Topic: Front end shortening and stiffening for drag racing

[dragracer]

Found this on the Hondachopper site. Thought I'd share here since I sometimes have people asked me how to perform this task.

The main thing I would not do, is to cut the spring as they show. Leave it full length if you want a stiff front end. It'll be tough to get the cap back on but you'll be pleased with the lack of travel. Instead of the bronze bushings, I sometimes use CPVC tubing or inner valves springs from a Zuk head. You can lower it as much as you want by the length of the sleeve you choose on the damper.

http://www.hondachopper.com/garage/shortening_forks/shortening_forks.html

[madmtnmotors]

That is exactly how I plan to do it. By leaving the spring uncut there should be no need for straps. I even have an idea to help get the cap back on and will post it here should it prove to be successful. If the cap goes flying and strikes me in the head then I might not post that!     

[TurboD]

I normally use aluminum tubing for the spacers and retain the original small rebound springs for a little cushion. I will cut the springs, but I don't cut as much off as the spacers. this will help to stiffen up the front.

[madmtnmotors]

I normally use aluminum tubing for the spacers and retain the original small rebound springs for a little cushion. I will cut the springs, but I don't cut as much off as the spacers. this will help to stiffen up the front.

The tutorial in the link to the Hondachopper site may be using an early model fork. The piston spring was used in later models.

[dragracer]

The concept is the sane nevertheless. Again, the goal is not only to lower, but to stiffen and reduce travel. Its the extension of the tubes on hard launch that hurt any bike use for racing. Pulling the tubes up in the triples does absolutely nothing to help with fork extension, it only lowers the bike but the mush us still there.  Glad you decided to do it the right way Wilbur. Just be careful of the cap. Eye protection is a must. And maybe a nutt cup. Lol.

[dragracer]

Heck, I even used a set of old handle bars one time to make spacers. Whatever works and is available at the time.

[TurboD]

I normally use aluminum tubing for the spacers and retain the original small rebound springs for a little cushion. I will cut the springs, but I don't cut as much off as the spacers. this will help to stiffen up the front.

The tutorial in the link to the Hondachopper site may be using an early model fork. The piston spring was used in later models.

I'm sure that is the case. I like having the spring so that you don't get that hard solid bump when the fork tops out.

[TurboD]

Heck, I even used a set of old handle bars one time to make spacers. Whatever works and is available at the time.

Haha I've used copper pipe. Lol

[Medyo Bastos]

yeah, broom sticks work too 

[dragracer]

yeah, broom sticks work too 
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yeah, broom sticks work too 

Uhhhhh, I'll pass on those. Hahaha.