"The suspension"... or ... "How to spend real money quickly" I knew I was going to make considerable changes to the suspension, not because the stock equipment was bad but because I was looking for a particular feel. In stock form it could be a bit harsh at the back and front end feel was sometimes a little lacking. I investigated a number of options and initially decided on either the Pensky or Ohlins for the rear, and RaceTech for the front. all three have great reputations and would prove to be high quality. The final decision for the rear shock was an economics choice. I consulted with a number of very knowledgeable folks who had already done a lot of mod work on this specific bike and the consensus was to spend more on the front, that it was more sensitive to front end work than rear and that any high quality shock would be fine. Based on that I went with the Ohlins setup as it was about $700 less than the Pensky. I then rebuilt the front forks completely with RaceTech valves (both compression and rebound), RaceTech springs, fluids, etc. And then didn't like it. the RaceTech components were high quality but it gave a very stiff ride, I lost some travel, and I didn't think the dampening was where I wanted it to be. You'll note that there aren't any pics of doing the RaceTech work, only a sticker is seen in some of the pics. The reason? I went all out and ordered a set of custom AK-20 fork cartridges from Traxxion Dynamics. I entirely gutted the forks and replaced all of the internals with the custom AK-20s and Omni springs. this is what I should have done from the start as they are simply fantastic. Expensive yes, but amazing. The bike now has a very plush ride, and yet also has complete control with massive amounts of feedback and lots of adjustability. Ohlins rear(https://adv-traveler.com/136/photos/506/untitled/10248/ohlins-rear) AK-20 Cartridge kit(https://adv-traveler.com/136/photos/506/untitled/10249/ak-20-cartridge-kit) Ohlins installed(https://adv-traveler.com/136/photos/506/untitled/10246/ohlins-installed) Clearance check(https://adv-traveler.com/136/photos/506/untitled/10247/clearance-check) Remote preload adjuster(https://adv-traveler.com/136/photos/506/untitled/10245/remote-preload-adjuster) Fork removal time(https://adv-traveler.com/136/photos/506/untitled/10244/fork-removal-time) Brakes while in there(https://adv-traveler.com/136/photos/506/untitled/10251/brakes-while-in-there) AKs installed(https://adv-traveler.com/136/photos/506/untitled/10250/aks-installed) New tires(https://adv-traveler.com/136/photos/506/untitled/10252/new-tires) (https://adv-traveler.com/136/photos/506/untitled/10253/untitled)

The front #suspension , including #forks , has been disassembled, rebuilt, repositioned, and put back together and back on the bike. Also a 2hour job total. I think now that I have a better understanding of how it all goes together I could probably take apart and put back both front and rear in less than 4 hours. The #DR is an awesome bike to work on. It is certainly taller now and I'll need to fabricate or buy a new side stand.

Sooo.... After deciding to return Yang to its factory height I figured I would take advantage of the opportunity to tune things up, get the various adjustments done, and maybe do a little upgrade here and there. This involves going to a different rear spring, setting the ride height, the preload (set for loaded), and doing a couple of things with the front while it's disassembled. Removal and replacement of the rear shock assemble came first. Returning the DR to original ride height involved flipping the spring perch, and remounting in a different bolt location. I set the height and preload and will no doubt be readjusting a couple of more times. Of note, the preload wrench for the Ninja works great on the preload rings on the DR. (https://adv-traveler.com/136/photos/506/untitled/5355/untitled) (https://adv-traveler.com/136/photos/506/untitled/5356/untitled) (https://adv-traveler.com/136/photos/506/untitled/5357/untitled) Next is the front suspension. I ordered a couple of parts for this so reassembly will be another day or so, but here is the disassembly (pretty easy stuff). (https://adv-traveler.com/136/photos/506/untitled/5363/untitled) (https://adv-traveler.com/136/photos/506/untitled/5359/untitled) (https://adv-traveler.com/136/photos/506/untitled/5358/untitled) (https://adv-traveler.com/136/photos/506/untitled/5360/untitled) (https://adv-traveler.com/136/photos/506/untitled/5362/untitled) (https://adv-traveler.com/136/photos/506/untitled/5361/untitled) #DR #DR650 #suspension #yang #shock

#DR #yang#shock #suspension #DR650 Just over 2 hours start to finish working by myself. While at it I set ride height where I wanted, adjusted the preload, and also did some tuning on the front and put in new spacers for height/preload. Will need to buy/fabricate a longer sidestand (maybe, we'll see). It's now a good 1 1/2 (maybe a little more) taller with MUCH better feel. DR shock assembly and airbox(https://adv-traveler.com/136/photos/506/untitled/5261/dr-shock-assembly-and-airbox) (https://adv-traveler.com/136/photos/506/untitled/5266/untitled) Dr now taller(https://adv-traveler.com/136/photos/506/untitled/5267/dr-now-taller)