Bandit Alley

GENERAL MOTORCYCLE FORUMS => GENERAL MECHANICAL & TECHNICAL => Topic started by: LowRyter on November 11, 2013, 10:57:28 PM

Title: 1200 Handling Question
Post by: LowRyter 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
Title: Re: 1200 Handling Question
Post by: LowRyter on November 17, 2013, 03:31:40 PM
bump

 :bandit:
Title: Re: 1200 Handling Question
Post by: txbanditrydr 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.
Title: Re: 1200 Handling Question
Post by: LowRyter 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:
Title: Re: 1200 Handling Question
Post by: txbanditrydr 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.
Title: Re: 1200 Handling Question
Post by: LowRyter on November 18, 2013, 06:27:49 PM
thanks man.  I'll screw around with it