AltRider Variable Height Suspension Linkage - Install Part 1

[@michaelberryhill354]

I have the Aprilia center stand. It was a pain but I was able to install the Altrider linkage without removing the center stand but it had to be in the up position.

[@MotoPhotoAdventures]

Oooh...very interesting! Maybe I need to try propping the bike up on a life and raising the center stand to see if that gives me any more clearance?

[@MyADV360]

Well, shucks! So close 😮 AltRider does make some amazing gear. Darnell is the gal that answers the phone at AltRider, and she's very knowledgeable about the install of their products. Definitely, give them a call.

[@MotoPhotoAdventures]

Thanks for the feedback! We love their products too...have several other items installed on the bike. And we've got a zoom call scheduled with them. Stay tuned for Part 2!

[@johnstanden3741]

I've just fitted fitted the AltRider linkage with the factory centre-stand fitted so can confirm that it can be done. This was with the bike on the centre-stand. The rear linkage bolt is easy to get to but the front has to be accessed through cutouts in the stand mounting plates. The bolts have 13mm AF heads and 15mm AF nuts. The front nut was very hard to get a spanner onto properly due to the exhaust, a normal ring was not possible to get on fully due to the shape of the frame bracket. I ended up using a 13mm socket with a wobble extension from the left and it worked fine. This method was also OK to tighten up the fastener during the rebuild with a spanner holding the nut to get the initial tightness. A stepped ring should work well here if you have one - I didn't... Once the bolts are out I thought I had a problem with getting the old linkage out as the stand mount was in the way. Lifting the rear wheel up about 6 inches with a ratchet strap over the seat let me remove it and get the new one in - scare over! Now it is fitted the height can be adjusted with just the rear bolt which is easy to get to.

[@MotoPhotoAdventures]

Thanks for sharing, John! After "stalling out" on the installation, we had a great conversation with Jeremy at AltRider that you might enjoy: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oovcXpifoaukq5Ysi=JOzI-Odgb7qHPc63. With his guidance, as well as a video Martin LeBreton sent us about the T-Rex center stand, we had no trouble completing the install. I'm editing that video, which is Part 2, and will have it up soon! Sucks that the T-Rex center stand hased to be removed. But I'm glad the Aprilia center stand doesn't! Which setting did you put your bike on?

[@johnstanden3741]

@@MotoPhotoAdventures I put it on the -19mm setting and this let me firm up the spring setting a lot so the ride is definitely getting better for me. Still some tuning to go but having this option on the back is great!

[@MotoPhotoAdventures]

@@johnstanden3741 that's awesome! I went with the -19mm as well and now the bike fits me like a glove!!!

[@stevenpeck5949]

Wear a beanie when your head is on the floor, keeps the bugs out of your hair. And they have them with head lights!

[@MotoPhotoAdventures]

Great tip!!!

[@jamesklauzner6938]

If you need to remove the T-Rex center stand, make sure you mark the location where the bolt touches so that you can drill a hole which would in the future enable you to push the bolt through that hole.

[@MotoPhotoAdventures]

Great tip, James! My friend Steve suggested the same thing. Apparently great minds think alike! 🙂

[@John_Wilson513]

Can I suggest some simple safety spectacles for working underneath. Sharp bits of greasy grit and mud in falling inthe eyes is not pleasant. I found out the hard way.

[@MotoPhotoAdventures]

Excellent tip!!! I've got safety goggles and gloves. I just keep forgetting to put them on!!! Thanks for the reminder.

[@stevenpeck5949]

I found your error! At 14:40 you say, out loud, "Just" and we all know when you say this out loud, Mr Murphy is listening and will break all speed limits, including the speed of light, to come and punish you.

[@MotoPhotoAdventures]

Haha...too true!!! 😅

[@URBANAMERICANTAC]

Nice

[@MotoPhotoAdventures]

Thanks!

[@OneOldManRiding]

I have had two bikes with center stands, they both managed to be in the way. 🙁 - Frank

[@MotoPhotoAdventures]

But they CAN be handy!!! 😂

[@billwaterhouse5894]

Sorry buddy, it will be great once it’s done I’m sure. PS did you notice your Aprilia has Moto Guzzi parts on her 😉

[@MotoPhotoAdventures]

Yes I have...but only the good parts! 😄

[@jdocster]

Thank you for the video but it's bad enough having to pay for KZbin premium to not see commercials. Please please do not include commercials in your videos.

[@MotoPhotoAdventures]

Thank you for your comment but part of the reason that we are able to spend so much time and resources on creating this content for you is that we have sponsors that pay us to do the commercials. We regret that you feel this way but we will continue providing a great way for our sponsors to get their message out. We hope you stick with us anyway and enjoy the creativity we put into the commercials as well as the content. :)