What is an easy way to get a '06 636 to be a little more nimble handling? Maybe something as simple as moving the forks up a bit or changing to a different tire size would quicken it up?

 

pilot powers
shortest chain possible (smaller wheel base)
lower front forks 5mm


shifting weight



have fun

 

lower front end 5mm [8D]

 

Is this a common thing to do? I just don't want to do something ill advised (not that gotrice would push something too ill advised).

Is this as easy as it looks to do? I mean the tube are up about 10mm right now (from the top of the fat tube) so just loosen the bolts and dropping it another 5 seems simple and won't require changing brake or clutch levers. I guess I would drop the clip-ons first and tighten them so no matter what the tube can't fall more than 6 mm. I'll leave about 1mm like there is now between the clip-ons and the tube.

 

Going with a shorter chain is one idea, until it strectchs and it won;t make much difference. I think the most noticeable change would be to go with skinnier tires. I think the 180 rear tire is overkill and a 160 would do fine with much more agility, I don't know if there is a skinnier tire for the front. I wouldn't touch the front end, if 5mm made that much a difference than why didn't the factory do it?

 

Do not put skinnier tires! Use a lower profile 60 series (120/60-17). The 180 is the correct size for that size (5.50 x 17") rim; a 160 is way too narrow. 170 maybe. You'll end up riding off the edge because the profile will be too flat You may not have to lower the front end but can if it's still not quick enough. Set up your suspension first (Sag, preload etc), then make the other changes.

 

Would it make enough difference to just lower the front? I mean the tires are still new and I rather do something that's free.

 

When I go to move the tubes are the top and bottom clamps connected? I mean the tubes won't slide unless both top and bottom clamps are loose, right?

 

Yes that is correct. Loosen only one side at a time and pull up on the loose side tube, then tighten it and do the same with the other side until you get 5 mm each. Have you set your sag/ preload already? If not, do that first.

 

I am considering just positioning the clutch and brake lever brackets down by 5mm first then tightening them. All I have to do then is loosen the top and bottom clamps and let the weight of the bike drop the clamps down to the top of the lever brackets, they will stop it from dropping further. I'll probably put something thin I can take out later to keep the clamps from resting on the lever brackets (about a 1mm gap). This should be a lot easier than removing the tire and doing each leg individually.