I just bought a set of 22" Sand Stars and a 15 tooth front sprocket for my 05' DS650. I weigh in at 240 lbs at 6'1" When I rode it totally stock with the sag set right, I think I was bottoming out the suspension on the bottom of the dunes (Right before I would start to climb them) I would hear a ratching sound, like the tires were rubbing on the heel guards. Remind you that this was with the stock wheels and tires.

My question is; Will adjusting the preload help out with this? I haven't changed anything yet, the only thing I have changed is the sag ride heigth. When I jump the DS, it land nice, I don't think I'm bottoming it out when I land.

My second question is; Can someone please post some good pictures of their heel guards that they have trimmed? This would be very helpful for me. Any other comments would be awsome! nullnullJump

 

Could you trade them for some 20's? I am on 20 Sand Stars and do great.

 

That is not an option, I want the 22" ones..... Maybe I don't need to ride so aggressive? [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img]

 

NO, NO, No never say that!!! Hmmmm........ I have read a lot about this problem. You could go to the "older" swinger, they are longer. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Before I went that route, I think I would take a look at the IMS heel guards, or something like that. Some people run the 22" with out a problem, some just trim their stock heel guards. That is why I'm asking the question here, see what people have to suggest. Thanks for your help though..... [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

My brother is on 22" stars also, and was having the same problem. We have trimmed the heel guard right along the metal framing piece and are going to test it out this weekend. I can let you know then if it helped

 

The bottom transition of dunes is the worst on the rear shock. Some of those dunes can hit you hard. I would tighten the spring alittle. What is your sag set at? You can get away with 3 1/2 but set it at 4 and see if you bottom out anymore. To trim the heel guards just cut that little ear off flush and that should do it. The 22 sand star is a great tire, not the best for drags but great in the dunes.

 

Does anyone have some clear pics that I can take a look at? Would adjusting my shock help? Thanks for everyone's help! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

 

Topper,

If you hear a ratcheting sound while on the dunes, it could also be a loose chain slapping on your chain roller. If the tires are rubbing, you would have felt that in your seat.

 

That brings up some more questions then.... [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]

Doesn't the chain get tighter when the suspension is compressed? If it does, wouldn't I <u>not</u> hear that sound at the base of a dune?

I did install the new sprocket last night, after I did I adjusted my chain as the manuel stated. When I sit on the machine there is about 1" of movement in a up-wards pull on the chain, and about a 1" pull down on the chain. Is this correct?

I have 4" of sag when I sit on the machine. Thanks everyone!!!!!!!!!!! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]