Pistons? There is only one...right?
The point is to NOT touch with your feet. It's called 'dabbing'. It's a habit that is much easier learned if it's easy to touch.
Don't learn it..then you won't have to break it.
Every time you 'touch', you unload the suspension to some extent. Considering you found a need to extend your leg in the first place, you are likely in a situation where your suspension needs to HELP you..and that won't happen nearly as effectively when you're interfering with it with your leg(s).
Do I get my feet on the ground when I shouldn't? Absolutely. That doesn't make it less a bad habit.
Besides that...putting your feet on the ground while riding is an
excellent way to break something. You will get your boot buckle hung up on a rock or a piece of vegetation and end up with your knee completely dislocated. Or..if you have WEIGHT on that dabbing leg, the unloaded suspension will react poorly, the bike will twist from underneath you..and you will TWIST your knee.
There is an old saying in dirtbiking. When you get in a bad way:
1. More throttle will save you 90% of the time.
2. Brakes will save you 5% of the time.
3. The other 5% of the time, you're going to be toast anyway.
I'm short. My inseam came from a much shorter person. I DO have Devol pull rods on my bike..put them on years ago. I haven't changed them to the OEM length (they are adjustable) for no particular reason. I suppose I should. My seat height is less than 1/2" lower than stock.
'Dabbing' is bad. I would encourage you to
keep the stock link length. NOT being able to 'easily' touch and not developing the habit will make you a better rider.
You won't have a problem with the piston r/r..as said..if you have the sense to replace the thing..and have the sense to even get a MANUAL..you have the sense to figger it out. It's not a hugely difficult task.
Ask any question you have, someone here will help you out. The on-line manual is very good by all reports. I'm sure it's mentioned in there..I think I've seen pics from the on-line manual posted here...but DO be sure to support the KIPS governor shaft (the one coming up from the engine cover) when the LHT!! nut on top is wrenched. There is a FLAT on the shaft that is there exactly for that pupose. Use it.
A top-end gasket set is absolutely required. Do not reuse the gaskets..even if they 'look' good to you. The kit comes with a lot of stuff you probably won't need..keep 'em for a possible later use.
[/img]
