Topic: Shortened fork tubes 1/4 in height in the triples, faster steering I think

[ElCheapo]

I just got done doing a set of fork gaiters and when I put the whole deal back together I set the fork 1/4 lower than stock on purpose to see if I could detect a change. This does change the rake trail a little I think.

It appears that the steering is faster at this point but it maybe just my imagination.

[Gordon]

Is that 1/4 inch?  If so, doubt that's really noticeable. 

[cben750f0]

6mm, would make a difference, i have a cbr that we lowere 4 mm in the front, and i changed the speed alot, on the cb it has a lazy steering head angle, lowering it a bit will speed it up...peace

[tsflstb]

On my 400F, I've experimented a little and ended up moving the forks up about 1" in the triple clamps.  Combine that with CB1100 shocks in the rear which are about 2" longer than the stockers.  I haven't done any measurements, but that makes a significant difference to the rake.   I also added clip-ons at the same time so I've reduced my leverage at the bars.  It's made for a nice handling bike.  I do get a little twitch when I'm changing lanes over an expansion joint, so I'm thinking of adding a steering damper.  Tire profiles, sizes and the rider's size, weight and type of riding all factor in to what feels best.  There's an outfit called GMD Computrack that makes a science out of chassis geometry.

[crazypj]

I always remove fork springs to see how far I can drop forks before something solid gets in the way. Compress forks fully, turn lock to lock at chosen setting.
 Seen a lot of 550's with exhaust pipe dents in front mudguard from being lowered too far with out other modifications to limit travel (mine included , which is why I always check now)
PJ

[ProTeal55]

My fork tubes are about 1'' thru the top tree, and I noticed a huge difference in how the bike turned.
I also have a 21'' front wheel , which I know changed things. Not saying the thing is a full blown Cafe, but the difference
was felt...

[tsflstb]

Good point about the clearance issues.  Also, dropping the tubes means you're also reducing your cornering clearance.  You can achieve the same result (quicker steering) by just raising the rear end.  You'll buy yourself a few more degrees of lean before you drag stuff this way.  I had a Penske shock on my last modern bike that was adjustable for ride height, and adding just a 1/4" at the rear made a noticeable difference on the steering without touching the forks.