Raising rear vs. lowering triple

[big ed]

In a previous thread I asked about raising the forks on my s2r 800 and how much it would affect handling.  One of the responses stated basically that once the rear height is where I want it, then start "fiddling" with the front triple height.

Is one (raising rear vs lowering front) better than the other, and if so why?  At 6', I've got both feet flat on the road at a light without changing the stock rear height. 

Or, is this another clip-on vs. stock bars type of question?

[teddy037.2]

from stock height, raising the rear won't take away any ground clearance, whereas dropping the front could.

[He Man]

My forks used to be busted, so my bike sat 3 inches lower in the front than stock. Turn in was sharp as hell, but completley unstable (mostly because the forks were shot). After new springs and valves, the bike sat up 3 inches higher and it was impossible to turn in quickly for me. My previous bike had hte forks lowred 1 inch.

However i dont think i can lower the front end by 1 inch without having the front fender hit my oil cooler. I checked around and it said 15mm is the most you want to do before you start having clearance inssues.  I lowred the forks 10mms past the triple and it turns in much quicker now, but i dont think im satisfied. i might have to toy with the position  of the valve cover to get it where i want. Another option is maybe dialing in about 1/4 inch more preload so i can get another 10mms out of it.

[2001cromo]

from stock height, raising the rear won't take away any ground clearance, whereas dropping the front could.

+1

Also, if someone else setup/adjusted your suspension you should REALLY speak with them before you start messing...

[big ed]

Well, that would explain it....thanks.


I ran into the same general problem as He Man but due to my weight.  Now with the new fork springs the bike is noticably slower to respond. 


Also, if someone else setup/adjusted your suspension you should REALLY speak with them before you start messing...
[/quote]

+100 on that. 

I'm starting with the recommendations Wilber's gave me when I bought the shock and springs (flame suit on for buying progressive fork springs), and changing one thing at a time in small amounts, with lots of riding time in between.

It's a lot like perfecting a homebrew recipe.  Small changes to the ingredients, and lots of enjoyment in between batches.  

[clubhousemotorsports]

Well, that would explain it....thanks.


I ran into the same general problem as He Man but due to my weight.  Now with the new fork springs the bike is noticably slower to respond. 
Yes due to the geometry change to the motorcycle you fixed the spring issue but may have changed the bike attitude to more of a chopper. Dont worry though as it all can be changed.

Also, if someone else setup/adjusted your suspension you should REALLY speak with them before you start messing...


+100 on that.  +1000000 on that

I'm starting with the recommendations Wilber's gave me when I bought the shock and springs (flame suit on for buying progressive fork springs), and changing one thing at a time in small amounts, with lots of riding time in between.Just because you put a progressive spring in does not mean it will not work for you .I have used progressives in the past and would consider it in the future. They would never be my first option. But then in a perfect world the Bike would have the best suspension for me out of the box.... and I would be able to ride Like Valentino  [moto] [moto]

It's a lot like perfecting a homebrew recipe.  Small changes to the ingredients, and lots of enjoyment in between batches.