You might be aware that I have lowered my Husqvarna 701 Enduro using the Koubalink method. It worked really well for Adventure riding and it is definitely one of the most recommended modifications for riders with short inseem.
Even with a fully loaded bike, including camping gear and food and water for multiple days I have not experienced any issues. I rode the WABDR and even some easier singletracks and was very happy.
However in April 2018 there is the famous Desert 100 event, where I wanted to race. (If you never been, look at the videos and definetely come join the biggest event in Pacific NorthWest
We left Seattle on early Friday morning and stopped in Matawa, WA for some practice. And this was where the issue first surfaced:
The bike started to bottom out when riding whoops at high(er) speed as one would in a race. The rear wheel was hitting the tank cover, which was not good.
We tried multiple adjustment of the shock preload to no change – hitting at higher speed, going through the never ending whoops. The last solution we could come up with was to buy a new, longer chain and move the wheel as much towards the rear as the blocks would allow. While it did not eliminate the issue completely, it did help a bit. I entered the race but unfortunately got a flat and DNF.
Upon my return I have contacted few shops specializing in suspension to get some ideas how to fix it. As discussed previously a full suspension job might be in order. However one of the options presented was to replace just the spring with a stiffer one – at cost of about $170. After some calculations based on my weight and some of the luggage I carry we came to the conclusion that the best option is 8.0kg/mm spring. (I am 85 kg / 187 pounds).
Some people were of the opinion I should not lowered the bike but for me the comfort level it brings is worth it.
This way I can keep the Koubalink lowered Husqvarna 701 and hopefully still ride aggressively as I would in a race. Next step is to find a practice area close by with some whoops where I can put on some speed as the bottoming does not show till about 35 miles per hour. Not only it will allow me to test but practice and became better at handling the terrain at higher speed.
Big thanks to both Moto-Pro Suspension and Konflict for their advises.
May 27, 2019 5:30 pm
Enjoying your blog, ordered my k-Link 1.25, as I am 5’10 and only adv ride fire roads and light double track.
Cheers
June 15, 2019 6:01 am
This is a pretty extreme scenario. Had you ever bottomed out the bike before? I’m in the market for some lowering and I’m considering all sorts of options.
Thanks!
June 15, 2019 6:02 am
This is a pretty extreme scenario. Had you ever bottomed out the bike before? I’m in the market for some lowering and I’m considering all sorts of options.
Thanks!
August 9, 2019 8:04 pm
I have not bottomed the bike when it was stock. Only after the lowering. I have played with the high speed rebound settings and got the bike not to bottom out, even when “racing” (more like practicing for a race).
So I am happy with the solution – it just took some time to figure out all of the fine tuning after the stiffer spring was installed.
July 7, 2019 9:20 pm
I assume you raised the fork legs in the clamps an equal amount, if so did you need bar risers?
August 9, 2019 8:05 pm
No, I did not need bar raisers. After moving the fork legs exactly the same amount as lowering, there was just enough space under the bars to adjust the front fork rebound – all good
April 11, 2020 12:57 pm
hey how much did u lower the bike in inches please ? im a big 300lb guy and have to re valve and spring everything but id like to lower an inch as well
April 12, 2020 10:13 pm
1.25″ – any larger Koubalinks would not FIT there. if you are going to do it via re-valve, you can work with the suspension shop to make it anything you want
June 9, 2020 1:33 am
Do you mind me asking inseam? I’ve been riding a DR650 for years without lowering but can barely touch. About to purchase 701 and considering lowering. I’m 5’7ish almost. Lol
Thanks
December 2, 2020 12:21 am
29.5″ – wearing 30″ pants 🙂
May 13, 2021 3:20 pm
I had a DR as well, and now have a 2019 Husky Enduro. The Husky is taller than the DR. I’m 5’10 as well.
May 13, 2021 3:22 pm
I read somewhere that when you use a Koubalink there is more leverage on the spring and you need to go up in spring strength. I’m not sure how accurate that is, but just tossing out there.
Thanks for the post. I think I’m going to lower mine as well.