swing arm linkage?

[redbonejoe]

Has anyone looked at using a different swing arm linkage to improve the travel characteristics of the rear suspension? The reason I am asking is I XC race an yfz 450 and use the GT Thunder setup, it is night and day! Perhaps the linkage off another bike would be a significant improvement.

 

[redbonejoe]

I have been doing a little research and it looks like the raptor 350 linkage is set up differently than the warrior. The raptor 350 rear shock linkage seems to emulate its big brothers and they both have superior rear suspension to the warrior. I have not been on the raptor 350, can anyone comment on the ride quality between these bikes?

 

[beastlywarrior228]

hmm interesting question ive also wondered if a yz250 or 426 linkage would fit

 

[yamarider]

I think I may have a little to contribute to this. I didn't do any experimenting with my Warrior, but I did play around with the rear linkages on my dual sport. As different as these machines are, the rear suspension linkages are setup about the same. What I found is that lengthening the links will slightly lower the ride height, but it also smooths out the suspension. DR350's are prone to having the back end kick out and bounce around over rocks and stuff, and the standard remedy is to install links that are about half an inch longer. I tried it on mine and it did noticeably improve the condition, but without a stiffer spring my ride height would have been too low and the stock springs are too soft for anybody over 160 to begin with. It wouldn't be too awful hard to make some slightly longer links out of plate steel and see what effect it has on the ride.