redrider Posted September 9, 2006 Share Posted September 9, 2006 Summary: If you want a fully adjustable lowering link for drag racing, think twice about buying it from Schnitz. Look for the Speedlink instead. For more detail see below. I purchased lowering straps and a fully adjustable lowering link (for drag racing) from Schnitz Racing for my Bird. I thought “fully adjustable” would give me the ability to adjust the bike both above and below stock height without removing either mounting bolt. When I asked (pre-purchase) the people at Schnitz, they implied that was the case. Although they were very helpful, even the technical people seemed to be reading the information from somewhere. When I got the link, adjusted it to its shortest length, and matched it up with the stock link, it was a little longer than the stock link. It was only about 5mm longer, but as we all know, 5mm can be a big difference… Now the way the link works is, as you make it longer than the stock link, the bike gets lower than stock. So in effect, not only would I not be able to adjust it above stock height, I can’t even match stock height. The tech guy I spoke to said because of the ratio, the 5mm difference would equal close to an inch of reduced ride height. In addition, because everything is threaded, the lower mounting bolt must be removed to lower the bike. Not a huge deal, but I was hoping to be able to just ride to the track and drop the bike in a minute or 2… They were very friendly, and offered me a full refund. They suggested that because the link is made for multiple bikes, it might not be a perfect fit for the Bird. They could not comment on whether this was one bad link, or representative of the whole model. They said their machining was done buy “a guy” and he’s “hard to get a hold of”, so I couldn’t get as many details as I wanted. I looked for the Speedlink before, but chose the one from Schitz because it looked sturdier. As I said, the people at Schnitz were very friendly and tried to be as helpful as possible. I have no complaints about the straps and will be keeping them. They said they would update their web site right away. That was about 2 weeks ago… After reading more about the Speedlink at http://www.mpsracing.com/products/Naarden/FAQ.asp, I may have to give it a closer look. I believe other members have also had good results with that link. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davesXX01 Posted September 9, 2006 Share Posted September 9, 2006 Were the straps universal or 'Bird specific? Any pics? Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rales Posted September 10, 2006 Share Posted September 10, 2006 The straps are universal and I use theres, I also have there older lowering link that can be adjusted on the bike with ease, I beleive they discontiuned it though. the new one has to be removed which is pain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beondwacko Posted September 10, 2006 Share Posted September 10, 2006 One of the things about these aftermarket lowering links that I don't like is that they all use those "oil impregnated ) bushings instead of needle bearings. I have an extra OEM peice that I'm going to have extended. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackhawkxx Posted September 10, 2006 Share Posted September 10, 2006 One of the things about these aftermarket lowering links that I don't like is that they all use those "oil impregnated ) bushings instead of needle bearings That is why I had the factory bearings put in my longer link. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
demon Posted September 10, 2006 Share Posted September 10, 2006 +1 for the speedlink. It us FULLY adjustable with the ability to raise over stock height as well as lowering. If you take a 15/16" wrench with you to the track, you can adjust it in a minute or two without having to take any bolts or anything out. Just back off the rear nut and tighten the front nut to the rear section of link when you get your desired height. Raising is just the opposite, loosen off the front nut and tighten the rear till it's as high as you want it. Another thing is that you press out your needle bearings out of your old dogbone and put them into the speedlink. You might just buy new bearings if you want 2 complete units. One tip though, if you plan on keeping your centerstand, you'll have to cut some of the threaded rod off as it hits the stand's cross bar. It'll still lower the bike 2-3 inches with it cut but will completely slam the bike with it full length. I've got pictures at home with it low enough to stop a baseball from rolling under it before I cut the rod to let me keep the centerstand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rales Posted September 10, 2006 Share Posted September 10, 2006 That is the link I got from schnitz, works great! I also pressed the needle bearings out of my stock unit and put them into the adjustable one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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