TOPIC:

For those that have swapped newer style front ends on thier Zs- have you measured the trail?


I have noticed that the ZX triple tree mounts the forks back a bit, which would change the trail 1-2inches or more , especially with the smaller diameter rims.

I was messing around with some forks for another persons bike- got to measuring the trail- and the stock trail was like almost 6 inches, and the swap changed everything to almost 4 inches- a fairly extreme change in trail and handling characteristics.

Post edited by: CruisingRam, at: 2005/11/26 14:01

rode a friends ft500 the other day
cbr forks and wheel reduced trail but don't know how much. steering is much quicker than my stock ft500. especially so at very low speed. between fast jogging speed and 60(didn't go any faster) it felt great. scouting for some el-cheapo parts to do mine.

-Duck

Yes, but remember, reduced trail makes for better turning, but more trail means more high speed stability! Most manufacturors of super bikes seem to settle on 4.6 inches of trail- my sabre is that, so is a Hayabusa, so is a ZX10, 12 etc. Only the cruisers seem to have more trail- some as high as 6 inches- much more than that you have to "duck walk" the bike at just about every intersection!

I sure would like someone that has done some of the fork swaps to check thier trail! I would love to know what it comes out to!

Post edited by: CruisingRam, at: 2005/11/26 14:01

how do you measure trail?

Ahh, but reduced trail is better turning, and handling can be assisted with a stabilizer.

Older bikes all had massive trail compared to new sportbikes, and let's be honest, which one handles better?

***Oh, I'll be home tonight from T Day... so I'll measure the trail on the KZ when I get there. It's a KZ650 with a ZX fork set.

btchalice wrote:

how do you measure trail?

Here is the best explanation in the world:

www.rbracing-rsr.com/rakeandtrail.html

Post edited by: CruisingRam, at: 2005/11/26 15:19

i'll ask buddy tpo measure his ft500
and post both stock and his if he does...
it's definitely close to the limit for slow speed stability without resorting to feet....
BTW, he has a steering damper and replacement forks are somewhat stiffer than stock plus the frame has been gussetted. It's a tigh bike for sure.

-Duck