K11 Owners Group

Milton · Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 12:58 pm Post subject: Fork geometry and handling

Has anyone ever tried raising or lowering their front fork's position in the yokes for better handling or is the stock position the best. I read somewhere once, I think as I can't find it again, that if the fork's position in the yokes is changed it might possibly lead to better handling in the curves.

Thanks,

Milton S.

chopper_harris · Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 3:27 pm Post subject:

errmm - why Rolling Eyes

I love my LT, but it is what it is - and it ain't no sportsbike.

An American chum once used the phrase "Putting lipstick on a pig". I had not heard that before, but it is appropriate here.

I spent many months tinkering, looking to improve the handling on my TL1000 R without spending a fortune.
Dropping the yokes, shortening the rear linkage to raise the back-end.

And, you know, it made no perceptible difference to the on-road handling Mad

Maybe on the track, I would have noticed, but for everyday road use, manufacturers settings are usually about right.

If you enjoy riding hard into the bends, a set of progressive springs and slightly thicker fork oil will help.

Given the lazy angle of the forks, and the generous BMW fork travel, you have many more things to tweak before 1" of fork offset becomes a significant benefit.

Enjoy the old girl for what she is Very Happy

_________________
C1 200 (2001)
R100 RS (1990)
NSU Quickly N (1964)
Honda 400/4 F1 (1977)
MotoGuzzi 1000C (1978)
Suzuki TL 1000 R (1999)
Kawasaki KLV1000 (2005)
K12R Sport (2007) - Wifeys

nickmakwell · Brick Rider Joined: 12 Aug 2006 Posts: 30

on my friends dads' K100 (modified) he lowered the forks in the triple clamp a bit and installed a higher shock in the rear (Honda CBR600 i believe) to improve the handling, which it has. makes turn in and steering quicker with more pressure on the front.

mind you, he also has Suzuki SV650 clipon handlebars on the forks!!!

and a few....other mods......

BobZ(IL) · Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 11:38 pm Post subject:

I've only heard of changing fork position to adjust ride height. Spring and shock mods plus tires will give you best bang for the handling buck.
_________________
'93 K1100LT
'78 R100S
'05 R1200GS
BMWMOA, CRBMWOA, ABC, K11OG #997

Live well, do good work, enjoy the ride.

Off the grid · Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 11:43 pm Post subject:

I know Shogs dropped her forks a bit, maybe she can chime in on how it effected her handling.
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Bane of your existence since July 2006
2007 Triumph Tiger ABS. "Sabertooth"
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Jim · Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 11:47 pm Post subject: suspension mods

She raised 'em back up, too... http://www.k11og.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=28462&highlight=#28462
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

rkildu · Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 11:43 am Post subject:

I have dropped mine about one inch to lower the ride height in conjunction with a Works shorter shock in the back. I have not noticed any detriment to handeling at all. I have never touched any metal to the ground.

Rod
'97 K1100LT High Line

Steverino · Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 8:45 pm Post subject:

Having ridden Shoganai's K11 with the forks dropped in the yokes and the rear shock at normal position I can honestly say that the handling is horrible. The bike falls in to corners with no consistency and is dangerous this way.

It was scary. Now that we have raised it back to stock in the front and I have seen Gwen's riding improve immediately I can honestly say that anyone that suggests that the K11 improves with the tubes dropped in the yokes is out to lunch.

Now maybe if you did both the front and the rear there would be some merit due to the factory geometry being maintained, but just doing the forks is not going to get you any benefit.

Shoganai · Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 10:46 pm Post subject: Re: suspension mods

Milton · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 9:35 am Post subject:

Thanks for all the advice here. Since my bike is going back together now I though it would be a good time to try some experimentation; I have never been unhappy with its handling.

I think the best advice is to leave it stock. I do have a new set of progressive springs I bought for $10 at a local BMW dealers "clean off the shelves sale". I am hoping they might give some noticeable improvement to the ride. I am also going to fill the forks with 15 wt oil.

Again thanks for the info. I'm trying hard to get her back together for the coming weekend.

Milton S.

RJTrucker · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 10:36 am Post subject: Lowered for height

I had to lower my K11LT so I could reach the ground. I put a K100 YSS shock on the rear adn had the forks tubes pused thru the triple trees about 5/8 of and inch. That combined with the K75 Low seat conversion I can noy get good footing on the ground. I did scrape my stand the other night on my way to work but I am sure the LT was not designed to lean as far as I was but I will work on that this weekend. This was the first real ride on the K11LT since I got it end of last season to replace my K1200RS. I miss the RS handleing but I love the comfort of the K11LT. I am still not sure if I like having a radio yet.
Ron
_________________
Ron
1993 K11LT
1985 K100RS with over 100K on it
1985 K100RS Luftmiester Turbo Work in progress (any help is appreciated)
1974 R90/6

Flying Duck · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 11:43 am Post subject: Re: Lowered for height