Lowering a 79 Fork

[NobleHops]

Darned if I can find anything on this topic, and I have searched. I feel certain it has been done.

I have a customer that would like me to lower his CBX an inch. I can do the rear very quickly with a shock swap, but the front could involve a couple of different approaches. Simplest being to raise his tubes in the top clamp. Most invisible being to put a spacer under the head of the damper rod, but that introduces the need for shorter springs, RaceTech or similar.

Can one or more of you wily veterans chime in on what's been tried, the potential pitfalls, etc? I am aware that the use of the centerstand will be problematic without modifications, and the sidestand will need to be shortened too. TIA for your thoughts.

Best,

Nils

[Jeff Bennetts]

Nils if I'm understanding option two, I would not do anything that adds an inch of sag and loses an inch of travel, if the customer doesn't wat the tubes raised talk him into a completely different, inch shorter frt assembly, Honda or other manufacturer.

[SS350Sport]

Forking by Frank will build custom length tubes. Kind of expensive, but what's not expensive for these bikes?

[steve murdoch icoa #5322]

Is it for appearance or a short leg owner?
How about altering the seat foam instead?

[FalldownPhil]

Over the years I have seen quite a few with the tubes raised 1" in the triple clamps with no
life threatening effects.
Best,
Phil

[NobleHops]

Thanks for the thoughts so far. Seat is already carved-on, it is indeed for a short-legged owner, who is 5' 5", and light. I have a ready alternative on the shocks as prior. My delicate sensibilities are harmed at the thought of the tubes sticking up, but I suppose I could get over that . Can also readily shorten those tubes on my pal's lathe and re-thread too.

[FalldownPhil]

If you don't cut the tubes then there is no need to change the internals.
Also, there may come a time to raise the bike back up.
Best,
Phil

[Gearheadgregg]

well i am still alive ? 11' inch shocks in the rear and 1" in the tree up front dropped just used my calipers for equal on both sides. been 100 + lol no death wobble almost forgot the rear inner fender is removed for clearance..Nils u can see it clear in the Dragbike Resto here

[Jeff Bennetts]

Put one of Rick's handle bar conversion kits on it, that could hide some of the raised fork tube. Or get some late model 39 mm triples and fit a complete F front end on, I think 900F are an inch shorter, I know the USA spec 1100F is and inch shorter, you'll get the better twin pot calipers while your at it.

I also have a new in the box set of 39mm tubes with a full RaceTech treatment with gold valves that are about an inch shorter, if you're interested?

[Jeff Bennetts]

Or

[NobleHops]

Bolted the shocks on and raised the tubes. Test ride on Monday!