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2013 S40 budget Scrambler Build (Read 359 times)
TBR125
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2013 S40 budget Scrambler Build
12/24/21 at 17:25:58
 
Hi, I'm converting my 2013 S40 to a scrambler/adventure layout and will be sharing my progress and hopefully the final bike by the end of next year. I will load pictures as soon as I can figure how.

I've already installed 15" rear shocks raising the back to the max height possible without idler pulleys and am looking for a way to lower the front end an inch or two without shortening the travel. Is there a bolt on triple clamp from another bike that I could slide the tubes up through? I looked at drilling out the top OEM clamp but would then have a single pinch bolt per shock which worries me. I'd love to hear any thoughts, advice, suggestions or opinions from you guys. I'm open to anything that doesn't require a machinist. I'm a poor welder but subsequently I've become a master grinder Grin
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Armen
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Re: 2013 S40 budget Scrambler Build
Reply #1 - 12/24/21 at 20:01:51
 
Best of luck with the project. You can convert the lower tree in to an upper with a little bit of work. That'll give you the ability to slide the tubes up and have pinch bolts. The info is somewhere in the tech section.
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Re: 2013 S40 budget Scrambler Build
Reply #2 - 12/24/21 at 21:36:44
 
Thanks, I'll look into that.
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Re: 2013 S40 budget Scrambler Build
Reply #3 - 12/24/21 at 21:52:46
 
You will need to press the steering stem out of the lower (shop press), and drill out the hole to fit the stem (drill press with right size drill).  Then you can lower the front by sliding the forks through.  Looks better if you grind off the steering stop tabs and polish them down to flush.  A little bit of work, but worth it if you have the tools.  Here are a couple links.

http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?board=RubberSideDown;action=display;n...

http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1289315334/0
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Re: 2013 S40 budget Scrambler Build
Reply #4 - 12/25/21 at 03:15:00
 
I was in the same process if lowering the front for a "Standard" style bike I am building.  I discovered that if I raise the fork tubes 2" the tops interfere with where the handlebars would be located.

So I have sent my forks to get them lowered by cutting off 2" and re-threading the tops of the fork - it has been more than 5 months and I still haven't got them back.  Evidently the machinist doesn't like cutting threads.

I have a top clamp of either style that I can sell you if you want to pursue dropping the tubes.

http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1614946050/0#4
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Re: 2013 S40 budget Scrambler Build
Reply #5 - 12/25/21 at 04:53:25
 
Dave, I had the same problem getting my fork tubes shortened.  I had to beg him to get them done.  The end result was perfect, but I thought I was going to have to buy new tubes at one point.

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Re: 2013 S40 budget Scrambler Build
Reply #6 - 12/25/21 at 05:03:34
 
TheSneeze wrote on 12/24/21 at 21:52:46:
You will need to press the steering stem out of the lower (shop press), and drill out the hole to fit the stem (drill press with right size drill).  Then you can lower the front by sliding the forks through.  Looks better if you grind off the steering stop tabs and polish them down to flush.  A little bit of work, but worth it if you have the tools.  




Or save yourself a ton of time and labor and buy a better looking new triple clamp. Just another option.


https://dcmotive.com/products/suzuki-ls650-s40-savage-flat-pinch-triple-clamp
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Re: 2013 S40 budget Scrambler Build
Reply #7 - 12/25/21 at 05:10:12
 
I love you clamps spamy!  

I choose to have my fork tubes shorted for the reason dave mentioned above.  I think your clamp with taller risers would work well though.

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Re: 2013 S40 budget Scrambler Build
Reply #8 - 12/25/21 at 05:23:53
 
TBR125,

Most cafe/brat/tracker/scrambler builds on here add 2" to the rear shocks and lower the forks 2".   That's 4 inches of "leveling"

You have added 4" to the rear, so maybe you will find the stock front end is fine.
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Re: 2013 S40 budget Scrambler Build
Reply #9 - 12/25/21 at 11:37:58
 
I’m thinking that the belt will be rubbing on the swingarm with 15” shocks.
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Re: 2013 S40 budget Scrambler Build
Reply #10 - 12/25/21 at 14:33:06
 
I have always felt the 340mm shocks (approx 13.4") to be about the maximum length shock you can use.  The changes in belt tension as the shocks compress is tolerable with the 340mm.....I don't know if the belt tension will change too much with 15" shocks.
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Re: 2013 S40 budget Scrambler Build
Reply #11 - 12/25/21 at 19:15:28
 
Armen wrote on 12/24/21 at 20:01:51:
Best of luck with the project. You can convert the lower tree in to an upper with a little bit of work. That'll give you the ability to slide the tubes up and have pinch bolts. The info is somewhere in the tech section.


I found a lower triple clamp on Ebay for $11 and will repurpose it for the top. I didn't realize how many used parts are available for the S40. I've been used to having to scour the web in search of parts for my Taiwanese bike.
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Re: 2013 S40 budget Scrambler Build
Reply #12 - 12/25/21 at 19:21:55
 
[/quote]


Or save yourself a ton of time and labor and buy a better looking new triple clamp. Just another option.


https://dcmotive.com/products/suzuki-ls650-s40-savage-flat-pinch-triple-clamp
[/quote]

That's an awesome looking clamp! Think I'll mod a lower for the experience and inexpense. I spend 30hrs a week grinding ductile iron castings so I'm all for chop and grind mods. Smiley
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Re: 2013 S40 budget Scrambler Build
Reply #13 - 12/25/21 at 19:28:46
 
ohiomoto wrote on 12/25/21 at 05:23:53:
TBR125,

Most cafe/brat/tracker/scrambler builds on here add 2" to the rear shocks and lower the forks 2".   That's 4 inches of "leveling"

You have added 4" to the rear, so maybe you will find the stock front end is fine.  


After checking the geometry I think you're right, needs no more than 1 inch drop if any. I was looking to lessen the rake but also trying to keep the ground clearance up. Some extra preload to lessen the 3 inches sag and heavier fork oil should finish the front end off pretty well.
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Re: 2013 S40 budget Scrambler Build
Reply #14 - 12/25/21 at 19:34:01
 
Gary_in_NJ wrote on 12/25/21 at 11:37:58:
I’m thinking that the belt will be rubbing on the swingarm with 15” shocks.



I'll have to check the actual span but with nominal 15" shocks Ive got 3/16 clearance over the pivot at max unloaded extension. That is after cutting and grinding the belt guard brackets. I wouldn't be comfortable with that little on a chain set-up but I think with the belt it might ride ok. An unexpected clearance issue is an 8mm bolt on the engine case that contacts the side of the belt. shortening the bolt head a little and spacing the crank and drive pulleys out should fix that.
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