Reducing trail of front end

KZCSI wrote:

hocbj23 wrote:

whoops.should have said axle is at leading edge.sorry.bj

If that's the case you can still reduce the trail by switching to a set of triple clamps that were designed for a bike with the axle mounted on the end of the fork sliders.

Any KZ900 will yield these triple clamps. You'll have to check the fork centers before you buy but I believe the tube diameters are right.

With a NOD to PLUMMEN:

"Do not try this at home"

"Never modify the frame of any machine that was designed by a professional with a huge insurance policy that backed him up."

"Never operate a modified motorcycle on a publick roadway."

"Always wash your hands after visiting the restroom."

Truly, SD asked how to reduce trail. These measures will certainly do that while keeping rake constant. Will the bike be ridable and stable, he'll have to decide for himself. Plainly stated: I answered the question he asked. SD will have to undertake this modification on his own. Neither I or KZR accepted any remuneration for this answer.

SD, be careful!

Good Luck

Bill

From what I have read, reducing the trail will make the bike unstable as a solo bike, but will be like adding power steering with a side car.

I was curious about changing triple trees. The specs for different bikes of my era give different rake and trail numbers, but is the change in the triple trees for rake angle, or is it just in the axle position or head angle?

TexasKZ wrote:

There's an easier way to reduce trail

---

40mph into a brick wall :blink: :blink: :blink: :blink: :blink:

Will you do it for me?

uuuhhh.............I'll be right there, I promise

saltydog wrote:

KZCSI wrote:

hocbj23 wrote:

whoops.should have said axle is at leading edge.sorry.bj

If that's the case you can still reduce the trail by switching to a set of triple clamps that were designed for a bike with the axle mounted on the end of the fork sliders.

Any KZ900 will yield these triple clamps. You'll have to check the fork centers before you buy but I believe the tube diameters are right.

With a NOD to PLUMMEN:

"Do not try this at home"

"Never modify the frame of any machine that was designed by a professional with a huge insurance policy that backed him up."

"Never operate a modified motorcycle on a publick roadway."

"Always wash your hands after visiting the restroom."

Truly, SD asked how to reduce trail. These measures will certainly do that while keeping rake constant. Will the bike be ridable and stable, he'll have to decide for himself. Plainly stated: I answered the question he asked. SD will have to undertake this modification on his own. Neither I or KZR accepted any remuneration for this answer.

SD, be careful!

Good Luck

Bill

From what I have read, reducing the trail will make the bike unstable as a solo bike, but will be like adding power steering with a side car.

I was curious about changing triple trees. The specs for different bikes of my era give different rake and trail numbers, but is the change in the triple trees for rake angle, or is it just in the axle position or head angle?

Hi SD,

Changing head angle is a major enterprise involving custom parts. Swapping parts from existing models will change trail but says nothing about rideability.

Bill

i think id try the sidecar 1st with stock frontend geometry 1st to see if any other handling issues present themselves,otherwise your testing a lot of untested parts which will make troubleshooting a lot harder in my opinion anyway

KZCSI wrote:

hocbj23 wrote:

whoops.should have said axle is at leading edge.sorry.bj

If that's the case you can still reduce the trail by switching to a set of triple clamps that were designed for a bike with the axle mounted on the end of the fork sliders.

Any KZ900 will yield these triple clamps. You'll have to check the fork centers before you buy but I believe the tube diameters are right.

With a NOD to PLUMMEN:

"Do not try this at home"

"Never modify the frame of any machine that was designed by a professional with a huge insurance policy that backed him up."

"Never operate a modified motorcycle on a publick roadway."

"Always wash your hands after visiting the restroom."

Truly, SD asked how to reduce trail. These measures will certainly do that while keeping rake constant. Will the bike be ridable and stable, he'll have to decide for himself. Plainly stated: I answered the question he asked. SD will have to undertake this modification on his own. Neither I or KZR accepted any remuneration for this answer.

SD, be careful!

Good Luck

Bill

always wash your hands,now thats funny! :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

PLUMMEN wrote:

i think id try the sidecar 1st with stock frontend geometry 1st to see if any other handling issues present themselves,otherwise your testing a lot of untested parts which will make troubleshooting a lot harder in my opinion anyway

I have rode it with the side car. It is a bear to steer. That is why I am looking for ways to change it with out making changes that arent reversable.
Way back when, Harley even offered adjustable triple trees to use with their side cars.
Does any body know if the stock triple trees could be bored to change the angle?

the new aprilla superbikes have elongated steering neck tubes and shim sets to adjust the rake and trail ....see if you can find images of their set up...it is kinda in design at least walking the same path as your questions... i still think by just dropping the trees a good amount i.e ,raising the froks in the trees.....and changing the tire to a fatter and taller profile you will increase the front turn in steering and help it to overcome the sidecars desire to run the show