Shorter Fork Tubes ?'s
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Eastern WA
Shorter Fork Tubes ?'s
I'm thinking about switching out my fork tubes with ones that are 2 inches shorter. I think I've read about a few people on here doing it. Has anyone done this and installed the progressive drop in kit? Would I need to do anything special with the progressive kit to fit 2" shorter tubes? Any advice/recommendations? Post pics if you could.
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Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Olean, NY
Hey Swifty, i had the drop in kit but I wanted it dropped more to level the bike out so I got the 2" shorter tubes. All you'll have to do when you put the kit into the shorter tubes is cut that spacer down some more otherwise you wont get the fork plug/cap back in due to the pressure. I cut my spacer to 2.25" to get the bike level with how low the rear is. I took it apart like 4 times and kept cutting a little off until I got to where I wanted it. It was a bitch but now I'm a pro at ripping the front end off! Look at the pics below, pay attention to the length of the fork tube below the triple tree to see the difference.
This is with the stock tubes and drop in kit:
Then this is with the 2" shorter tubes and drop in kit with the spacer at 2.25":
This is with the stock tubes and drop in kit:
Then this is with the 2" shorter tubes and drop in kit with the spacer at 2.25":
Last edited by Cygnusx51; Dec 28, 2012 at 11:27 PM.
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 370
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From: Eastern WA
Cygnusx51, thanks for the info/pics! I really appreciate it. Your stance is great! What fork oil did you use? How does your bike handle in the corners and whats the highest speed you can ride comfortably?
I also just came across Story's 2011 post that explains what he did to get his height.
I also just came across Story's 2011 post that explains what he did to get his height.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 5,691
Likes: 1,651
From: Olean, NY
I used the SE heavy fork oil, I think I put 11oz in each side. It got rid of the front end dive when braking but it does ride a little stiff. I'm gonna experiment with it this spring. Might drain a couple ounces out to see if that softens it up a touch.
Bike handles great. Getting rid of the front end dive was a huge improvement in handling, feels like it hugs the road a lot more now. I got the D&D low cat exhaust that has that upsweep to it so you won't drag it... Well not too long after putting it on, I scrapped it through a corner! So you don't need to be afraid to lean hard. Speed wise, I've been on the highway at triple digits and it was fine. Usually I cruise at about 70-75 and its good and stable, usually i ride one handed. I've had the front end wobble a couple times but that was while passing a semi. You don't realize how much buffeting those things produce till you get caught in it. I've had that happen before I put the drop kit and shorter tubes together so I may need to just tighten up my fall away a bit more.
Bike handles great. Getting rid of the front end dive was a huge improvement in handling, feels like it hugs the road a lot more now. I got the D&D low cat exhaust that has that upsweep to it so you won't drag it... Well not too long after putting it on, I scrapped it through a corner! So you don't need to be afraid to lean hard. Speed wise, I've been on the highway at triple digits and it was fine. Usually I cruise at about 70-75 and its good and stable, usually i ride one handed. I've had the front end wobble a couple times but that was while passing a semi. You don't realize how much buffeting those things produce till you get caught in it. I've had that happen before I put the drop kit and shorter tubes together so I may need to just tighten up my fall away a bit more.
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