Cl350 fork lowering
- Thread starter crank5
- Start date
ohiocaferacer
Been Around the Block
Yes........you can drop the front 2" thru the trees with no problem. As long as you are not running handlebars.....probadly have to go with clip ons. I've done this on my race bikes, when running larger forks.
Spacers on these forks will not work due to internal setup of the forks. Only way I have ever been able to lower these forks with keeping them level in the top triple tree, is to cut down and rethread the internal threaded push rod that screws into the fork cap. This lowers the fork tube, but still gives full motion of the internals....to allow for proper funtion of the fork.
Spacers on these forks will not work due to internal setup of the forks. Only way I have ever been able to lower these forks with keeping them level in the top triple tree, is to cut down and rethread the internal threaded push rod that screws into the fork cap. This lowers the fork tube, but still gives full motion of the internals....to allow for proper funtion of the fork.
ohiocaferacer
Been Around the Block
Thanks Swivel
evilaugust
Been Around the Block
Can this be done on a 350F?
ohiocaferacer
Been Around the Block
Yes.....the 350F model uses the same front end.
evilaugust
Been Around the Block
With stock length shocks, what's this going to do to handling?
crazypj
Split personality, I fake being smart
If you have early forks, it can't be done as the top yoke has a taper seat.
It's also a REAL BAD IDEA to even try 2" drop.
Hit the brakes hard and the front tyre will contact solid parts of frame
Unless your a midget and can't reach the ground there is no reason to drop front end, the reduction in ground clearance will make things real sketchy
I think Ohiocaferacer is doing other mods to forks for racing so wheel contact with solid parts of frame/yokes isn't possible?
With different forks (35mm) they start off longer so may need dropping just to put things at stock height?
It's also a REAL BAD IDEA to even try 2" drop.
Hit the brakes hard and the front tyre will contact solid parts of frame
Unless your a midget and can't reach the ground there is no reason to drop front end, the reduction in ground clearance will make things real sketchy
I think Ohiocaferacer is doing other mods to forks for racing so wheel contact with solid parts of frame/yokes isn't possible?
With different forks (35mm) they start off longer so may need dropping just to put things at stock height?
ohiocaferacer
Been Around the Block
Lowering a bike doesnt always mean your gonna have handling issues or be unsafe. It all is how the setup is done and the persons knowledge of the bike. As PJ stated.....the only reason I have ever pushed the fork tubes up above the top triple clamp is because I went with larger dia forks for racing and had to push them up in the trees to get the ride height back to stock.
But I have lowered bikes before by machining the internals to get a desired look in a bike. Around 2005.....I did just that with a 1971 Honda CB500/4(same forks as described in earlier post). Overall....I lowered the bike about 2" in the front and about 2-3" in the back, then installed a 21" harley front rim.
No where in the setup was there an issue with safety. Bike rode great and had the desired look I was wanting. Think I put 5-6k miles on it before I sold it a couple years ago, to a local kid.......he still rides the hell out of it.
Just do your research and know your bike.
But I have lowered bikes before by machining the internals to get a desired look in a bike. Around 2005.....I did just that with a 1971 Honda CB500/4(same forks as described in earlier post). Overall....I lowered the bike about 2" in the front and about 2-3" in the back, then installed a 21" harley front rim.
No where in the setup was there an issue with safety. Bike rode great and had the desired look I was wanting. Think I put 5-6k miles on it before I sold it a couple years ago, to a local kid.......he still rides the hell out of it.
Just do your research and know your bike.
IvansScramblerCafe
Active Member
Check out Woody's posting regarding lowering his CL350. I think this is probably the best way to do it. I PM'd him just to double check what all he did. Only thing he didn't mention in he thread is that he cut the springs as well.
Thread title: Woody's 1972 CL350 Brat-tracker Project Bike - Finished for now - Aug 20, 2010
Best of luck!
Thread title: Woody's 1972 CL350 Brat-tracker Project Bike - Finished for now - Aug 20, 2010
Best of luck!
IvansScramblerCafe
Active Member
I asked the same question and he said since you are lowering the stance equally, the ride wouldn't change drastically. Again, if it's just for commuting local, I don't see and issue. You can always PM him. He's pretty cool and will answer all your questions.
Thx for the info guys I appreciate it alot. This weekend I'll try to lower mine and see what happens. I really like the look of woody1981's bikes stance I was just not sure how to go about getting it safely. If I need to buy another front end I'm ok with I just wanted to see if it was possible with what I have now.