quicker steering - sliding forks up?

Hello, i have a 6th gen that i bought new and was looking to get sportier handling out of. i already swapped out the stock tires for a set of battlax's, dropped a few teeth on the rear sprocket, have the suspension set up semi-stiff, etc. i'd like to know how much i can slide the forks up in the trees. i know it's a somewhat common thing to do on pure sportbikes. i was thinking start with a half inch. anyone know anything about this? know any good links? thanks

 

My experience is limited with regard to raising the tubes in the clamps, and I have not done it with a VFR, but it would probably be better to do it in 2mm increments (or about .080"). 1/2" might introduce your front fender to something it was not intended to meet, as well as making the front end a little too unstable. That's just a guess, however.

 

That's true, but I think basic Trigonometry would be able able to calculate the effect on rake and trail figures before an actual adjustment is made.

 

I raised the forks on my 5th gen exactly 1/2" this summer.
It does turn in quicker. It does not rub on anything.
Give it a try and see what you think. I like it.

 

will do, thx guys :smile:

 

On the 4Gs, I've seen recommendations of 10mm, which is what i have mine set at. Made a difference I noticed but not sure i would go higher.

 

3/8" or about 1cm is no problem, it won't make it "unstable", easy mod to reverse - if for some reason you don't like it.

 

I did the equivalent of this on my 3G by flipping the eccentric on the rear (not an option on the later models) which had the added benefit of not compromising ground clearance. I think the eccentric mod added about 1" at the rear IIRC but this would equate to a lot less in the front as it's not just a loss of ride height but also has a larger impact on reducing the trail (and to a lesser extent steepening the rake as well- which also happens with raising the back) when you slide the tubes up than it does when you lift the back. I did find that I could run more front preload and still have the bike turn in well, which was the desired outcome, and was not nervous at all.

If you have the option to raise rear ride height and have the inseam to do it, I think this might be the preferred option. Short of a ride height adjustable shock or a 3g with the eccentric sitting in the high position from the factory, I guess we're back to dropping the fork tubes. The other option would be a lower profile front tire like a 120/65-17.

 

That's very enteresting. Maybe you could do that and post the results:thumbsup:

 

I made the post how long ago?