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modified center stand for Rockster
Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2010 11:37 pm
by machrx
Hi Everyone,
I got by Rockster lowered about 2" with wilbers suspension, and was wondering if anyone has lowered their center stand. The bike is too heavy to get on the center stand with the lowered suspension.
2nd question, do anyone know if I could raise the bike back up by 1"? without changing to a new set of suspension?
Andre
Re: modified center stand for Rockster
Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2010 10:06 am
by boxermania
Having to modify the center stand is unfortunately that is one of the caveats of lowering the suspension, you best bet is to procure a used stand and modify such, that way you will have a good stand for when you decide to sell the bikeand remove the aftermaret shocks.
On the other issue, using th GS locating rod (2 halves) for the final drive will raise the back end of the bike a little more than 1/2", if you need more get the higher seat.
Re: modified center stand for Rockster
Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2010 9:30 pm
by machrx
boxermania,
I have lowered my Rockster with Wilbers suspension, about 2", now looking to raise the bike back up an 1/2", based on what you described earlier about the (2 halves), can you clarify how I can raise the bike?
Re: modified center stand for Rockster
Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2010 9:34 pm
by machrx
Boxermania,
what is a GS locating rod? I am totally naive about this...thanks,
Andre
Re: modified center stand for Rockster
Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 2:43 am
by riceburner
machrx wrote:Boxermania,
what is a GS locating rod? I am totally naive about this...thanks,
Andre
The 2-piece bar that runs under the rear swinging arm - it's more normally known as the "Paralever Arm" IIRC. I have a GS length one on my bike and it actually INCREASES the ride height / ground clearance compared to stock. Is this what you're after?? (Can't quite make it out from your descriptions).
To INCREASE ride height / ground clearance you want a SHORTER Paralever arm than you currently have.
To DECREASE ride height / ground clearance you want a LONGER Paralever arm than you currently have.
Re: modified center stand for Rockster
Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 10:17 am
by boxermania
The stock paralever arm on the R's is 385 mm, the one on the GS is 365 mm, the shorter arm raises the rear end of the bike ~ 1/2" as per riceburner.
One way to tell which arm is fitted is by looking at the angle between the FD and the paralever, with the standard arm the FD is angled upwards, with the short arm the FD is straight, relative to the paralever.
Re: modified center stand for Rockster
Posted: Sat Jul 31, 2010 4:30 pm
by machrx
Boxermania,
yes this is exactly what I am looking for, to increase the ride height, and ground clearance. It should help me corner better, right I am leaning very close to the ground and rubbing the tip of my boots (Toe end) and the side cylinders. Also if I use what you did you your bike, will it mess up with the suspension? I am hoping it should not. can you send me pics of you bike, I want to see how it will look like before I press forward, and is it a simple replacement or do I need to bring it to a shop.
I was also gonna purchase a height seat for the Rockster to increase the ride height, but this does not change the mechanics of handling.
thanks for the advice
Andre
Re: modified center stand for Rockster
Posted: Sat Jul 31, 2010 4:52 pm
by boxermania
machrx
The shorter GS paralever arms will not only raise the back end of the bike, but will also improve the turn in. If the existing components are in good condition, the only thing you need are the two halfs of the paralever arm. The exchange is fairly easy......remove one and install the other.
I didn't replace the paralever arms in mine as my problem was with the seat to pegs distance, so I lowered the pegs. My former bike can be found at the bottom of page 4 of the member rides, the Atlanta Blue with the dual lights.
Re: modified center stand for Rockster
Posted: Sat Jul 31, 2010 6:25 pm
by AirForceDirt
A note, if you decide to change the paralever arm: You will likely want to change the rear brake line, from master cylinder to the caliper. The stock one is not quite long enough for full suspension travel without putting strain on at least one of the parts involved. A custom one from speigler is cheaper than a BMW replacement, and they already know the fittings and such (two curved fitting, as opposed to the GS's one curved, one straight).