View Full Version : longer dogbones
A friend has offered to lower my SV for me. I'm going to start by using the longer dogbones (do the seat later maybe). I have no idea what they look like. Could anyone tell me what they are exactly so I know what I need to buy and where to get them. Is there a part number, make and size maybe. I was thinking of contacting Wemoto but don't know whether they do this kind of thing.
Also do I understand it right that if we put the longer dogbones in the front forks need to be dropped by 10mm?
skeetly
16-03-08, 03:56 PM
swap you my long dog bones for your short ones :)
The seat on mine is 30" from the floor when no ones sitting on it.
I would like to keep the originals.
skeetly
16-03-08, 04:01 PM
Ah well, cant say I blame you. I wish the previous owners of this one had :(
I may have some long ones going spare at some point in that case :)
*bump*
Does anyone know where to get these dogbones?
Are they non-bike specific things maybe?
fizzwheel
17-03-08, 10:22 AM
Liz got hers lowered by her local dealer when she bought the bike, they supplied and fitted the dogbones for her. Try your local suzuki dealer see if they can help you.
petevtwin650
17-03-08, 10:34 AM
Pic below is a dogbone. Just below the rear shock. This one is standard with 20F stamped on it. Ebay is a good place to get some. To clarify, longer DB will lower the seat height. The bike will then sit lower at the back and could adversley affect the handling. I would drop the forks through the yokes. This will marginally lower the bike some more.
http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i184/petevtwin650/org%20tech/dogbones001crop.jpg
petevtwin650
17-03-08, 11:22 AM
Here you go
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Suzuki-SV650-Lowering-Kit-1999-2002_W0QQitemZ180149997334QQihZ008QQcategoryZ10534 QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262
Check out his shop . There are kits for early and later Sv's. And jack up kits too Skeetly.
sv650k4
17-03-08, 11:23 AM
*bump*
Does anyone know where to get these dogbones?
Are they non-bike specific things maybe?
thers a guy on ebay dose them think you can get a few different sizes in them aswell.;)
Here you go
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Suzuki-SV650-Lowering-Kit-1999-2002_W0QQitemZ180149997334QQihZ008QQcategoryZ10534 QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262
Check out his shop . There are kits for early and later Sv's. And jack up kits too Skeetly.
Thanks for the link and picture.
thers a guy on ebay dose them think you can get a few different sizes in them aswell.;)
Have you got a link? or name as 'a guy' wouldn't quite do it I think.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Suzuki-SV650-Lowering-Kit-2003-2007_W0QQitemZ350036406641QQihZ022QQcategoryZ10534 QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262
Link for 2003-2007 models (in case anyone else is finding this useful).
Also found out:
Normal size is 25mm. You can also have 40mm. This makes the bike 25 or 40mm lower.
Seller's name is Banditrob12
If you would go for 40mm you'll probably need a shorter side-stand.
Maybe Admin could make this thread a sticky as I'm sure lots of people would benefit.
I got mine from BanditMania. They fitted them for me too. http://www.banditmania.co.uk
I got mine from BanditMania. They fitted them for me too. http://www.banditmania.co.uk
thanks. Just for information. I could see no lowering kits for SVs post K3 in catalogue or ebay-shop.
I'm fairly sure they are for 03 - onwards (item code BM31).
I'm fairly sure they are for 03 - onwards (item code BM31).
You might well be right. This is what it says:
SV650 '03- LOWERING KIT. LOWERS THE BACK END OF THE BIKE BY APPROXIMATELY 30MM AND THE SEAT HEIGHT BY ABOUT 8-10MM.
Would that really only be 8-10mm (seat) that is still not much.
fizzwheel
17-03-08, 03:52 PM
IMHO dont go nuts lowering it, Liz's SV is lowered and I can tell the difference handling wise when I ride hers against mine, it feels different I guess the geometry changes also, because its been lowered it sits up more upright on the side stand and it rolls off the side stand really really easily. I know because I've dropped the bl**dy thing 3 times.
Better to lower it a little bit, drop the forks a bit to likes been suggested and then if you are still struggling then get the seat cut down as well.
I've had a bike lowered before. If the bike is too upright I know I need to either get a shorter side stand or get the existing one bent so the bike leans over more again.
I know there are people on this forum who have lowered it by using the longer 'longer' dogbones' The 40mm instead of 25 and they're happy with it.
I used the longer 'dogbones' to lower my bike by 40mm lasy year. I bought them from 'banditrob', in the above mentioned link. I didn't do anything with the sidestand and never had any problems.
Hi Linda :D
thanks for confirming that.
skeetly
17-03-08, 06:04 PM
Cheers Pete, but I need a 'jack up back to where it was' set of dog bones really.
I've been on the blower to the local suzuki dealer today for some so that should sort it....
petevtwin650
18-03-08, 08:40 AM
Cheers Pete, but I need a 'jack up back to where it was' set of dog bones really.
I've been on the blower to the local suzuki dealer today for some so that should sort it....
Or you could try a wanted ad on here. Must be a few peeps with old DB lying around.
skeetly
18-03-08, 06:14 PM
Or you could try a wanted ad on here. Must be a few peeps with old DB lying around.
Guess I should have really. I did scan the for sale section
Ah well ordered from the dealer now 30 quid so not so bad I spose...
a word of advice:
it will negatively affect the way the bike handles!
i lowered my wifes sv (she is 5'4'', lowered 1.5''), got the bones from ebay
http://cgi.ebay.ca/99-02-SUZUKI-SV650-1-5-lowering-links-dog-bones-SV-650_W0QQitemZ180121705775QQihZ008QQcategoryZ35592Q QtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262
(this is 1.5'' lowering for 99-02 BTW, also available 1 & 2'' lowering)
the bike looked... well not right. the tail was sitting too low, and it handled like a Hardly...
to correct it i dropped the forks by ~1.5'' as well, it made it better, but still far from what the bike handled like in stock form. after riding it few times, she asked me to swap them back to stock, even though she is hardly touching the ground that way...
lowering itself is easy enough to do, i was done in 20 min, i do suggest you keep the original DB's though, as you might not like it....
in hindsight i should have went 1'' lower, or even less if possible. if modyfying seat/droping front end makes her low enough for you, i'd suggest sticking with just that...
cheers!
a word of advice:
it will negatively affect the way the bike handles!
i lowered my wifes sv (she is 5'4'', lowered 1.5''), got the bones from ebay
http://cgi.ebay.ca/99-02-SUZUKI-SV650-1-5-lowering-links-dog-bones-SV-650_W0QQitemZ180121705775QQihZ008QQcategoryZ35592Q QtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262
(this is 1.5'' lowering for 99-02 BTW, also available 1 & 2'' lowering)
the bike looked... well not right. the tail was sitting too low, and it handled like a Hardly...
to correct it i dropped the forks by ~1.5'' as well, it made it better, but still far from what the bike handled like in stock form. after riding it few times, she asked me to swap them back to stock, even though she is hardly touching the ground that way...
lowering itself is easy enough to do, i was done in 20 min, i do suggest you keep the original DB's though, as you might not like it....
in hindsight i should have went 1'' lower, or even less if possible. if modyfying seat/droping front end makes her low enough for you, i'd suggest sticking with just that...
cheers!
That appears to be the link for the older ones, mine's new. I've orderd them from banditrob in the UK. Will ride it first as normal and see what difference it makes. Yes, I am keeping the originals. And why would I drop the front end if I'm only lowering the seat? That doesn't sound right to me.
That appears to be the link for the older ones, mine's new. I've orderd them from banditrob in the UK. Will ride it first as normal and see what difference it makes. Yes, I am keeping the originals. And why would I drop the front end if I'm only lowering the seat? That doesn't sound right to me.
the reason for droping the front is to keep the changes to rake/trail to minimum. droping the back only will change them significantly
Rake: The angle in degrees of the steering neck from the vertical.
Trail: Distance defined by vertical line from axle to ground and intersect of centerline of steering neck and ground
These two values decide how the bike handles ...
the reason for droping the front is to keep the changes to rake/trail to minimum. droping the back only will change them significantly
Rake: The angle in degrees of the steering neck from the vertical.
Trail: Distance defined by vertical line from axle to ground and intersect of centerline of steering neck and ground
These two values decide how the bike handles ...
I think I know what you mean know. Lower the back with just 1 inch and lower the front forks. As said thought you meant combination of lowering seat and dropping front end.
Thanks for the explanation. It's my second bike I'm lowering and rake yep know that one from my other bike which is well-known for its rake but won't dare to mention that again for fear of being slated again. Such is life on a bikeforum.:)
That appears to be the link for the older ones, mine's new. I've orderd them from banditrob in the UK. Will ride it first as normal and see what difference it makes. Yes, I am keeping the originals. And why would I drop the front end if I'm only lowering the seat? That doesn't sound right to me.
By changing dogbones you are dropping the entire rear of the bike by effectively rotating it backwards around the front wheel axle as a pivot. The forks will be 'leaning' backwards as a result of this so raising the forks in teh yolks will compensate for this. Dont go mad though as you may then have clearance problems where the front mudguard fouls the bike as the suspension compresses.
Better in my opinion to replace or modify the seat itself so that the bike attitude is unaltered.
By changing dogbones ......
Better in my opinion to replace or modify the seat itself so that the bike attitude is unaltered.
my point exactly. and these bikes have a couch-cushion seat, so removing an inch from the seat shouldn't be a big issue (i hope, that's my job for the comming weekend...).
i wish any of my bikes would have seat as comfy and soft as this....
;)
Ok a few facts for you:
* Dogbones ?15 and easy job.
* Lowering seat or new seat could be up to ?85 if you have to have someone else doing it for you.
* I've heard lots of good reports from people on this forum who have gone for the longer dogbones. Friendly people (mainly girls to be honest) who get in touch via PM (as they probably like me are not keen on the technical discussions as a result of it).
* Agreed that it's better not to have to do anything to perfomance of bike but it's a naked don't forget, I'm not in it for 'racing' like a lot of SV-ers on this forum are (the SVs-ers). So losing a bit of whatever is not important to me.
* different people ride different bikes for different reasons.
* As the seat is a more complicated and expensive job that's the next option should the bike not be low enough for my legs yet.
Ok a few facts for you:
* Dogbones ?15 and easy job.
* Lowering seat or new seat could be up to ?85 if you have to have someone else doing it for you.
* I've heard lots of good reports from people on this forum who have gone for the longer dogbones. Friendly people (mainly girls to be honest) who get in touch via PM (as they probably like me are not keen on the technical discussions as a result of it).
* Agreed that it's better not to have to do anything to perfomance of bike but it's a naked don't forget, I'm not in it for 'racing' like a lot of SV-ers on this forum are (the SVs-ers). So losing a bit of whatever is not important to me.
* different people ride different bikes for different reasons.
* As the seat is a more complicated and expensive job that's the next option should the bike not be low enough for my legs yet.
thats fair enough but it is after all a technical section of the forum and there are plenty of knowledgable people to explain things if you are not confident with the answers.
Altering the attitude of the bike is not all about razor sharp racing or wanting to shave half a second from your commute :-). The point that is being made is that it will adversely affect the handling and make the bike feel and ride quite differently. That may not bother you at all but at least you can make the informed decision because its been pointed out.
A small change may not be a problem but altering the rear by lowering by an inch or more is certainly going to affect the ride, it can be compensated but only to a point.
So, I think we agree.....dogbones are cheap and easy but will affect the handling. Seat alteration or change can cost more if you dont want to do it yourself but will leave the bike to handle as it was intended.
petevtwin650
19-03-08, 10:41 AM
Wow, we would be negligent if we didn't forewarn you of any potential problems with modifying your bike. And this, although simple to do, is quite a change. Although you may not be into hooning about the handling will be compromised almost certainly. And that could potentionally be fatal.
Sorry if we care about your safety.
one other thing to consider while I remember is the headlight aim. you may well need to adjust them/it to point downwards slightly to avoid blinding people.
Can I just say also that I think the majority of posts here are pretty friendly, you implied earlier that this wasnt the case. I hope we (or I) dont come across as patronising as thats certainly not the intention, everybody is here to help you if you need it.
Simple answer is - if you put longer dogbones in you need to drop the yokes down the forks by about 10mm maximum to counter the change in steering head angle. If you don't drop the yokes down then the bike will steer like a barge, which could be dangerous if you need to make a rapid change of direction. There's also a slight bonus in dropping the yokes down, in that it also lowers the seat a little more, which is after all what you are looking to achieve.
You're free to take the advice given by anyone, or ignore it, choice is yours - but these guy do know what they are on about.
21QUEST
19-03-08, 11:25 AM
......
Altering the attitude of the bike is not all about razor sharp racing or wanting to shave half a second from your commute :-). .......
Err nothing more to really add but just to say, quite right Fly_racer.....only if some folks would just learn to steer a bike properly rather spurting about how they want the bike to 'turn on a sixpence' :confused: ;)
Wow(member), it could be argued that lowering the back with out being able to lower front enough to match, will show a greater difference in handling....you are already seating up right so less weight in front.
That said, hope you find a solution that suits and works well for you :) .
Ben
Wild Bill
20-03-08, 01:07 PM
Fitted longer dog bones from Bandit mania.Didn`t touch the forks,the handling feels the same .Side stand no problems.
Cheers
thats fair enough but it is after all a technical section of the forum and there are plenty of knowledgable people to explain things if you are not confident with the answers.
The question was where to get the longer dogbones from.
The friend who is going to lower the bike for me with the dogbones is going to make sure the setup of the bike is not going to be fatal.
Bl**dy hell how serious do you take all this technical point scoring? Glad there are still a few sane people about (thanks for posting) and I can only repeat that it isn't a wonder that the girls I've had pms from about lowering bikes don't always post on the forum.
Keep it simple hey. How competitive can you get.
The question was where to get the longer dogbones from.
The friend who is going to lower the bike for me with the dogbones is going to make sure the setup of the bike is not going to be fatal.
Bl**dy hell how serious do you take all this technical point scoring? Glad there are still a few sane people about (thanks for posting) and I can only repeat that it isn't a wonder that the girls I've had pms from about lowering bikes don't always post on the forum.
Keep it simple hey. How competitive can you get.
I'm afraid there was no 'point scoring' at all intended on my part. The thread had changed direction slightly by beginning to discuss the possible adverse effects of the change, not by me I might add. I was only offering advice as others had. If you dont want to take it then thats fine but no need to get aggressive when people try to help.
The question was where to get the longer dogbones from.
The friend who is going to lower the bike for me with the dogbones is going to make sure the setup of the bike is not going to be fatal.
Bl**dy hell how serious do you take all this technical point scoring? Glad there are still a few sane people about (thanks for posting) and I can only repeat that it isn't a wonder that the girls I've had pms from about lowering bikes don't always post on the forum.
Keep it simple hey. How competitive can you get.
I can't see any point scoring, I only see people trying to offer the benefit of their experience. Remember, other people who may be thinking of changing their dog bones might read this thread, and they may not be fortunate enough to have a friend to help them. Surely it's a good thing that they are fore-warned about possible adverse handling?
dizzyblonde
26-03-08, 11:24 PM
can I add to this.... I had my black bike 'jacked up' when I bought it, it made the handling sharper and I couldn't feel comfortable putting my feet down, which is the opposite of your question I know, but, with dogbones I might suggest you buy them off someone reputable no matter how high or how low you intend your bike to be,
as there are some out there that think they are selling you a favour, when in fact they are selling you something that is made of cheese and can therefore be a safety risk
can I add to this.... I had my black bike 'jacked up' when I bought it, it made the handling sharper and I couldn't feel comfortable putting my feet down, which is the opposite of your question I know, but, with dogbones I might suggest you buy them off someone reputable no matter how high or how low you intend your bike to be,
as there are some out there that think they are selling you a favour, when in fact they are selling you something that is made of cheese and can therefore be a safety risk
I second this!!
21QUEST
27-03-08, 12:39 AM
The question was where to get the longer dogbones from.
The friend who is going to lower the bike for me with the dogbones is going to make sure the setup of the bike is not going to be fatal.
Bl**dy hell how serious do you take all this technical point scoring? Glad there are still a few sane people about (thanks for posting) and I can only repeat that it isn't a wonder that the girls I've had pms from about lowering bikes don't always post on the forum.
Keep it simple hey. How competitive can you get.
I once asked a girlfriend about mascara...couldn't believe something so simple could be so complicated. Apparently one could go for either liquid, cake, cream and god knows what else...and that was just the start :rolleyes: .
People spend time giving honest and factual pointers and you decide the best thing to do is, get yourself all worked up huh !!!
Point scoring? competitive?..... on the t'internet ? :lol: ;)
Ben
can I add to this.... I had my black bike 'jacked up' when I bought it, it made the handling sharper and I couldn't feel comfortable putting my feet down, which is the opposite of your question I know, but, with dogbones I might suggest you buy them off someone reputable no matter how high or how low you intend your bike to be,
as there are some out there that think they are selling you a favour, when in fact they are selling you something that is made of cheese and can therefore be a safety risk
Well said, there's a whole load of people offering advice to help WOW avoid the sort of thing shown in the photos below. That's the result of cheap aftermarket dogbones shearing at 50mph and throwing me 15 feet in the air when my old Bandit 600 suspension collapsed and made the bike highside on a North Norfolk country lane. I narrowly missed being run over by a car coming the other way after landing badly. I could post the photos of my smashed right ankle after the ensuing crash as well, but it's a U rated forum.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3266/2365375130_9f94e92183_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2298/2365375082_dbcb9483d4_o.jpg
If WOW's got issues with taking good advice from men, especially men who really do know about these sort of things from personal experience, then maybe she should ask for her advice on one of the girl only bike forums, where she won't find people (men) "scoring points" as she so succinctly put it. Personally I couldn't give a monkey's if she does or doesn't, it's her neck on the line, not mine.
yorkie_chris
27-03-08, 11:21 AM
A big +1 about buying reputable dogbones, they're in a spot thats quite highly stressed, and as lozzo's said, it's going to hurt if they fail.
People spend time giving honest and factual pointers and you decide the best thing to do is, get yourself all worked up huh !!!
Personally I couldn't give a monkey's if she does or doesn't, it's her neck on the line, not mine.
It's given me a bit of a laugh though
A big +1 about buying reputable dogbones, they're in a spot thats quite highly stressed, and as lozzo's said, it's going to hurt if they fail.
It still hurts 18 months after the event, and it's probably still going to hurt in 20 years time.
Lozzo, where did you get yours from? I've got longer dogbones fitted and I'm a bit worried now in case the same happens.
I haven't a clue where they came from, they were on the bike when I got it.
dont want to re-ignite this particular firework but.....
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SV650-K3-Factory-Lowered-Seat_W0QQitemZ170210708958QQihZ007QQcategoryZ10534 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
this might come in useful. :-)
for those out there that decide to go with seat modification - i just had it done by a local upholstery shop; $40 and 1/2 hour later, seat looks better, has better shape, my wife finds it a bit harder, but more comfortable, ~3 cm lower with still lots of foam left. longer bones (3.75cm lower seat height) are are up for grabs for anyone in Ottawa, ON area.
i'll tell you right now, from my experience, it was a waste of time. seat mod acomplished the same thing, without 1/2 the troubles of bones. now i just have to lift up the front back up, adjust the lights back and kick myself in the a** for not doing this right away.
wow - don't see it as me scoring poins, or telling you what to do. this is simply my experience with lowering the SV, and the advice i wish i got last summer.
That's useful as it's going to be my next step as I would like to have my feet flat on the floor as I can't paddle it back on anything with the slightest camber like at work which I have to do every day.
3 cms that sounds good to me. Haven't worked out how that seat comes off. Will have a look in the manual first.
fizzwheel
16-04-08, 06:22 PM
3 cms that sounds good to me. Haven't worked out how that seat comes off. Will have a look in the manual first.
Under the seat are two black plastic infill panels, held on with an allen key bolt, Undo those and rotate them out and away from the bike or if you have a K3 onwards just pop them off.
This should reveal the seat bolts which you just need to undo and then the seat will lift off.
HTH
Under the seat are two black plastic infill panels, held on with an allen key bolt, Undo those and rotate them out and away from the bike or if you have a K3 onwards just pop them off.
This should reveal the seat bolts which you just need to undo and then the seat will lift off.
HTH
thanks :D
so....are we friends again? :smt014
:confused:
Yes Flymo. I just have to learn to ignore one or two tw*ts and then I've found the rest is actually willling to help. :)
petevtwin650
17-04-08, 10:24 AM
Yes Flymo. I just have to learn to ignore one or two tw*ts and then I've found the rest is actually willling to help. :)
Pretty much like life in general then Wow:)
I liken this site to a pub meet. I chat to my mates, try and offer help, advice or sympathy to others, pass comment on peeps bikes and ignore those that pee me off. :cool:
Yes Flymo. I just have to learn to ignore one or two tw*ts and then I've found the rest is actually willling to help. :smile:
awesome, I feel happy inside.
A little positive karma to the .org for a change, its been a little down lately.
NewRider
15-11-08, 11:02 PM
Hey all.....I've read this whole thread and found it totally useful, I'm just about to buy an SV650s its my first bike and I'm only 5'2!! I'm going to get the lowing kit fitted by the dealer (although the pics posted here nearly put me off getting it lowered at all!!), they've said it will be around £100 and I am assuming that they will be fitting dogbones??
Dangerous Dave
17-11-08, 07:45 AM
For £100 (all inclusive) that would mean lowering with dog bones, the official Suzuki kit is a lower seat which costs more than £100.
Simple answer is - if you put longer dogbones in you need to drop the yokes down the forks by about 10mm maximum to counter the change in steering head angle. If you don't drop the yokes down then the bike will steer like a barge, which could be dangerous if you need to make a rapid change of direction. There's also a slight bonus in dropping the yokes down, in that it also lowers the seat a little more, which is after all what you are looking to achieve.
You're free to take the advice given by anyone, or ignore it, choice is yours - but these guy do know what they are on about.
i seem to be getting differant veiws on dropping forks if bike has a 25mm lowering kit, i have a sv s but have put a comfort kit on it i.e street fighters,,,, so in short just how far do they need lowering to suit the 25mm kit
Dangerous Dave
13-01-09, 06:32 PM
i seem to be getting differant veiws on dropping forks if bike has a 25mm lowering kit, i have a sv s but have put a comfort kit on it i.e street fighters,,,, so in short just how far do they need lowering to suit the 25mm kit
3-5mm to start with.
but no more than???????????? i assum there is not a set table, its trile or error
Dangerous Dave
13-01-09, 07:49 PM
but no more than???????????? i assum there is not a set table, its trile or error
Pretty much, the achilles heal of the SV is the forks so you don't want to be putting to much through them as standard.
yorkie_chris
14-01-09, 01:27 AM
Work out the angles from your drop of the rse end, keep the head angle the same if you're that fussed.
not shure were your coming from on that, if a bike is being change from standard then i am fussed, most like a unit to run as safe as poss and as legel as you can bend it
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