Finally, the new links for the RC are here! vol.II
The first thread was getting way to long to sift through, so here is a new thread with updated testimonials from previous buyers as some have said they needed.
Some of you may remember a while back there was a discussion of being able to get these rear links made available to us at a huge discount. Even though there was a lot of interest there wasn’t much commitment from the community. None the less, I took it upon myself to see this project through.
I am happy to announce that the 3rd generation of rear RC-51 links are now being provided to the RC community. Not only have there been a few improvements, but the price is considerably less than the previous 2 generations.
So what does a modified rear link do for the RC? The aftermarket links offer a few advantages over the stock link such as raised rear ride height and a better, and more linier, application of hp through the rear suspension to the road. This is accomplished by a slight change in the axes from the stock link. Not only is this geometry change beneficial to the bikes handling characteristics, but there is a weight savings over the stock link as well.
Why should someone choose this link over a mori or dk link? There are several reasons. The first being this link is lighter than both of the other aftermarket links. The second is that there has been an ever so slight geometry change from the 2nd gen. link(dk) that both the cad engineer and myself believe will provide the most optimum performance for putting the power to the ground. Basically it’s a balance between the most aggressive design for the link, in the application of power through the rear wheel, while still keeping the linier application of that power as flat and stable as possible. There is almost nothing worse then trying to power out of a corner and having the rear step out on you, or the front shoot skyward, because of an abrupt power surge….be it from our ham fisted throttle control or through the sudden loading up of the rear suspension. The 3rd and final drastic change is the recontouring of the links axis bulkheads. On one of the bulkheads(rounded outer diameter over the axis) there was an abundance of metal. The problem is that when one would unload the suspension, such as cresting a hill, the bottom edge of the shock mount would tap the link bulkhead. This may not be a great problem, but rather an annoyance. The issue has been addressed and now the bulkhead has enough clearance for the shock mount to pivot freely without interference.
The new links are being made available to SZ members for more than 100 less than can be found elsewhere. The breakdown is as follows.
180………link
10……….shipping to the contiguous 48 states
10……….overnight(extra……optional)
Payment options are very simple and easy to follow. Due to the fact that unscrupulous people are becoming more and more common, and ruining many payment options for the honest people, it is with great regret that I can only accept one form of payment. That form is a United States postal money order. The payment options are not up for discussion and are final, just as is the price of the link and shipping. Please do not ask me to make an exception.
For peace of mind I am offering a money back guarantee. I have a jig set up and test fit every link before I package them myself for shipping, so I know you will receive your new link in A-1 condition. If for some reason you don’t like the link just send it back in its original unused condition for a refund. You must contact me before doing so. I would need to give you an RMA number.
Please note there is a limited number of these(40) and there are no plans for another batch. This project is too expensive for someone such as myself to try and fund again.
Ladies and gentlemen, i know the picture quality is not the greatest. Please bear with me until i can get some better pics for you. I will have to barrow a better camera for that.
Below you will see 2 pics of a dk link on the post office scale. The weight reads 13.5 ounces...pretty good.
Here you will see pics of the new link on the post offic scale. Notice the weight of 12.5 ounces. Nice little imporvement.
Something the pics don't obviously show is that the black link is not as shiny as the red dk link shown above. The reason for that is the new link was left in the acid cleaning solution longer than the dk would have been, thus etching the metal a bit more. Plus the fact that the new links are double anodized means the surface area is a bit more durable yet doesn't shine as bright. The links were anodized with a batch of AR-15 bolt carriers being made for the US gov. and you know those are durable as hell.
If you want to get it to have a really reflective surface you can apply some WD-40 to it after you its been installed. Be sure to apply the WD with a rag.
Thank you! I just received the link. Excellent quality, packaging that could have protected an egg, detailed instructions, first class customer service. Thanks again for helping us out!
Walt,
Thanks for the insight. It is appreciated!
Quote:
Originally Posted by WaltST4s
Just mounted the Varium link. Quality is excellent! Instructions provided were also excellent. Thanks Varium! Installation went smoothly. Used WD40 to lube the fasteners a few days prior, then loosened them with bike on the ground. Didn't have to remove the stock pipes. Raised the bike using rear Pit Bull stand. Loosely secured the rear subframe to the overhead garage door arm using two Ancra straps. Placed jackstands with boards beneath solid rearsets and a floorjack with wood beneath motor, each positioned about 1/2 inch below the respective parts of the bike. Lowered the bike off the rear stand and onto the jackstands/floor jack. Tightened the Ancra straps. Used my foot to raise the rear wheel to allow the link bolts to easily slide out. Installed the link. Easy.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cutaway
Varium,
Got ALL the kit today (AWESOME). The build quality of the Link is Top Notch....thanks for the fast ship! When I get it mounted next week I will post some feedback.
Josh
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cutaway
Varium,
Had to pry my but from the bike tonight.....LOVE the shock & Im glad you like the name I gave your link. As soon as I figure out how to post a pic I will. I would also like some feedback on the way I have it mounted so I will start a thread.
Thanks again....the V-Link is a awesome piece of kit!!
Josh
Quote:
Originally Posted by highsiderc51
Just got my link today. Good service and fast shipping and the part looks great.
Thank you very much! If anyone is thinking of getting one you should get one from him. Good price!
Thanks Again
Quote:
Originally Posted by mrgrn
i luv my link, thank V
Quote:
Originally Posted by mrgrn
James, buy a link man V hooked us up, thanks man
Quote:
Originally Posted by K-dogg
I have purchased one link from varium, just as he says, the part is perfect, shipped quick, and it was anodized with M-16 parts(what more could you ask for?).
I have not used the link yet waiting for a shock.
Quote:
Originally Posted by h ryder
just wanted to say thanks to varium for the link. (and real fast shipping)
Threw the link in last nite, took maybe half hour to do, went out for a quick spin & already feels much better.
I take it everybody has one? If not, what are you waiting for? Improved design, 105 dollars less than previous model, and a money back guarantee! How could you go wrong?
You mean 105 bucks cheaper than the other brand isn't enough? Not to mention you get cheaper health, car, life insurance plus all kinds of other benefits. Dare i say, you have it better than i do. If you are in the air force...I KNOW you do.
I have one complaint... I now need new tires. The Qualifiers are spent. I put about 2k on 'em before the link & 1.5k since the link. I did over 500 mis. last w/e & another 350 mis. yesterday up thru VT. & the Adirondacks. Even a buddy I ride w/ says the bike is a lot smoother thru corners & flicking side to side.
I have one complaint... I now need new tires. The Qualifiers are spent. I put about 2k on 'em before the link & 1.5k since the link. I did over 500 mis. last w/e & another 350 mis. yesterday up thru VT. & the Adirondacks. Even a buddy I ride w/ says the bike is a lot smoother thru corners & flicking side to side.
side note; I'm running stock suspension.
tehehehehe, that's a good thing right? Glad you're getting some good use out of it. Be safe out there.
Someone sent me payment for a link, but i don't know who. If you sent a payment for a link via a Western Union money order please pm me with your email addy and full address.
Im still on the fence about getting one. They tell us nothing at work so I wont know until 2nd week of sept if I still have a job.
O.T. So don't wait to get canned. Go find yorself another job to fall back on. It sure will relieve some of the stress. Remember, the employer doesn't care about the employee anymore. Its a dog eat dog world out there and you have to look after your own first. Good luck bro.