I have noticed that a lot of pro riders use a no-link rear suspension setup. Why is this? Does it handle better than the link setup? Is it more durable? What do you have to change to go from a link setup to a no-link setup. Thanks!

 

I race TT/flattrack with a banshee with no-link. On these types of tracks, no link hooks harder, weight transfer is much faster, it is easier to tune, and when lowered for flattrack, the link can bottom out. I simply welded a mount on the subframe and ran the other end of the shock goes directly to the swingarm where the link hooked up. I am running AFCO shocks which work great.

Look at dirtbikes. The high priced/high end bikes such as KTM use no link. Honda and yamaha use link systems still. This is because KTM uses better shocks to start with and the other use cheaper shocks. The link speeds up the shock shaft movement which causes more dampening on the shock. KTM's shocks automatically put more dampening in when the shaft moves at higher speeds. Also, you can run a shorter shock with the link system since the link creates a mechanical ratio. This lets the companies mount the shock lower in the frame for more room for an airbox and such. Look at the 250r. The top of the shock is mounted halfway up the engine. Honda could then put the airbox and snorkel over the shock.

 

I am building the 250R for MX. Which setup is better? Can you convert a stock frame to the no-link? How do you know if an aftermarket frame is setup for no-link?

 

As far as which is better; I think it's a matter of personal preference. Stock frames can be modified with a bracketraising the shock mount. If the aftermarket frame was no-link it would have the shock bracket up higher than factory.

Roll Design has a no-link swingarm which sets the shock further down in the swingarm. In order to give the shock room to travel. It is fairly costly, over $1000.00, but when you consider what it would take to modify your stock chassis, to a common, no-link design. It may not be so bad.

As with all no-link rear setups you will need a new aftermarket shock.

 

Can someone explain what the no link thing is? Is it the the setup the warrior has where the shock is not directly hooked up to the swingarm?

 

No, the Warrior has a linkage set up, the 300EX does not have a linkage set up since the shock is mounted directly to the swingarm.

 

thanks for clearing that up

 

Weight is an issue too. Moslty its the fact that a no link shock is more expensive.