Hello,

I have read alot of misinformation regarding the AMP Link. One post even stated that it makes the suspension harder when landing from jumps??

I would like to explain here what the AMP Link does and why it works, and also explain why some riders have had trouble with the roller assemblies that the chain rides on.

I work for AMP Research and am in charge of developing the new AMP link that will soon be available for the Honda 400EX and Yamaha Raptor! The link will be very different than the ones that are currently available for other models. We have eliminated the rollers.

This product was invented for ATV applications around 1990 and received great reviews fom the press. This is what the AMP Link does:

How it works and what it does–
The AMP-LINK eliminates the Torque influence of the motor on the rear suspension of your ATV. The Link diverts the forces from the engine back into the frame and away from the suspension. What do we mean by torque influence? Try this: Ride your ATV against a stationary object, like a tree or wall, and slowly let out the clutch in first gear while applying a small amount of throttle. Your rear suspension will rise and lock out. Try loading the rear suspension by jumping on it. The rear shock will be locked solid and have no movement. Now try the same test with the AMP Link installed. The suspension will be free under acceleration is still able to absorb bumps, without any negative influence from the motor. The advantages of this are:

1) More power to the ground instead of uncontrollable wheelspin
2) Greater Tire Life
3) Greatly improved acceleration on straights
4) Improved handling out of turns and braking bumps

Regarding blown roller assemblies:

The main reason why riders have had problems with the roller assemblies breaking is because THEY ARE NOT ADJUSTING THE CHAIN ACCORDING TO OUR INSTRUCTIONS.

Here is how we recommend you adjust the chain!

Without the AMP Link, the chain on your ATV will tighten during suspension compression. However, with the AMP Link installed, the chain will slightly loosen during suspension compression. Hence, it is imperative that you adjust your chain slack as per the instructions below:

Put the ATV on a stand to ensure that the rear wheels are off the ground and the rear suspension is at its maximum extended length.
Move the rear axle rearwards according to the Owners Manual until there is just ¼ inch of vertical slack on the top portion of the chain between the Amp Link and Rear Sprocket. Tighten the rear axle. Drop the ATV off the stand and you will have the proper amount of chain slack (usually about 1”).

I hope this helped! ALso, if anyone has an AMP Link and needs parts or service, please don't hesitate to contact me and I will be of any help I can.

Cheers,

Harry Leitner
harry@amp-research.com

 

I use to hear alot about these and did see a couple good reviews, but out of curiousity why don't the pros use them or how come they aren't a hot setup like a pipe and k&n.

Thanks,
Josh

 

ampedout
I don't recall the exact year but I believe it was 1983 or 84, I had a amp link on my race bike, ( it definitely wasn't in 1990 ) it may have been pre production, it was on the three wheeling magazine white 250r ATC ( I raced for the magazine at that time ) I raced it in the off road championship's that year. I liked the way the suspension felt going through whoops under hard acceleration. The only thing that I have a problem with is on the dyno there is a 3 to 5 hp loss to the rear wheels. This obviously is from the extra chain and roller drag. If you are re-designing it without rollers maybe you can solve this problem. Good luck on the new design.

 

Thank you for the replys, guys.

We don't sponsor any pros and eally have not looked into it. As you know, this product was initially designed for motorcycle applications, but worked really well on quads. We decided to make applications for quads and it took off from there. We never really decided to do any sponsoring.

Here is a short excerpt from the new manual on how to adjust your chain with the AMP Link. Many people get this wrong so I thought it is important to post it.


Put the ATV on a stand to ensure that the rear wheels are off the ground and the rear suspension is at its maximum extended length.
Move the rear axle rearwards according to the Owners Manual until there is just ¼ inch of vertical slack on the top portion of the chain between the Amp Link and Rear Sprocket. Tighten the rear axle. Drop the ATV off the stand and you will have the proper amount of chain slack (usually about 1”).

Also, I race motocross and run a custom AMP Link on my 2002' CRF 450. You can get a foreshadowing of the new 400EX AMP Link at

http://photos.yahoo.com/hleitner