Triumphrat

stevetriple · 04-26-2005

I know at least a couple of you guys have brought your clip-ons up by installing them above the triple clamp. What are the disadvantages to lowering the front end the inch or so that it takes to provide clearance for the clip-ons? Have you noticed any change in handling or stability? I actually think the Thruxton is pretty comfortable on the freeway, but I rhink bringing the bars up an inch or so would help a bit around town.
Thanks for the help!

Steve :-g

[ This message was edited by: stevetriple on 2005-04-26 07:01 ]

buggy · 04-26-2005

I'm wondering if the bennies get wiped out by the decreased rake.

boboso · 04-26-2005

I believe that some of the "dropped" front ends are done when the owner changes the stock fork tubes and cartridge with Honda F3 internals and tubes. These are higher then the stock, add rebound and compression and allow for raising of the stock bars above as additional stanchion/riser is exposed with the update. I am planning on doing this but the bike is new and I wish to wait. I am still looking for the F3 forks however and have time to be stingy on ebay etc.

:-g

Thrux-ton-up · 04-26-2005

I have the F3 forks and the front end dropped 30 mm, I also have the rear shocks 12mm shorter. The dropped front end quickens the steering which can be good or bad depending on how you like the existing steering. A steering damper may calm the the effects - but as of yet I have not added one. The lowered bike helps handling to the extent of lower mass. But too low and things start scrapping the pavement sooner. I will occassionaly touch a boot or peg tip down with the lowered bike but have not encountered any major problems. I have larger tires which may have boosted the bike back up a bit, and lowering the rear shocks negated much of the quicker steering gained from lowering the forks. Also the higher rate springs don't settle in as much as the stock fork springs keeping the bike higher in corners. The F3 forks will allow you to raise the stock clip-ons substantially. JCW

devrep · 04-26-2005

I put my Thunderbikes clip-ons on top with stock forks and standard length Ikon shocks and really can't tell any difference in handling. I've had it to 108mph indicated with no headshake.

stevetriple · 04-26-2005

Well, I know that I have seen pics here of at least one or two guys that have moved the stock clipons above the triple clamp with the stock fork tubes, but for the life of me, I can't find them now.
I wondered as well if any benefit would be outweighed by the fact that the front end would now be approx. 1" lower, so would the bars really be much higher than stock? :???:

Steve :-g

Tarmac · 04-26-2005

The advantage would be more wgt on the front end, so you'ld be able to controll those pesky power wheelies.... :roflmoa2:

stevetriple · 04-26-2005

Quote:

On 2005-04-26 15:37, Tarmac wrote:
The advantage would be more wgt on the front end, so you'ld be able to controll those pesky power wheelies.... :roflmoa2:

Yes, that would be advantage. Just can't seem to keep the front end down in stock form! :wink:

thruxtonone · 04-26-2005

You can get enough clamp area by dropping your fork tubes about 17 mm. You can then regain some of that lost travel by adding some spring preload, try one line showing. Your front will still be lower than stock but only about 10mm. This will slightly quicken the steering but you will not have any stability issues. I ran this way before I added the honda forks.-Good luck-thruxtonone.