Topic: cb500 handling

[brianincc]

I recently picked up another project bike am in the planning phase of the build. I want to make this one handle as good as possible. I have a set of gsxr forks I was planning on using. What do I need to do to keep the rake and trail good if I do use the gsxr forks?
Are there any tricks I should know about. Swing arm bracing? Frame bracing? Shock length? Wheel size?
The bike will be used on windy country roads and top end is not that important. I appreciate any help you can give me.

[heyitsrama]

Poke your head over into Cognito Moto twitter@cognitomoto he does GSXR conversions for these bikes, and might be able to answer some questions. http://cognitomoto.com he's a pretty chill dude.

[Rgconner]

Read post #9 in this thread, Thoughts of HondaMan. He is referring to 750s, but much of the info is still relevant.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=7401.0

One other thing: get a swing arm from a 750 if you can, it will pull in the rear wheel by an inch:

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=83418.0

[brianincc]

Thanks for the advice. I got the front end mocked up today and I am seeing where I might have clearance issues with the exhaust. I'm planning on 18" wheels and using cognitomotos hub in the front.  I've thought about using carpys swingarm but I'm not sure. Its going to turn in much quicker with the gsxr front. I don't know if reducing wheel base is a good idea.Any thoughts?

[FunJimmy]

Its going to turn in much quicker with the gsxr front. I don't know if reducing wheel base is a good idea.Any thoughts?

Pop in to my Cafe Interceptor build thread. The link is in my signature at the bottom of this message. You will find some helpful bike geometry info on the first page.

Less offset equates to more trail.
Trail provides high speed stability at the expense of agility.
Increased trail will increase front tire feedback.
Both attributes are desirable in a fast canyon carver.
There can be too much as well so selecting triples with the right offset is best.

Good luck with the upgrades.