grcamna5 said:
japstar,
How did you modify the fork tubes to lower them? I have a pr. of forks that i want to use on my small Honda build only they are 10cm too long..
I followed this guide: http://www.customfighters.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45166
This guide is made for a cartridge fork, but is applicable to the classis damper rod forks.
I got to mention, my set of forks didn't have a stock preload spacer, but they did have a dual rate spring. (a shorter, less strong spring on top of the main spring). I replaced that spring with PVC piping of the same length, to get the same starting point as in the guide. (The small spring is mainly for comfort on road bikes, so no big deal if you remove that). The preload spacer that is hacked up are the blue pieces of piping in my pictures of the front fork progress.
It is very important to place the hacked of part of the preload spacer under the damper rod, otherwise you could end up with a damper rod that doesn't have any contact with a spring when you reach your rebound limit of the forks. (when doing a wheelie for example)
But I have to say, following that guide, you lower your fork travel by the amount you lower your forks. So I think lowering 10 cm will be too much, as most road bikes have a stock travel of around 16 cm.
If you don't have a dual rate spring, you could shorten your spring, but than you'll end up with a higher spring rate. A higher spring rate is most of the time wanted if you want less comfort and more performance, as the compromise between comfort and traction leans toward comfort with most road bikes. (as a guide: if you half the lentgh of a spring, its spring rate will double)