Lowering the Ride Height

Hi,

I was looking at lowering the ride height slightly on my 501, but it's something I've never done before.

I was just considering winding in the WP rear shock and raising the front forks slightly in the yolks/triple clamps.

Would this have any serious effects on handling/stability? Can you get a lowering link for the Bergs similar to the ones obtainable for XR's?

I also want to smooth out the delivery on the bottom end and was thinking of putting a smaller front cog on the bike. I know I would lose out on top end performance but that doesn't really matter in my case. Any suggestions on what size cog to install?

Without moving to another forum, what have people found to be the best tyre pressures for use both on and off road, ie: a compromise as I ride to the rough stuff?

Finally, when braking hard the front end wants to tuck in constantly and the rear end seems to lock-up pretty easily, can I solve this with any tinkering, or just learn to break earlier?

Cheers,

Scoobie said:

Hi,

I was looking at lowering the ride height slightly on my 501, but it's something I've never done before.

I was just considering winding in OUT SURELY? the WP rear shock and raising the front forks slightly in the yolks/triple clamps.

Would this have any serious effects on handling/stability? NOT IF YOU DO BOTH ENDS NO Can you get a lowering link for the Bergs similar to the ones obtainable for XR's? NO BECAUSE THERE ARE NO LINKAGES ON A HUSEY. BUT YOU CAN HAVE THE SHOCK MODIFIED. HOW TALL ARE YOU?

I also want to smooth out the delivery on the bottom end and was thinking of putting a smaller front cog on the bike. DO THAT AND IT'LL BE MORE VISCIOUS!!!! I know I would lose out on top end performance but that doesn't really matter in my case. Any suggestions on what size cog to install?

Without moving to another forum, what have people found to be the best tyre pressures for use both on and off road, ie: a compromise as I ride to the rough stuff?DIRT TYRES ON THE DIRT? 12-15IBS WITH 12 FOR MUD AND 15 FOR ANYTHING WHERE YOU MIGHT GET A ROCK. 12 IF YOU RUN HEAVY DUTY TUBES

Finally, when braking hard the front end wants to tuck in constantly and the rear end seems to lock-up pretty easily, can I solve this with any tinkering, or just learn to break earlier?TURN CLOCKWISE THE SCREWS UNDER THE LEGS BY ABOUT 3-5 TURNS-THIS IS THE COMPRESSION DAMPING

Cheers,

Click to expand...

regards

Taffy

WOW taffy
what info so what set of spacely sprockets do you recommend
15/52....? sorry sat through the jetsons with the kids
regards
Earl

Hi Taffy,

Thanks for the advice. The reason I'm asking is that the guys I usually ride with are all experienced trials riders (20 years plus), and they take me up and down some very steep rocky paths with lots of loose rocks.

I've been having trouble and fallen off quite a few times and they suggested that lowering the ride height slightly and gearing the bike down a bit would be a help until I got used to the bike.

If I did lower the back end, would I have to lower the front end by the same amount as I reckon I've only got about 1/2" leeway at the front before I hit the bars?

Is there anything I can do to soften the power at the bottom end?

Cheers,

Scoobie said:

Hi Taffy,

Thanks for the advice. The reason I'm asking is that the guys I usually ride with are all experienced trials riders (20 years plus), and they take me up and down some very steep rocky paths with lots of loose rocks.

I've been having trouble and fallen off quite a few times and they suggested that lowering the ride height slightly and gearing the bike down a bit would be a help until I got used to the bike.

If I did lower the back end, would I have to lower the front end by the same amount as I reckon I've only got about 1/2" leeway at the front before I hit the bars?WAHT WITH? YER BALLS? YER HEAD? KEEP IT LEVEL

Is there anything I can do to soften the power at the bottom end?GET RID OF THE DELL ORTO FOR A fcr KEIHIN. READ MY RACE REPORT ON THE 470 I BORROWED FROM 26/6 THAT'LL TELL YOU THE SAME THING-NASTY, NASTY DELL ORTO-VISCIOUS BUGGER!

Cheers,

Click to expand...

NOW I UNDERSTAND WHY YOU WANT 13t FRONT. but that'll stop you stalling but make the bike tiring to ride. the best thing to do is practice, stop whinging, and grow into your machine!!!!

regards

Taffy

ride height

Hi Scoobie

I to have been challenged with the seat height of bikes, lowering is ok if you stop alot or ride at a slow pace, but it sounds like you need to go out and spend a lot of time standing on the pegs knees bent, and run the rocks, creeks and down hills,or what ever challeges you so you can ride with your experienced group. Keep your feet on those pegs(less injury) you know you can't reach the ground don't try! Set the layout of the bike to fit you that's important.
have a great ride,
haskell in Idaho

You may try a flywheel weight to smooth out the power. I did that on my 600 to help tame it down a bit. It helps at the lower rpm levels, and was especially useful when I learning how to ride it (and to ride again). Worked real good for me, and in fact it is still on.

Barry

I am also seat-height challenged. I am 5'9"/190lbs and sometimes wish my Berg wasn't so high. Especially now that I moved to the mountains of western Massachusetts and the land is filled with rocks and wet logs. The terrain may not have mattered much 12 years ago when I had my Husqvarna, 'cause I was a better rider back then. Now I ride slower, more cautious and maybe less confident. Lacking confidence for a few reasons, mostly having to do with my engine running problems and also I am no longer an invincible kid. Since I won't be doing anymore growing, I too thought that lowering the seat height would help. Generally, how far can a Berg be lowered without spending money on having things modified?
The flywheel weigh sounds like something I would like to have on my bike. Where can I get one?
The gearing on my bike is probably too sedate already at 15/47. When the time comes for new sprockets, what would be recomnded for tight woods riding?

the flywheel is known as being heavy on the huseys-it's very pronounced! if you are stalling it then gear it down a bit with a 14T front etc. get the jetting spot on by working on it. work and work again! carb parts are relatively cheap and the folk here can help. the fuel screw should be tickled to see what you can get.

you can't ride off road on 15/47 unless what you're trying to do is 152mph on the dirt at 1/4 throttle and 'save the engine'. the choice is yours but it's generally accepted that for any kind of turning you need around 14/48.

i race on 14/51 which means i can avoid going back to first gear which i HATE!.

as for seat height well i'm 5' 9 and 1/2" and i have a tall seat and i have added another inch. i can understand your woes but i don't ask me why but it isn't a problem anymore. i used to want a low seat and even planned for one, then when my skills improved the tall (IMS) seat gave me more strength later on and i made less mistakes.

WHAT I'M SAYING IS THAT YOU APPEAR TO BE GOING IN THE WRONG DIRECTION!

regards

Taffy

I guess I need to get out of the habit of chuggin' around. I am looking for a spare bike, would a 400 'berg be the same height as the 501? Maybe I need a 650 with training wheels so I can idle up the hills---nah.

the 400 is identical. you have to work the 400 but you'll be the boss of it whereas i'm not sure about the others!

the 400 is a bit flat for racing otherwise it's fine! over here in the Uk it was called thee clubmans tool because it's mild and usuable.

a lineweaver cam or a OEM '53' cam will sort it.

you're right though-stop being a woos and get out there and do it!

regards

taffy

Taffy said:

you're right though-stop being a woos and get out there and do it!

regards

taffy

Click to expand...

Thanks for being blunt, it's the best method for making advice work.

Scoobie,

Your first problem is listening to those trials guys. Sounds to me like they are suggesting you turn your husaberg dirtbike into a trials bike!

Anyway, these guys are right. Bigger rear sprocket (keep the revs up, less stalling), less 1st, stay on the pegs, KEEP the 400, lineweaver cam, tall seat. Tall seat helps with fatigue. Sounds coutnerintuitive, but the less you are standing and sitting all the time, even an inch, the more you will ride, and the longer you will keep up with the trials dudes. I'm the same height, less 20 pounds, and have similar issues). Play with the bar angle/height a bit too, that might make things better, and it's free and easy to change on the trail.

Oh, and don't fall. But that's the easy thing to say!!!

-Parsko

PS- Taffy, you didn't mention the cut in the brake pad that you always tout, you hit your head on something???

I am going through some things on my bike before this weekend. I pretty much determined that this bike is not set up for me at all as far as the suspension goes. I am going to attemp to set the sag, then probably lower the clamps on the fork tubes. While I was attempting to put the bike on a stand I noticed that the shock is topped out even when the bike is resting on it's wheels. I will try to adjust it, hopefully the spring is close enough to correct that I can get the adjustment where it should be. I am hoping that the spring has too much preload and wille effectively lower the bike somewhat. We'll see how it turns out. Without you guys I may have to follow my friends to a jap dealer.

thanks,

I have never seen anyone lower the triple clamps on a Berg. I am sure it can be done, I just dont know if it's advisable.

berger

how long you been asleep?

everyone who races at least tries to lower the triples!

i have 13mm showing with my 14mm KTM125SX triples!

get with the programme fella!

regards

Taffy

I, too, have been told to learn how to ride and not bothering with lowering my Berg. Well I guess it's too late for me to learn new tricks and at 50 years of age and 5'7" I'm not expecting a growth spurt. I had the guys at NMS in Reno put spacers in the forks and rear shock to effectively shorten the height 1.5" in the front & 2" in the back. It has transformed my bike! The lower height (& correspondingly lower CG) makes it a delight on tight forest trails. It handles easier and gives me much more confidence in the tough stuff. I weigh 140lbs and the suspension is actually plush! I'm not into "big air" so I think it will work fine for all my riding.

Just thought I would add my 2 cents worth.

-Scott