[Evan9r]

Im trying to decide what to do with my rear suspension on my RPM framed R. It has 3 different mounting points in the rear along with a swingarm with a mounting bracket that can be flipped. Im not sure if it will take a cr500 linkage or not so I was looking at the no link system. Ive been doing alot of reading and it seems like it has alot of pros and cons and it brought up several questions.

According to alot of people its best for XC and takes a shock that is setup precisely for it to work. Even then it still gives less progression than a linkage setup. Can the no link be setup to work more progressive than the stock linkage? Is it worth it?

Now the million dollar question: Everyone says the CR500 linkage is the best setup. My question is this: IF its the best, why did JJ, one of the fastest 250R riders ever, on the last championship winning 250R, run a no link setup?

Same goes for Roll Design who build some of the best chassis components out there: Why do they run a no link?

I can see why the CR500 linkage would work better, the shock is nearly vertical compared to more of an angle with the no link. Not to mention having a linkage to aid with progression.

Anyone have any suggestions, comments?

 

[BLACKeR]

every builder had their own ideas, and they're all only as good as the rear shock itself (duh). the problems with the no-link, may stem from the fact that there are dozens of different no link set ups. shock lengths, frame mounts, mounts on swingarm, etc. so its difficult to get one valved correctly unless the frame, swingarm, and shock are bought together from the same builder. i have ridden nolink, stock link, and cr 500 link. i did like the cr500 the best.

 

[rook]

from what i've heard/read the no link was best for desert type of racing. faster you went the better it felt. the only advantage i can see for xc is more ground clearance. the cr500 is great but hangs low. best compromise IMO is the stock linkage with a properly set up rear shock for general all around riding/racing.

 

[Michael88R]

I think either one would be better than stock, but the key is getting the shock valved and dialed in correctly. If you run an air box, the no link can cause issues with that. They claim that the lobo 2 rear set up clears the airbox. You get more travel out of the no link vs. stock. Not sure what the travel is on the CR500. Talk to someone like laeger or walsh. They built both set ups.

Another thing that I'm curious about, is with all the new 450's, the aftermarket has gone to all these custom linkage set ups rather than no link or cr500. Is it better or just easier to sell a few pieces of billet for $300? So why didn't anyone ever develop a 250R linkage? I asked Elka if they had plans to build one and they said there wasn't enough demand for it.