Modifications made to my new Viva VX200SX!

[Savage]

Man that's Lots O Mods

[sheadouglas]

Originally Posted by Savage

Man that's Lots O Mods

I agree. Man knows what he's doin!

[SamM]

Posted by: sheadouglas
I agree. Man knows what he's doin!

Well, maybe not! The Buell XB shock is going to be too long to work in the Viva. It's around 12" center to center. I will have to look into getting another shock. The shock from an XR200R would probably be the ticket. The stock shock with the linkage removed may work but without the linkage rear travel will be a compromise. I adjusted it all the way out and still can't get it to move. I've looked at the stock setup quite a bit and for the life of me, I can't see what they were trying to do. It just plain doesn't work. Reworking it may be the answer.

Back to the drawing board!

[red2003]

Whoa, Sam. Why are you bagging the Buell shock? 12 in. ctc works just fine man. If you are gonna ditch the stock linkage and make your own like I did, you can definately use the Buell shock. What problems are you running into? I've studied this rear assembly for hours, built a full scale model of the entire rear assembly, fabbed my own custom linkage, and I can tell you if you go with a shorter throw shock, you're still not going to like the results. I think the shock you have is an excellent choice. How can I help???

[SamM]

I was up half the night looking at different dirtbike type linkages. You're right! The Buell shock may still work. Actually, it will work! What I'm thinking, wow that could be dangerous, is to use two bar type links mounted at the front. These will bolt to each side of the original front mount behind the engine. These will run outbound of the mount and back to the main triangle link that mounts to the swingarm. The shock will mount at the front of the new triangle link. It's not going to really matter much if the shock is longer. The front links will run outside of everything else and this will allow for increased travel.

Yesterday, I cut the rear linkage mount off the swingarm. I'm starting with a clean slate there.

[red2003]

Go get 'em tiger! Keep us posted!!!

[SamM]

Yeah, I was a little discouraged when I posted that lastnight. I just got back from my shop! After remeasuring the Buell shock, it turns out the shock is just a bit over 14" ctc. I don't know why I posted it was 12". Brain fart! Thinking too much about it! The Buell shock will not work unless I move the mount way up. I hate to but I may use the stock Viva shock for now but I'll start looking for another shock ASAP. If you find another R1 shock let me know.

Early today, I was on the phone with Bruce at EJCycles. My sprockets, chain and airfilter should be here in a few days. When I get the filter I'll be able to see if it's possible to move the mount up.

EDIT: The XR200R swingarm bolt that I purchased off ebay also showed up today. The bolt is too long to use on the Viva. The diameter of the bolt is also too large.

I do have some good news! My MCO showed up today and the new fender for my TT-R is here and looks great!

[red2003]

Sam go to eBay and search R1 shock. I just found 21 hits. Looks like they are going for about $30.00. Tis the season. FYI, you want an '04 and up to get the horizontal HPG reservoir. Prior to '04 they were vertical and will interfere with your inner fender. Go get 'em!!!!

[justjoe]

Alright Sam

Glad to see you got your MCO !

[SamM]

Just purchased my 2005 Yamaha R1 shock for $29.95 plus shipping. Should be here this week and will get back on this!

Thanks red2003!

[red2003]

Go get 'em Bud!!!!

[SamM]

I'm also looking at Honda XR200R linkage. It may come in handy! We'll see.

[SamM]

I haven't done much to the bike yet. I now have 3 shocks for it and a bunch of money invested in it. I have a Buell XB9 shock, a brand new 2005 Yamaha R1 shock and now a 1995 Honda XR200R shock with matching linkage. The XR stuff looks good but it too long. The R1 shock will probably get the nod. It's very nice and just the right length to work. New links are in the planning stages. I don't work fast due to my schedule but it should turn out nice. My new sprockets are in and on the bike. I have also installed the new Uni-filter. If I get a chance, I'll post pictures tomorrow. I still need spacer material and to cut the upper shock mount and move it up, like red2003 did. I plan to do my rear suspension much like he did his. There may be a few changes.

[SamM]

Just when my faith in mankind is dashed and I think all hope is lost. I get a package from California. Oh, happy day for me! I'm so excited I almost can't stand myself! Look what I got from Jason the UPS man.



Today, I actually got something done on the bike. I've decide to go forward with the R1 conversion. It seems to be the simplest way to fix the problem of the brand new bike with no suspension.



This last picture shows the supension sort of mocked up. The dogbone will be moved back a couple of inches with a new mount. This should get me plenty of movement. I'm going to try using as many of the original parts as I can.

[allfunmotorsport]

very nice 8)