Suspension link removal

[scaley]

I'm changing my links in order to raise the suspension. It was easy on the FJR and the XT1200Z, but looking at the FJ09 its all a bit cramped. Its easy enough to do the lower linkage bolt , but the upper ?  Do I have to remove the whole suspension arm to get at that ?

[motorberus]

What are you changing them with? Do they make different links to raise the suspension?

[scaley]

Thanks piotrek! Those Wrench's look interesting and necessary. More toys!

[duhs10]

...I used a flex box end wrench for that (photo). Torque values need adjusting a tad when using offset tools...

 
Could you elaborate on how the torque values need to be adjusted? As in, do you set the wrench higher or lower than recommended torque values?

[2and3cylinders]

I've never seen flex head box end 3/8" drive "sockets" like those and do not understand how they work.
 
However, would flex head ratcheting box end wrenches work (see below), and what size wrench is needed?
 

 

[duhs10]

Could you elaborate on how the torque values need to be adjusted? As in, do you set the wrench higher or lower than recommended torque values?

I had to lower the value on the wrench just a bit as the overall length of the arm increased a little in my case. See this link...
 
http://cncexpo.com/torqueadapter.aspx

Thanks! That's a useful link too!

[2and3cylinders]

I've never seen flex head box end 3/8" drive "sockets" like those and do not understand how they work. 
However, would flex head ratcheting box end wrenches work (see below), and what size wrench is needed?
 

These are great, but won't work with the torque wrench (you can always just do it by feel... but I had the tools). The flex box end wrenches are 1/2" drive. The nut is 14mm.

After wrenching on land bound and airborne conveyances since 1973, I've mutated and developed a "torque" (stress / strain meter in my right wrist; similar to a Skidmore-Wilhelm Model J would.

[betoney]

...this is where you get with the lower link bolt undone and the rear shock mount bolt removed (photo). Removing the bolts is easier than torquing them down... I used a flex box end wrench for that (photo). Torque values need adjusting a tad when using offset tools. 
 

 
 

I have actually never seen those before.  More tools on the wish list now... Thanks   

[betoney]

Any idea where to buy those? I cant seem to find them online.

[xlxr]

I don't know what the torque values on the linkage bolts are and don't care. Mine were too tight from the factory and causing too much drag in the linkage. I use non-permanent lock tight on the threads and snug them up just enough to get the play out without binding.
 
What are you trying to accomplish by raising the rear end? Too much forward chassis pitch may cause high speed instability and wobbles and/or set up cornering characteristics meant for race track corners, making street performance worse.

[scaley]

rear suspension was lowered too much , so raising it to maintain the bikes cornering characteristics. Its a balancing act with the front suspension.