lowering stock front end? how can i do this?

jerseykat1 · Full Member Joined: May 03, 2009 Posts: 79

Well just as the subject says. How do i lower my front end? 82 xs650.

bluebikerblan

Really just a matter of loosening the clamp bolts which cinch on the fork tubes. (both upper and lower clamps on the triple trees). The fork tubes will then slide up or down through the triple tree clamps. Stock handlebar risers will limit the amount the fork tube can protrude through the upper triple tree to about an 1 1/2". Actually that's quite a bit of lowering.....note of caution.....make sure that the bike still leans to the left on the side stand and doesn't tip over to the right.
Please don't ask me why I mention this! BOL Blue

TeeCat

I have heard that this can effect handling adversely - such as introducing headshake - if it's overdone. That's the reason I have not attempted it yet. This has been discussed before, but maybe it's worth reinvigorating.

TC

xsjohn

Too low on the front....on the down hill fast sweeping turns is where I noticed a very concerning wobble......like at 60.....and that is when you don't want it to happen........the front angle changes anyway on down hills........don't base a change on looks.....your ass is worth something and no one wants to see it................

xsjohn

jerseykat1 · Full Member Joined: May 03, 2009 Posts: 79

would lowering the rear and the front eliminate this wobble?

west24

Not an expert, but i would think so... I would like to lower mine too, sliding the tubes only do so much with drag bars. I read somewhere on here about I think cutting the springs an equal amount and then adding a spacer either above or below the dampening rod. I tied to find the thread but without any luck...

ABSINTHE · Full Member Joined: Nov 05, 2008 Posts: 53

mine are pushed about an inch through the clamps havent had any problems yet mine is a 80 special I think they look like they have loonger fork legs anyhow I havent expirienced any adverse changes

west24

IN BENZIN VERITAS??

yamaman

West24, I hope you don't find that thread! Sounds like a really crap idea to me! Twisted Evil

Why does it get al wobbly when lowered?
Because the forks are at an angle, when you move the forks up through the triple trees, you reduce the trail, in effect reducing the wheelbase! Thats not a major drama, we reduce our wheelbases all the time, under brakes or when the front end is loaded.

There comes a time when this has an effect, this is the wobbles!
This is why sportsbikes run a steering damper.

A bit of front end shake isn't so bad, once your used to it, have a look at a GP bike, they have a million different settings for their front ends. They set them up for each track, and if they need more cornering ability, they reduce the trail, and when they exit the corner the front shakes its head. They could cure that by extending the trail, but it wouldn't corner as well, so it's a matter of compromise!

Would lowering the back counter this?
Yes to some degree, though not fully.
Lowering the rear loads the rear shocks up a bit more, therefore reducing the load on the front. So the front wont dive as much as it would otherwise!

I suggest, if you want to bring the forks up through the triples, you bring them up 1/4" at a time and test ride in your hardest zone! If you get it down to the point where your uncomfortable and it's shaking, either fit a steering damper and go some more, or just drop them back down 1/4"

Always check your work, a friend of mine lowered his front end quite drasticly, thinking that was the go, it rode fine till he pulled hard on the brakes and the front wheel hit his radiator Shocked

I run a cable tie on one fork staunchion so I know the maximum my forks compress. After doing mods like this, it pays to compress to this line & check clearances around the wheel. If I go any further on mine, I'll hit the brake splitter junction!

Hope some of this helps, cheers

west24

Wanted to read into it more beforehand, prior to even considering it. Leaning more toward the possibility of risers. Tubes hit my handlebars at a little over half inch not enough if I run the 11.5 rear shocks from Mikes. Thanks again for all the input

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