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Yamaha R3 Lowering Links from T-Rex Racing

49K views 66 replies 21 participants last post by  VolcomX  
#1 ·
Has anyone heard about these? They are selling them on Amazon and Ebay for 50.00 and wondered if anyone got them and how they would install.

T-Rex Racing 2015-on Yamaha R3 Lowering Links.
 
#3 ·
Have had this on for about a week now. Previously had the JP Cycles Grom/Chief shock on, which lowered the bike too much for my liking. My estimation is about 1.5" lower as quoted. You will have to trim about 1" off the plastic mud guard to make room for the repositioning. Also per the instructions, you should remove the rear wheel. Doing this would probably make the install much easier. But I don't like doing anything the easy way. Removed the JP shock, reinstalled the stock shock w/T-Rex link all without removing the wheel. It was a b**** but my hard head knew I could do it.

Only had the chance to put on 50 miles or so after install. The ride appears no different than original. After a few more miles I will be checking the nuts and bolts for tightness.
 
#9 ·
Both their website and Ebay listings mention lowered side stand when viewing the page for the R3 lowering link. I could not find the exact one on either so I messaged T-Rex and asked if the side stand was available. Freddys response was "R3 Lowering Link is available, would you like a invoice for the needed amount?"

I guess he didn't read the question thoroughly. After a few more exchanges Martin replied "Hi, it looks like we don't have kickstands for the R3".
 
#15 ·
Yes, I did it myself with the basic hand tools, rear pit bull and floor jack. Not difficult by any means. The front is by far easier than the rear because you are not removing, replacing or adding anything. I'm guessing any motorcycle shop has and can lower the front. Check out this thread, it has several tutorials and a video by mattwho777.

http://www.r3-forums.com/forum/713-yamaha-r3-how-diy/3858-can-lowered.html

Randy
 
#16 · (Edited)
A shop agreed to lower it for me using the T-Rex R3 Lowering Links. I was under the impression it could not be lowered with links, so I don't know how these work. But, they've seen the part online and have agreed to do it if I bring it in, so I'm assuming they know what they need to do haha. Now, just hoping T Rex finally carries the kickstand too!

EDIT: Called T-Rex, the kickstands probably won't be available for 4-6 weeks. They have to speak with their technicians. Kind of frustrating they claim they have it on their website, but they're not even in production yet.


Does this kickstand look like it'll work?

http://soupysperformance.com/r3-adjustable-kickstand-side-stand.html

It's really pricey though.. Any suggestions? Man, the more I look into this lowering job, the more I want to say screw it I'll take my chances with being on my toes.
 
#17 ·
Saw that stand on Ebay early into the lowering project, and the price made me look into more economical ways. Believe it or not, it was cheaper by a few dollars when it first came out. Not sure if the image is of the actual stand as it looks exactly the same for different bikes. Knowing that I could have my buddy cut and weld for free made it an easy choice. There are many used (for a reasonable price) kickstands out there on Ebay that you can purchase and have reworked. If patience is a concern, have your original stand reworked while the bike is in down condition at the shop getting lowered.

In any case, hang in there.

Randy
 
#18 ·
Thanks, Randy! We shall see in a few weeks if I've just wasted a bunch of money or if I've just made a big decision to make the bike more me. I also purchased a brake and clutch lever set, seems to be hit or miss with these economically priced levers, but they have great reviews on Amazon with their other Yamaha R-Series levers (of course there were no reviews for the R3 levers yet). I don't really like the stock levers. They feel too bulky for my small hands. Anyway, hanging in there!
 
#23 ·
I guess my phone camera is better than I thought, it sees dirt the naked eye doesn't. haha Here is a shot from above the exhaust silencer.
In the very center of the pic is the lowering link (black triangle shape). The bolt head sticking in the swingarm hole is the original shock mounting point. The nut and bolt to the lower left is where the link repositions the lower eye ring. You will have to cut off about one inch of the plastic mud guard as the repositioned mount will push the mud guard into the rear tire.

Randy
 

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#30 ·
I missed this, but I see you went to Josh's. How'd you like service there? Josh is good dude. If you ever start doing track days, you will see him every now and then. Also, not that I would want you to sell your R3, but if you are ever in the market for a used bike, across Josh's is Onyx, which is owned by Kenny. Another good dude. They both have earned my business over there because both are passionate about fixing/selling bikes as they are about riding.
 
#28 ·
Hi Fyktion! Fellow San diegan here. Please let me know how the new link is working for you...I had to make the difficult decision to lower my R3 after I dropped my bike and snapped the clutch lever. May I ask how much J's speed shop charged you to lower the bike? Shopping around for quotes and it would be nice to get a reference point. Your bike looks great!
 
#36 ·
Just got it lowered today!

5'1" and a 115 lbs with all my gear on. I was on my tiptoes before I installed the T-Rex Racing links; now I'm solidly on the balls of my feet and very satisfied. So far have only ridden it 10 miles from the repair shop to home, but I couldn't believe how much having that extra 1.25 inch has increased my confidence and enjoyment. It was amazing to be able to back up the bike while sitting on it. I wasn't sweating bullets at every stop (because I've dropped it twice at stops). I was able to one foot the bike fine before I lowered it, but I was always paranoid that the bike might tip the wrong way or I'd lose the bike in an emergency stop. Thanks for everyone's recommendations...I'll keep you posted but so far the suspension and handling feels about the same (it was set to pretty squishy beforehand because I'm so light). The mechanic did complain that the install was difficult, between having to trim the mudguard and remove the rear shock.
 
#42 ·
Unsure and have wondered this myself. I do know that the lower shock mount does get relocated horizontally and some 1.5" closer to the rear tire. And, you do have to cut off the lower 1 inch of stock mud guard to compensate. Don't know if the hugger(s) will want to occupy this very same space. Maybe those with a hugger installed can post close up pics of this specific area.

Randy