Short Paralever arm

[JohnC]

I've seen a few of these for sale now and I was wondering about the real benefits and any minus points. I've heard that the shorter arm sharpens up the steering, which makes sense, and also that the ride height is increased as a result of the shorter length. So far so good as I like a quicker steering bike and as I'm 6'2 the extra height shouldnt be much of a problem especially when laden.

A couple of questions then. I've also read that the angle between the driveshaft and g/box is meant to be better (optimal) with a shorter arm. Is this correct? I was also wondering whether the increased ride height would help, even slightly, with preventing the shock bottoming when two up and fully laden as I've had this happen to me a couple of times on our bumpy Scottish roads.

TIA

John

 

[Taipan]

Hi John

I was looking into thios as I wanted ashorter paralever arm for my Rockster.

As far as i know, the GS and the S already have the shorter paralever arm 366 mm long hole to hole and the other Rs are 386mm from hole to hole.

There is an adjustable one from boxertrix or suchlike though. not sure what the adjustment parameters are on that one though?

 

[JohnC]

Thanks Tiapan, after reading the ebay advert again this makes sense.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7988918977&rd=1&sspagename=STRK:MEWA:IT&rd=1

I'll just have to look out for an adjustable one then

So if anyone has fitted an adjustable one I'm still looking for the above answers

 

[The Other PaulG]

I have no experience of fitting a shorter paralever arm, but surely anything that increases the ride height will make the gearbox/driveshaft angle WORSE..??

I think that to make that angle better (i.e. straighter) you'd need to do the opposite, and let the back end sit lower rather than higher. As far as I'm aware, that's why my (fat lad) shaft UJ lasts longer than those of lightweight riders... ;-)

Paul G
(other)

 

[JohnC]

Yes I'd have thought that as well. Perhaps that's why they say the GS one is better on the 1100S and Boxer Cup.

Oh well, it looks like I need an Ohlins then

 

[Taipan]

The shorter paralever arm as fitted to the GS does straighten out the driveline angle.
Look at the difference in the one on my1100 and the one on my Rockster. Not very clear but I think you can just about see the difference? Ok, maybe not!

1100

Rockster

 

[Muddy]

JohnC,

You may have seen this photo before but if you haven't here it is anyway!

The shorter arm raises the ride height and noticeably sharpens the steering which is useful if you're heavier than average and want to 'correct' the steering geometry.

It also straightens the shaft angle. Whether this is better or not, I don't know. It won't stop your shock bottoming.

 

[JohnC]

Thanks for that Muddy & Taipan