Author Topic: How do you lower the front end??? (Read 2833 times)

72cafe · « **on:** November 29, 2005, 02:13:59 PM »

Do you modify the existing parts? Or would I have to buy some?

Geeto67 · « **Reply #1 on:** November 29, 2005, 02:52:15 PM »

what is wrong with just sliding the forks up in the trees and putting clipons on the extended fork tubes?

ProTeal55 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 29, 2005, 03:14:43 PM »

I slid my triple tress down about an inch over the stock fork tube's to lower my CB.
I know Progressive sells lowering kits for the front of these bikes as well....

72cafe · « **Reply #3 on:** November 30, 2005, 12:55:34 AM »

What abut sliding the trees down, chopping the excess, then slapping the clubmans on? Would that work, or kill me?

SteveD CB500F · « **Reply #4 on:** November 30, 2005, 02:05:34 AM »

I don't think you can chop off the top of the forks. Aren't they threaded on the inside to take the fork caps?

Bob Wessner · « **Reply #5 on:** November 30, 2005, 02:46:14 AM »

Even if you were to re-thread the tops for the caps, It would also result in additional spring compression, sort of preloading and unless you shortened the springs, it might be impossible to insert the caps. If you could shorten the springs, what would it do to ride/handling. Just doesn't sound like the thing to do.

ohiocaferacer · « **Reply #6 on:** November 30, 2005, 04:36:56 AM »

Lowered the front of my 71 CB500/4 by re-threading the damper rod down another 3 inches........compressed the spring with the retainer nut, then measured the amount need to thread into the fork cap.....cut the excess off......slid the upper fork tube into place and installed the fork cap. Lowered the front end approx. 2.5 to 3 inches.

I thought the forks would be extremely stiff, but they actually feel pretty good and compress smooth and nice. The bike hasnt been out on the road yet(not finished)........but should work just fine. Have to remember.....alot of these older bikes have alot of sag in the forks and shocks...due to being 30 years old and carring the weight of the bike for the duration.

Also....working with a guy to manufacture some preload adjusting fork caps to fit the CB350 and CB350/4. Should have these available soon.

Heres a pic of the lowered CB500/4 as it sits now:

Later,
Greg
www.OHIOCAFERACERS.com

Bob Wessner · « **Reply #7 on:** November 30, 2005, 05:14:33 AM »

Quote

Just doesn't sound like the thing to do

So much for that thought

What did this mod do to the overall handling??

SteveD CB500F · « **Reply #8 on:** November 30, 2005, 05:21:25 AM »

Just goes to show. There's always someone on this forum who's BTDT (Been There Done That)

We have to look to Heffay for the "got the t-shirt" bit!

ohiocaferacer · « **Reply #9 on:** November 30, 2005, 05:25:28 AM »

Quote from: Bob Wessner on November 30, 2005, 05:14:33 AM

Quote

What did this mod do to the overall handling??

Havent had the chance to get it out on the road yet....but, should be fine. Still have to reinstall the wiring harness, rebuild the carbs, fab up new alloy seat, rebuild and lace rear wheel, etc.......tons left to do. I'll make sure and post pics and info on it when she out on the road....hopefully this spring???

Later,
Greg
www.OHIOCAFERACERS.com

dusterdude · « **Reply #10 on:** November 30, 2005, 05:53:14 AM »

i would think the handling would be quicker

Bob Wessner · « **Reply #11 on:** November 30, 2005, 06:03:04 AM »

Hopefully, not twitchy. Three inches seems like a lot and would signifcantly alter the geometry. But then, clearly I have no idea what I'm talking about here.

dusterdude · « **Reply #12 on:** November 30, 2005, 06:19:10 AM »

yea bob,we aint talkin about carbs here

ohiocaferacer · « **Reply #13 on:** November 30, 2005, 06:33:35 AM »

Quote from: Bob Wessner on November 30, 2005, 06:03:04 AM

Three inches seems like a lot and would signifcantly alter the geometry.

Also lowered the back.....using 11.5 inch short shocks and lowering blocks. I will definately be avoiding pot holes or any sharp chages in pavement......she's a low one!!

Funny.....my dad came over one day.......scratching his head standing next to the bike....said "Dont remember these 500/4 sitting this low??" LOL!!!

Later,
Greg
www.OHIOCAFERACERS.com

Bob Wessner · « **Reply #14 on:** November 30, 2005, 06:59:07 AM »

Quote

yea bob,we aint talkin about carbs here

ProTeal55 · « **Reply #15 on:** November 30, 2005, 07:33:49 AM »

OHIOCAFERACER---> That bike looks killer sitting that low !
Watch out for those "hidden" potholes and bumps , they are a #$%* !

ohiocaferacer · « **Reply #16 on:** November 30, 2005, 07:37:16 AM »

Thanks man!!!

Nice ride in that Avatar.....LOOKS GOOD!

SteveD CB500F · « **Reply #17 on:** November 30, 2005, 07:37:27 AM »

That's not a footboard hangin' off the left is it?

ohiocaferacer · « **Reply #18 on:** November 30, 2005, 07:41:18 AM »

Yep!!

Going for that lowered cruiser/bobber thing. Also have some hard bags and nice harley style fairing(with chopped screen) for it......dont know if I want to put them on it. Plans originally were to use them.....but kind of like it without.

ProTeal55 · « **Reply #19 on:** November 30, 2005, 08:12:35 AM »

My bike is following the lines of a old bobber as well...
Great work...

mrblasty · « **Reply #20 on:** November 30, 2005, 09:05:22 PM »

How wide are those handle bars?
I've been giving some thought to 29" drag bars on my 750

72cafe · « **Reply #21 on:** November 30, 2005, 10:29:58 PM »

Yeah. That is exactly what I want to do to mine. Take 2" off the back and 2 1/2" to 3" off the front. I think they look a hell of a lot cooler like that, especially if I keep the rear fender.

I've been checking out OHCR's site, those 350's are ridiculously nice. I love those tanks. Do you guys anything to fit a Cb750?

ohiocaferacer · « **Reply #22 on:** December 01, 2005, 08:07:18 AM »

The bars are a leftover set of Pro-Taper MX bars I had laying around the shop....they look really good on the bike. Gives the bike a low and wide look.

As far as tanks.....the one's I am building will only fit the CB350. I might be able to get an alloy CR750 race tank??? A friend owns a vintage race shop in Cincinnati, Ohio and builds them.....but the problem is, there is so much going on at his shop that he hasnt had time to hammer out any tanks. Last time I talked to him, he wasnt taking any new orders till sring/summer 2006.

Later,
Greg
www.OHIOCAFERACERS.com

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Author Topic: How do you lower the front end??? (Read 2833 times)

72cafe

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72cafe