Took off risers - Is this normal?

I noticed I had risers on the used bike I purchased last month. I took them off and realized that the fork tubes (I think that's what they're called) are higher than on my brother's ('08, mine's an '02). So I got to thinking that maybe somebody loosened the main aluminum piece the handlebars rest on (is that the triple clamp?) effectively lowering the front end of the bike.

Is this what happened? Is there a problem with this? Should I return things to their normal height?

I attached photos of the riser and the handlebar/tube after removal of the riser.

Thanks!

-John

 

Yep, it looks like things are exactly as you suspect. Those appear to be GenMar Risers. It most certainly is quite normal for people to raise the forks in the triple tree (or triple clamp if you prefer) for many reasons. Some do it to lower the bike. More commonly it is done to increase the rate that the bike turns in to a corner.

From the looks of things, I would say that he raised the forks up, yet used the GenMar's as spacers to return the clip-ons back to the stock height or very close to it.

If you haven't had any problems with it, then I personally wouldn't worry about it. If you have ridden your brother's bike and it seems more comfortable and stable, then go ahead and drop them back down to the stock position. Just make sure that you keep them symmetrical in height from the top of the tubes to the triple tree. Read the service manual and it will tell you the proper height and torque specs for everything.

As for the names of parts... you have them correct as well.

 

After a little more research, it appears the tubes are raised about 20mm. I see on the board that the bike responds well to 5-7mm. What are the down sides to this much of an adjustment? Sure steering inputs are going to magnified (and maybe that's a good thing). But I'm thinking there have to be some trade-offs.

Any input would be appreciated.

By the way, is this a DIY job to move them back down? Or should I leave this to the professionals?

 

One thing comes to mind on your bikes mod that can have neg. results, is the chance of a front end wobble/tank slapper, and tire wear.... but as said, if you like it.......... Also if you want you could get a damper/shock for the front trip-tree .....

 

Like Monk said, one of the worst things that could happen is severe instability and that could poke its head at any time, any speed... with disasterous results.

As fair as lowering them, it isn't a difficult task at all. You simply have to find a way to support the bike OTHER than the front forks. My favorite DIY method is to hang the bike from the upper part of the triple tree. If you have a hoist, this is super easy. If not, ratchet straps work well too, so long as you have something you can hang the bike from. You can also use a jack under the engine but you have to have something to support the rear wheel to keep the bike standing straight up such as a rear stand. Of course they make front stands as well, but I'm assuming that you don't have one of those.

After you raise the front of the bike up, just loosen the upper and lower clamps, slide the tubes to the desired spot, and tighten them back up per specs. I find it easier to do with the front tire removed as there is less weight to deal with and you can move the forks independent of each other. This is especially true if you are doing it by yourself.

 

And back to the stock settings I go...

 

Good call. Go back to stock and see what you think. If it seems too tall or doesn't quite turn as fast as you want, raise them a little bit till you find what you like.

It wouldn't surprise me if the PO flipped the triangle on rear shock either. Something you might check into if you are wanting to make sure suspension is at stock.

 

With meatloaf's suggestion.... You can use your brothers bike as a model.... There's a triangle connected to the bottom of the shock... at a glance the tree sides look the same length.... NOT..... so measure his three sides, and be sure your's are the same.....

 

Checked the triangle per the following link:

http://vfrworld.com/forums/suspension-articles/14909-how-lower-your-6th-gen-triangle-flip.html

And mine appear to be facing properly. I really appreciate the suggestion. I had been wondering if there was something that could have been "tweaked" in the rear and the suggestions of you two are thankfully received.

So I'm going to focus on fixing the front end. I'm thinking keeping the front wheel attached gives me some comfort that when I do this loosening of the 4 bolts that hold the 2 fork tubes in place, as they slide up and down, they (the fork tubes) can't get our of relationship to each other like they might if the wheel was off. So loosen, lower, then tighten the 4 bolts up and I should be done, right?

In other words, are there any risks that I should be aware of (assuming I tighten the 4 bolts to spec)? Or if I do the job and the bike rides without wobbles/vibrations, can I assume all is well?

I only know cars and I'm concerned there is some sort of "alignment" issue to be aware of.

Thanks!

-John

 

You can do the fork height adjustment with wheel on or off.... but after you're though, I'd also loosen the wheel/axle/pinch bolts, and re-torque, just to be sure nothing is twicked......

 

Your alignment will come from the fork tubes being set at the correct height. Do things as the service manual says per order of tightening and torque specs and you can't screw it up. Use a micrometer to ensure the fork tubes are at the same height.

Just make sure that you support the bike securely when you do this so that it doesnt tip over or fall on the ground. That would be my main concern. As far as the forks getting out of relationship with each other... that can't happen because they rotate freely. The axle is the only thing that keeps the lower section of the fork from rotating so you dont need to worry about that but there is certainly no problem leaving it on as you do the job.

As far the the rear is concerned, there are some adjustments you can make with the preload and rebound if it is feeling "off" back there. I have a sixth gen so I'm not sure if the 5th gen bikes have rebound adjustment or not. Rebound and preload are two things that you will want to set on your own to find the feel that you are most comfortable and confident with.

I understand where you are coming from. When I started riding two years ago all I knew were cars as well. The same basic principles apply to just about whatever you do. Think before you act, do your research before jumping into something, and take your time. You will be able to do just about everything you will ever need to do all by yourself... and you will probably find most of it much easier since you wont have to fight around so many other components or rusted up stuff.