Lowering forks for better handling

[gearjammer]

Has anybody lowered the forks on a 1g b12 to get better handling? My bike is a handful in sharp corners and I want it to turn in quicker. If lowering the forks down by an inch decreases the rake, wont that lead to better handling?

[txbanditrydr]

Just some random thoughts here.... I think what you mean my lowering the forks actually involves raising them in the triple tree clamp.  In that respect the bike will turn in quicker however there will be increased instability - it's up to the individual whether that translates to "better" handling.

I would suggest that you make small adjustments in that area - perhaps 1/8" at at time - rather than a whole inch at once.  The same effect can be achieve by raising the rear if you have a shock that will allow you to do that - the stock shock is not adjustable.

Turn-in rate is also greatly affected by tire choice.... my Shinko's are MUCH slower than a Pilot Power.

[gearjammer]

My bad,yeah I want to raise it in the triple tree. See, I want to improve handling with whatever I have on the bike. I am running michelin pilot powers so tyre choice isnt the problem. They are great tyres, I must say.

Im going to try it like you said, maybe not an inch. That would lead to a big high side.

[gearjammer]

Has anyone else tried something similar? With good results?

[antonovich]

My friend did 1/8 on his sv.  He also swapped out his stock shock, so i believe the rear was a little higher.  He deffinately liked the end results.  I was thinking of doing the same thing.  I already replaced the rear shock, and I just did sonic springs in the front.  I figure I will ride it like this first then start to play with the triples.  Good luck!

[pmackie]

Can't speak for a 1G B12, but I'm down 5/8" on the front of a 2G B6 to get the response I want.

You can experiment, but I would suggest starting at 1/2" and then ajusting by 1/4" at a time or so. Fork spring preload as well as spring rate make a difference too...