| Author | Message | ||
     Mr_gto |
What are the advantages/disadvantages of moving the fork legs up or down in the triple trees? | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Moving the fork legs up and down is a very tricky business in general, and this is doubly true for the XB short (52") wheelbase models which have a rather extreme geometry compare to other motorcycles. There are two things that always change when the fork tubes are moved: 1. Fork angle 2. Trail When the tubes are raised in the triple trees, the fork angle increases and the trail is reduced. Since the Buell already has a very step fork angle and very little trail, this is not a great idea, as it can, and usually does, lead to a lack of stability. The bike will wobble more over bumps and be unstable at high speeds. In addition, it will drop into a turn too fast. For this reason, among others, the Buell forks come with a circle clip on them that discourages raising the forks. Lowering the forks will do the opposite. It will increase fork angle and trail, and tend to make the bike turn in slower, and finish turns wider. That being said, unless one is a very experienced suspension specialist, it is best to adjust the stock suspension by varying the preload, and the damping adjustments, or using the heavier competition springs for racing or to compensate for heavy rider weight. OK? | ||
| Mr_gto |
Thanks Jon, I am not thinking of doing this to my bolt. My brother has an triumph 675 and was thinking about doing it. Just trying to get a little info to help him out. | ||
| Surveyor |
What GJon says. Be wary about dropping the front end (raising the forks in the Yokes) I've tried it on the track and I didn't much like the result on two counts; As John says the stability is reduced but this can probably resolved by using a steering damper. Ground clearance, which is already a significant problem, is not helped. Turn in is quicker but the gain is marginal in my opinion - now if you're a track god you may appreciate the change. I returned to the stock position, set up the suspension carefully and modified my riding technique and I reckon I did better than I would have by persisting with the lower front end. |
