jag767
Over 1,000 Posts
clem said:Just to clarify, the offset is the distance between the centerline of the steering stem and the centerline of the forks. Changing the stem will not have any effect on this measurement. This one is important because it directly affects the trail. Newer bikes have much steeper rake or less in terms of degrees. I believe the cb falls in the 27 degree range where newer bikes are around 24 and maybe below that. Older bikes had more offset in them to make up for the relaxed rake and keep the trail in a desirable range usually well below 4 inches. News bikes have much stiffer frames and can handle the force of the reduced rake angles so the need less offset.
Either custom triple clamps or serious frame mods are required to make your front end work.
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If there is 0 degrees of rake in the triple, the rake will not change, then it's only a function of the head tube. That is unless the forks are shorter which off hand I do not know but is very easy for him to determine. And if he goes to 17 inch rims there is no trail issue to the best of my knowledge. That triple has 35mm of offset, which works fine with a 17 inch rim as it was designed.
Again, that is assuming the length is the same. And honestly, if it's a little shorter it'll be fine. I've lowered the front end of a few sohc 4's by a little more than an inch and they ride extremely well regardless. Anything more than that and you may want to look at shorter rear shocks to offset the length diffence, just make sure you have clearance to do so.