Raising the forks
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Joined: Oct 2006
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Raising the forks
Guys,
I have installed Kouba links. Unfortunately, I wish I hadn't gotten the longest ones. Maybe someone wants to trade?
Anyway, I want to raise the forks a bit to balance out the geometry. Anyone know how to do that? I have loosened all the bolts that look like they clamp the forks but they're not budging. Anyone have tips for me?
I have installed Kouba links. Unfortunately, I wish I hadn't gotten the longest ones. Maybe someone wants to trade?
Anyway, I want to raise the forks a bit to balance out the geometry. Anyone know how to do that? I have loosened all the bolts that look like they clamp the forks but they're not budging. Anyone have tips for me?
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 339
From: Abedeen,Maryland
RE: Raising the forks
I just installed the klx4 links 1.5" drop fits perfect now you have to loosen the top bolts and the one on the bottom tree till there to the point you can move them with your fingers. Then just grab them and twist back and fourth just a bit . The fork protector is holding it from moving very far. You can go up about 3/8" of an inch I have 1" risers but have not tried them yet . You can only raise them about 3/4" because theyare tappered at the top.
Happy Trails
Happy Trails
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 881
From: White Rock, BC
1st Gear Member
RE: Raising the forks
Yep, the trick is twisting the upper fork tube... Twist and slide, is way easier than just sliding straight up/down...
Twisting won't hurt them, and in fact you should make sure to rotate them so that the bleeder screw on top is easily accessible.
Twisting won't hurt them, and in fact you should make sure to rotate them so that the bleeder screw on top is easily accessible.
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Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Bremerton Washington 98312
RE: Raising the forks
Last edited by Silver_Otter; Sep 18, 2011 at 11:29 PM.
Thread Starter
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Member
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Joined: Oct 2006
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From:
RE: Raising the forks
Yes, I have the KLX4's. The bike might be a little too low now.
Okay, do you guys mean to grab a handful of both fork tubes and push and pull opposite? Or grab one fork tube and attempt to turn it? Either way, they don't seem to be moving. I'll go out and crank on them again after I finish my Weaties. [sm=signs003.gif]
Later: Well, the Weaties must've paid off. Got those forks to move finally. I'll take it for a spin when the rain slows down.
Okay, do you guys mean to grab a handful of both fork tubes and push and pull opposite? Or grab one fork tube and attempt to turn it? Either way, they don't seem to be moving. I'll go out and crank on them again after I finish my Weaties. [sm=signs003.gif]
Later: Well, the Weaties must've paid off. Got those forks to move finally. I'll take it for a spin when the rain slows down.
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,985
From:
RE: Raising the forks
I'm quite short. 5'4"!!!
Around my friends that's bordering on dwarfism.
And don't they remind me of it!
Anyway I lowered my forks by about half an inch and reduced the rear spring preload a little.
All other suspension settings are set about there mid position.
It works OK.
It's a bit soft but it's worth the trade off as I can touch the ground. Just.
And as a trail bike I'm finding this bike to be almost perfect. For me anyway.
It still means that if I have to stop quickly on uneven ground the chances are I will fall over with only my pride dented.
Cheers
Around my friends that's bordering on dwarfism.
And don't they remind me of it!
Anyway I lowered my forks by about half an inch and reduced the rear spring preload a little.
All other suspension settings are set about there mid position.
It works OK.
It's a bit soft but it's worth the trade off as I can touch the ground. Just.
And as a trail bike I'm finding this bike to be almost perfect. For me anyway.
It still means that if I have to stop quickly on uneven ground the chances are I will fall over with only my pride dented.
Cheers
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,483
From:
1st Gear Member
RE: Raising the forks
Hey Neil, I'm 5' 7" and I had trouble reaching the ground lol, I had the dealer remove some foam so I could touch. Even now it's still a bit high unless I'm using the supermoto rims then it's perfect [8D]
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,106
From: Misawa Japan
1st Gear Member
RE: Raising the forks
ORIGINAL: neilaction
I'm quite short. 5'4"!!!
Around my friends that's bordering on dwarfism.
And don't they remind me of it!
Anyway I lowered my forks by about half an inch and reduced the rear spring preload a little.
All other suspension settings are set about there mid position.
It works OK.
It's a bit soft but it's worth the trade off as I can touch the ground. Just.
And as a trail bike I'm finding this bike to be almost perfect. For me anyway.
It still means that if I have to stop quickly on uneven ground the chances are I will fall over with only my pride dented.
Cheers
I'm quite short. 5'4"!!!
Around my friends that's bordering on dwarfism.
And don't they remind me of it!
Anyway I lowered my forks by about half an inch and reduced the rear spring preload a little.
All other suspension settings are set about there mid position.
It works OK.
It's a bit soft but it's worth the trade off as I can touch the ground. Just.
And as a trail bike I'm finding this bike to be almost perfect. For me anyway.
It still means that if I have to stop quickly on uneven ground the chances are I will fall over with only my pride dented.
Cheers
