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Front dive - stock springs or insufficient riding skills?
There is one issue that I think warrants a discussion here. How much of the Front dive is caused by the stock springs, and how much caused by insufficient riding skills?
Often members on this site suggest that progressive fork springs is the best or close to the best mod that one can do on a Bonnie. The reason given is the Bonnie's tendency to front dive, when braking.
BUT, my impression is that the front dive issue is 90% an issue of brake-technique. With braking the way I was taught
- relaxed arms and shoulders
- sqeezing the tank with my knees
- tightening the muscles in my legs, lower-back and stomach
(This way the weight is "anchored" to the seat, so to speak.)
the front dive is minor.
With "wrong" braking:
- stiff arms and shoulders
- weight on the handlebars
the front dive is huge.
This makes me think that maybe some of those who complain about the stock springs really should work on their braking technique. Now, I'm not pointing the finger at all those who change the spring, as there can no doubt be riders who are conserned about the "last 10%".
What do you think: How much of the front dive-issue comes down to riders with insufficient riding skills?
My personal disclaimer: I am not a very experienced rider. After an 18 year hiatus, I returned to biking this Spring when I bought my T100. This Summer my T100 and I have done 13 000 kms. And I have not changed the front springs. I have however read widly about riding-technique (book worm?).
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'04 T100 Black and White (because that is the only colour-combination to wear with a dinner jacket)
AI removed, TORS
rebuilt front (valves, springs, etc), Öhlins shocks
engine dresser bars, grab rail, flyscreen, Triumph leather panniers and tank bag
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