Shock absorber comparison TE vs SM

[Rotax_655]

Guys I have to somehow lower my bike. I am 1.72 meters tall and more and more often I am in difficulty in off-road sections. I saw from the list of spare parts that the two shock absorbers of the two versions TE and SMotard are different. does anyone know the length measurements?

 

[Eoin]

Only 20 mm seat height difference between the 2 models and less suspension travel as well. Can you get 20 - 30 mm by having the seat modified?

 

[Rotax_655]

Only 20 mm seat height difference between the 2 models and less suspension travel as well. Can you get 20 - 30 mm by having the seat modified?

I have already installed the lowered saddle. I see that the part numbers of the two shock absorbers are different. which is the longest? I would only need 5 mm less on the shock to get a few centimeters less off the ground

 

[Eoin]

I don't know the difference, I just remember reading that the SM has less travel. I guess the difference would equate to the 20 mm seat height difference between the models. Is 20 mm sufficient?

 

[ceevu]

I bet it would be pretty easy job for suspension specialist to shorten shock while servicing it,and that (service) is never waisted money.

 

[DYNOBOB]

I have a Kouba link HL2 on mine. It does require a little grinding on the swing arm. https://koubalink.com/Husky 4 Stroke.html

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[NeoGeniX]

Not sure if the shock is any longer, most of the time it is only the spring that is stronger on the supermoto.

 

[Rotax_655]

Not sure if the shock is any longer, most of the time it is only the spring that is stronger on the supermoto.

in the two versions TE and SM the springs are identical. elastic constant 6.4 kg / mm

 

[Darkside]

I would image the sm shock would have stiffer damping and require a revalve. If you're going to do all that you might as well have a suspension guy shorten your stock shock

 

[Rotax_655]

I made measurements. I am very undecided whether to bring the shock absorber to a specialist to shorten it by 8 mm or take the kubalink rods that lower it by 1 ". In this case I have to file a part of the swingarm. To remove the shock absorber and take it to the specialist I have to remove all the back frame otherwise you can not remove ...... what a dilemma ..... also mount the new kubalink link slightly longer will change the kinematics of the suspension making the spring too loose ?. I hope I explained myself well

 

[Darkside]

I tried a kouba link several years ago. I did not like it. You are correct that the link changes the action of the shock. I found the initial travel to be very stiff

 

[Rotax_655]

I would like to shorten the thread in this point by 10 mm. in this way the wheel travel would drop by about 35 mm. what do you think?

 

[Huskynoobee]

The best solution, as previously mentioned is have the shock shortened internally. It will cost less than buying a different shock and you will retain the proper valving for off road. It is also reverseable if you sell the bike later.

 

[mcnut]

IMO 35mm is a very drastic amount to shorten the shock as the wheel travel is usually a wheel to shock ratio of between 2:1 and 3:1 which would result in lowering 70mm to 105mm.
I also think shortening the shock body in this way would cause hard metal to metal bottoming.

You need to have a professional with the right experience and tools install a short internal spacer.

Bruce