.Dropped it yesterday, you should too!

[Seanie Free-V]

I put on some new tires and went one size up on the front to match the one size up in the rear.  When I took it out for the first ride after the tire change I was disappointed with how it slowed down to flickability of the bike (although it did improve the in corner feel a lot).  

So I decided to try a simple handleing mod to try and improve it.  I dropped the forks in the triple clamps.  I settled a .800 inch drop.

Let me tell you, it made a great improvement in how the bike handles and feels.  It feels like a more solid, sporty bike now.

How some other people try out this 5 minute mod and tell me what they think.

[Dave T.]

I have my forks raised in the triple clamps . ?I did it about a year ago. I raised them about .6". I was thinking of lowering them back to flush with the handlebars, because it pushes a little in the corners and is a little unstable. After watching my Dad ride my V I seen that it looks like someone ran into a brick wall with it. The front wheel is so close to the front, not really extended.

I have the rear spring at the stiffest setting, but those spindly front forks I think are causing the unstable feeling. 1983's have air adjustable front forks. I was thinking of going to 20W fork oil up front, but I don't think I can get the top caps off the forks, unless I welded up a special "wrench" to loosen them up.

[Riche]

Dave

What I have is a 1 1/2" long piece cut from a 17mm allen wrench. A 17mm socket on that will do the job. If you don't want to buy a 17mm allen wrench just try a bolt with a 17mm head. If you put that into your fork cap and use a pipe wrench on the bolt it should give you the leverage to remove the cap. That is if you don't have the orgional tool kit. It has a piece in it with a 17mm hex. you can use that if it is sturdy enough to loosen your caps. Someone in the forum posted saying that is what they use.

[Humber]

just install air caps in your fork caps... easy and works great

[Walt_M.]

The 17mm Allen wrench is the same one needed to remove the oil drain plug in a Volkswagon Beetle. Should be pretty common, I got mine from Sears.