Author Topic: How do I lower the front of my CB500 economically?  (Read 2640 times)

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Offline RippinSVT

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How do I lower the front of my CB500 economically?
« on: January 04, 2011, 11:48:57 AM »
Hey guys, I'm pretty new here, just had a quick question.  Is there an easy way to lower the frontend of my '71 CB500 a few inches? The guy I bought it from said it was super simple, but I am not real bike savvy although I have good mechanical ability.  I did a search and couldn't find much of anything on here pertaining to it, though I know many of you have done it.  Thanks!

Offline pdxPope

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Re: How do I lower the front of my CB500 economically?
« Reply #1 on: January 04, 2011, 11:56:56 AM »

Quote
I did a search and couldn't find much of anything on here pertaining to it, though I know many of you have done it.  Thanks!

 ???

1) Loosen the triple tree fork clamp bolts.
2) Slide both forks up the same amount.
3) Tighten triple tree fork clamp bolts.


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Offline RippinSVT

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Re: How do I lower the front of my CB500 economically?
« Reply #2 on: January 04, 2011, 05:21:12 PM »
It must have been the verbage I was using for the search.  Thanks a lot though, I knew it was something simple like that.

Offline Retro Rocket

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Re: How do I lower the front of my CB500 economically?
« Reply #3 on: January 04, 2011, 05:28:06 PM »
And obvious....What do you want to lower it for anyway.? Totally screws handling and reduces ground clearance, i can understand if its a rigid or bobber but if stock just leave it alone.

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Offline dave500

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Re: How do I lower the front of my CB500 economically?
« Reply #4 on: January 04, 2011, 11:36:12 PM »
you wont drop it much untill the fork top hits the handle bars,unless you have clip ons or something.
« Last Edit: January 04, 2011, 11:40:05 PM by dave500 »

Offline RippinSVT

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Re: How do I lower the front of my CB500 economically?
« Reply #5 on: January 05, 2011, 02:25:37 AM »
I do have clip-ons, but nonetheless, I am only dropping it and inch or two for the stance.  For some reason mine seems to sit very high in front, if I had a pic I'd show you.  Right now it looks very "leaned back".

Offline fastbroshi

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Re: How do I lower the front of my CB500 economically?
« Reply #6 on: January 05, 2011, 03:12:59 AM »
   You might have longer forks than stock.  If you could measure and get back with us we can verify.  BTW, raising the tubes in the triple even a little bit, say 10mm, will make a huge difference.   Doing it an inch is huge, let alone two.   If it's just your neighborhood scoot it might be tolerable but it the handling would probably be too squirrely for any serious riding. 
« Last Edit: January 05, 2011, 12:46:16 PM by fastbroshi »
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Offline Gordon

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Re: How do I lower the front of my CB500 economically?
« Reply #7 on: January 05, 2011, 07:59:08 AM »
I've been seriously riding my K1 for years with the forks pushed up an inch higher in the trees than stock. ;)  It does make a difference, but it's far from squirrely. 

Offline 754

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Re: How do I lower the front of my CB500 economically?
« Reply #8 on: January 05, 2011, 08:23:21 AM »
Only YOU can decide what stance/cornering clearance you require for your bike.. Run it the way You like..
 If front appears high, I may suggest rear has been lowered, if that is the case, being level would look better..

 Most bikes look better slammed anyway...JMO..
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Offline fasturd

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Re: How do I lower the front of my CB500 economically?
« Reply #9 on: January 05, 2011, 12:07:38 PM »
+1 Gordon...

The leaned back stance maybe because you have lowering blocks on the swingarm? IF the shocks are not mounted directly to the swingarm but to a metal piece that relocates the shackle the rear will sag. You may also have longer than stock forks in which case you are going to need new tubes as you will not be able to drop them in the triples enough. If you have lowering blocks on the swing arm just remove them and bolt the rear shocks to the stock location.

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Offline climbingaz

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Re: How do I lower the front of my CB500 economically?
« Reply #10 on: January 05, 2011, 12:09:10 PM »
Take air out of your front tire.

Offline Jaydem

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Re: How do I lower the front of my CB500 economically?
« Reply #11 on: January 05, 2011, 07:28:19 PM »
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