Gens).. That really really looks nice Larry!! CONGRATS on a job well done my friend!! Thanks for the post and THANKS for the Thanks puc, and not sure if they have them to fit the 1st gen. After installing them yesterday, I was beat and only took it for a quick ride in the neighborhood to mostly make sure I had them balanced. Rode the bike to work today (as I generally do) and about 15 miles of that is interstate. I am pleased. I used a Shinko tire once before on the rear of a VStar, and didn't get as many miles out of it that I did with the factory installed Dunlop, so I am not yet sold on Shinko. But, once I get her repainted, I may end up going back to black walls. Will just wait and see how ww looks with the new paint job in a few months. BTW, I think I got both tires delivered for under $230
videoarizona Posted May 12, 2015 #15 Posted May 12, 2015 I put Shinkos on my 1st Gen, blackwalls, and they hug the road so nicely I'm not concerned if they wear out earlier than another type tire. I'm really surprised I can scrape the hiway feets leaning way over and they stick! I really like the handling. Makes me feel safer too! david
videoarizona Posted May 12, 2015 #16 Posted May 12, 2015 Mounted my new tires today and I am worn slap out. While I had the rear wheel off, greased splines, flipped rear pads and replaced lowering links with factory links. Left the relocation bracket for rear caliper in case I wanted to go back to lowered bike. After first ride, the answer is no. I love the new height. I went with a 130/90 on the front. Can't wait to get it out on the open highway and really put it to the test. I love the whitewalls!!! [ATTACH=CONFIG]99267[/ATTACH] I love the whitewalls too! Can't wait till my tires get worn! That's a great look for the scoot! david
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