Dogbone Measurement

[GregR1]

can you take a pic? there's gotta be a way of getting both bolts out. it might involve taking the frame bolt out, swinging the shock around, and then taking out the shock's bolt.

[SVTEAL]

Originally Posted by GregR1

can you take a pic? there's gotta be a way of getting both bolts out. it might involve taking the frame bolt out, swinging the shock around, and then taking out the shock's bolt.

Well, it is finally over! And here is my writeup of this process...

All I can say is that if you can afford to have this done by a professional, then go that route. Spend the $35 to buy the premade dogbone kit instead of making your own and pay someone to install it. Avoid the headache and maximize your riding time having fun instead of pulling your hair out...

On the upside, it is now done, the bike looks great and I did it myself from scratch with bearly any tools. I used a handsaw to cut the two piece of metal, a regular drill to make the two 1/2 holes and a dremel to round the corners. I was able to install it on my own without the help of anybody, sad but heroic... It is always much more of a good time when you have good companion...

I did printed and made good use of the two instructions tutorials available here, the word document and the girl with the red bike website. They were both really good, but I did find instances where I felt alone with no instructions.

First, be aware that who ever designed the C50 loved to hide hex alen screws behind surfaces where you can not fit the tool head. So in order to take the screws out, you have to disasemble a bunch of inecessary stuff. The two dogbone bolts are very hidden on the right side of the bike. The left side is more vissible, but the head of the bolt is too weak on the left size of the bike. So you need to access from the right side of the bike...

In order to access the bolt's nuts on the right side of the bike, you have to take out a fake engine cover and a black plastic cover. Guess what, those two covers are hidden/trapped behind the muffler and can hex bolts holding them are blocked by the muffler. Even if you get the fake engine cover loose, it can not be slide down because it is trapped by the muffler...

So what do we do now, well got to take out the muffler... The front cyclinder muffler takes a sharp corner at the mouth and my reguler hex tool can not fit in there. After wasting 1hr looking for a regular alen range that would fit, I realized the bike includes one in the tool kit so I was able to take out the muffler. The covers on the left size are easy because there is not muffler.

Well, now with full access to the dogbone's bolts, I was able to loosen it and they weren't as difficult tight as described here. I was able to take the top bolt out no problem. Note that having a little weight on the rear tire by lowering the bike a bit makes it possible to take out the bolt with your hands instead of beating on the bolts. The top bolt is out... Yeahh....

Now the bottom bolt, when you pull the bolt, you realize there is not enough clearance for the bolt to come out completely due to the frame.... Well, here is the trick which is explained in the word doc instructions... The bottom bolt has a metal sleve that separates the bolt's thread from the bearings balls. You have put push this bearing sleve all the way to the right size and this create enough space to allow the bolt to wiggle so it can bearly slide through the frame. Note that you will have to play with the jack and lowering the bike a little to take the pressure off the bolt so that it can wiggle...

Once the two bolts are out, the rest is gravy... Install the new dogbones and bolts. But now comes and another hill to slow you down, got to put back the muffler... What a headache to make that muffler fit in place again... The trick is to install all the screws related to the muffler but do not tighten any, then make the muffler dance around until it fits... Not fun...

Once everything is put together again, lower the bike and enjoy the looks, life is great again... One observation, because the bike is lower now, you can not slide out the jack from underneath, so you have to place a 4x4 lug under the rear tire before lowering, then lower while the rear wheel to rest on the 4x4 lug, depress the front break to keep the bike still, slide the jack out, the let the bike roll off the 4x4. Now another issue, the bike doesn't lean as much on the stand, so you are running the risk of the bike tiping over on the right side more easily... These are the side effects of lowering...

Note, the pressicion of a good motorcycle jack stand is mandatory for this project. You are relying on the jack at all times to make fine adjustment in height and to keep the back balance and secure while you work on it. It is possible to do it by yourself, I did it, but is more recommended to have another set of hands and eyes that could help you along the way.

I went to pepboys to check out the jack lift they have but did not like it, it is too cheaply made and it did not inspired confidence in me. I ended up getting the same/similar jack from sears "craftman" and I liked it better how they dressed it. I spend a little more $80 for the same jack, but it looks great and it does work great, very precise adjustment and very stable and secure plus it includes a set of tie straps to secure the bike on the stand....

I finished this project around 12am on Saturday so I have not ridden the bike yet. I lowered 3 inches and It does looks a little different but not that much... I guess you would have to lower 4 inches for a dramatic look. I am hoping for better handling, better performance from the windshield now that I am sitting lower and the satisfaction that I have personalized my bike with my own two hands.

Thank you all for all the help, you guys are wonderfull...

Until the next mod...

[Cimco]

Well speaking for myself this mod was one of the easiest things I've ever done.
I didn't remove any pipes or muffs.
The chincy jack I have worked fine

A couple of the socket screws were a little tough...hex ball drivers got those out.
The bottom bolt was no sweat knocking loose with an air impact gun and a wobble socket.
A 1\2 inch drive flex handle would've worked fine to get that bolt off also.

Maybe it was easier for me because I have 5 toters full of aircraft\automotive and machinist junk.

Hope 3 inches ain't gonna be a big scraping problem for you.

[SVTEAL]

Well,

We got a beautiful morning today so I took the bike to church and after for a 110mi ride and this is how I feel about the lowering mod...

1. It did not help the windshield, I just have to get a bigger/taller shade.
2. The ride does feel a little bumpy like the honda civics when the cut the springs and the car looks like a little box jumping around... It is not that bad but I did notice it.
3. low speed manuvers still the same, the bike still over 500lb so you will have to mussle it while moving in low speed, no way out of that...

The good, the bike does handle better and I ride with more confidence.
The wind does not affect the bike as much and it is much more stable now.
Accelerating while turning and leaning feels much secure, I no longer feel fear of taking off fast while leaning.
The looks is great, but it will look better if dropped 4in. I only did 3in so that I can still have a passanger if I need to...

Took the bike to church on Sunday and after church I went for a 110mi ride of joy...
At first I did regreted the bike, but slowly it is growing in me and I am loving it...
At work I have received a couple of good compliments and it looks just as good if not better
parked next to the harleys that also park at there...

Here are some pictures for you enjoyment, it is becaming my piece of art work...

[Cimco]

Nice looking bike!

Great pics...

Good job.

[Boston]

I like the red. It made me tired just reading your experience doing all of that. I wonder what the difference is between having to take off all that stuff and Cimco who didn't have to. I have considered lowering for the look but I do sit flat footed on it at lights. Also - did you have to modify your kick stand?

Cheers, Boston