Droppping the Forks?

  • badrhino
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Droppping the Forks?

25 Apr 2012 12:34
#518006
I have a 1980 KZ1000 and was wondering what is an acceptable distance to lower the forks in the tree? I know I have read it somewhere before but can not find it now.
1980 KZ1000 with a 1982 KZ1000J motor with 1100 pistons and heads, Vance & Hines, 29MM Smooth Bores, Work in Progress
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  • Kidkawie
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Re: Droppping the Forks?

25 Apr 2012 14:15
#518021
Lower the forks in the tree? I wouldn't go any lower than having the tops of the fork tubes flush with the top of the clamp.

If you mean lower the trees, essentially raising the fork tubes, about 10-12mm is a decent usable range.

If you raise the forks too much the bike will become unstable at higher speeds.
1975 Z1 900
1994 KX250 Supermoto
2004 KX125

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  • mark1122
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Re: Droppping the Forks?

25 Apr 2012 18:08
#518048
X2
but i would be woried about stability unless u r planning some high speed stuff. i'd be more worried about hitting the header on a road speed bump if u dropped them too far.
76 KZ, frame gusset work,1200CC.Ported by Larry Cavanaugh, 1.5mm.over intakes, Carron Pipe, ZRX12 rear end, and seat,96zx9 front end.
01 CBR600F4i Track bike.
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Re: Droppping the Forks?

26 Apr 2012 01:51
#518147
Yes I meant raising the forks for different stance and quicker handling.
1980 KZ1000 with a 1982 KZ1000J motor with 1100 pistons and heads, Vance & Hines, 29MM Smooth Bores, Work in Progress
Franken Z!

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  • damarble
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Re: Droppping the Forks?

26 Apr 2012 02:00
#518148
Mine's a 750 so it's not exactly the same, but I raised them about 2" to get the clip ons on. Haven't had it faster than 70 but I haven't noticed any instability, rides great.
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Re: Droppping the Forks?

26 Apr 2012 10:36
#518182
Sometimes major changes have negative affects. If you're lowering the rear it will balance out.

Only a 2-5mm change in, what's actually called "fork height", can make a huge difference in handling.
1975 Z1 900
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2004 KX125

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