Author Topic: 1200 Handling Question  (Read 10133 times)

Offline LowRyter

  • Site Supporters
  • Board Homesteader!
  • ***
  • Posts: 578
1200 Handling Question
« on: November 11, 2013, 10:57:28 PM »
Over the years I've read that several riders have dropped the forks on the 1200 Gen 1 bikes.  The issue I have is the bike wants to stand up when I am trail braking. 

Will dropping the fork improve that?  Will it quicken the steering?  If so, will it require more effort to turn the bike?

thanks for you input
John L

1998 Red Suzuki GSF-1200S
1998 Red & Cream Moto Guzzi V11 EV
2001 Greenie Moto Guzzi V11 Sport

Offline LowRyter

  • Site Supporters
  • Board Homesteader!
  • ***
  • Posts: 578
Re: 1200 Handling Question
« Reply #1 on: November 17, 2013, 03:31:40 PM »
bump

 :bandit:
John L

1998 Red Suzuki GSF-1200S
1998 Red & Cream Moto Guzzi V11 EV
2001 Greenie Moto Guzzi V11 Sport

Offline txbanditrydr

  • Administrator
  • Board Homesteader!
  • *****
  • Posts: 1518
Re: 1200 Handling Question
« Reply #2 on: November 17, 2013, 11:54:27 PM »
Steering will be quicker but your ground clearance will be less.  Better to raise the rear if you're looking for steering inputs.  I would suspect that any sort of braking while corner would tend to make a bike stand up but I really can't help you with that part.
'01 B600S ... sold
'05 B1200S ... Top 20 mods... #20 through #2 - All The Usual Ones, Yada, Yada  & #1... 150,000+ Miles and Counting!!!!

Offline LowRyter

  • Site Supporters
  • Board Homesteader!
  • ***
  • Posts: 578
Re: 1200 Handling Question
« Reply #3 on: November 18, 2013, 01:33:28 AM »
Jay, my Bandit stands up when trail braking but my green Sport will tuck into the corner.  I want that with the  Bandit.  I'd like to have that feel with Bandit so I don't crash on Push Mtn.

During the fast Larry days, some riders  talked about dropping the forks.  I want quicker steering without the big effort.  The best Bandit riders are you and Cliff,  Big rangy guys.  I want to be able to  turn the bike too (OK I am shorter and fatter).

I don't know how to raise the rear, but don't put the clicker on the rear shock on 4 + or it will never turn.  Put it on 2 and it will wallow.

We need to for another ride to the Ozarks.  Maybe before Thanksgiving  :beers:
John L

1998 Red Suzuki GSF-1200S
1998 Red & Cream Moto Guzzi V11 EV
2001 Greenie Moto Guzzi V11 Sport

Offline txbanditrydr

  • Administrator
  • Board Homesteader!
  • *****
  • Posts: 1518
Re: 1200 Handling Question
« Reply #4 on: November 18, 2013, 03:43:26 PM »
Jay, my Bandit stands up when trail braking but my green Sport will tuck into the corner.  I want that with the  Bandit.  I'd like to have that feel with Bandit so I don't crash on Push Mtn.

During the fast Larry days, some riders  talked about dropping the forks. I want quicker steering without the big effort.  The best Bandit riders are you and Cliff,  Big rangy guys.  I want to be able to  turn the bike too (OK I am shorter and fatter).

I don't know how to raise the rear, but don't put the clicker on the rear shock on 4 + or it will never turn.  Put it on 2 and it will wallow.

We need to for another ride to the Ozarks.  Maybe before Thanksgiving  :beers:

Get out your tools - loosen the forks and raise them in the triples about 1/8"... tighten to spec and go ride.  Repeat until you like it or it gets too squirrely for you.

Raising the rear requires a longer shock - easily accomplished with some aftermarket shocks.  My Cogent shock raised the rear about 10mm, which seemed to help (plus the shock was an awesome upgrade).  I suppose changing the dogbones would help too.  Changing the preload setting does not affect rear height so don't even go there.
'01 B600S ... sold
'05 B1200S ... Top 20 mods... #20 through #2 - All The Usual Ones, Yada, Yada  & #1... 150,000+ Miles and Counting!!!!

Offline LowRyter

  • Site Supporters
  • Board Homesteader!
  • ***
  • Posts: 578
Re: 1200 Handling Question
« Reply #5 on: November 18, 2013, 06:27:49 PM »
thanks man.  I'll screw around with it
John L

1998 Red Suzuki GSF-1200S
1998 Red & Cream Moto Guzzi V11 EV
2001 Greenie Moto Guzzi V11 Sport