Fork placement

[mbramley]

  I had my forks rebuilt over the winter. When I was putting it back together I like the look of the fork caps flush with the triple tree, but I know the cap was just above the tree when I took it apart. Question is does it make a difference?

[hubcapsc]

People move them up some to lower their bikes sometimes. It
sounds like, from your description, that you've moved them an
amount that won't cause any problems.

-Mike

[Jims99]

I agree. As long as the clamps are on the thick parts of the forks, you’re good to go. I wouldn’t go lower than flush and not higher than about 1/2”-3/4”.

[98valk]

  I had my forks rebuilt over the winter. When I was putting it back together I like the look of the fork caps flush with the triple tree, but I know the cap was just above the tree when I took it apart. Question is does it make a difference?

lowering them will increase the Trail number which is already too much.

[mbramley]

  Thanks' for the replies. I'm only moving them down the thickness of the cap top(about an 1/8th of a inch). My main concern was that the cap is now in the clamp itself and maybe affecting the clamping force on the tube or damaging the threads on the cap. As always this group comes through.

[turtle254]

I agree. As long as the clamps are on the thick parts of the forks, you’re good to go. I wouldn’t go lower than flush and not higher than about 1/2”-3/4”.

Have you had any problem raising 1/2" - 3/4" with handling ?

[98valk]

I agree. As long as the clamps are on the thick parts of the forks, you’re good to go. I wouldn’t go lower than flush and not higher than about 1/2”-3/4”.

Have you had any problem raising 1/2" - 3/4" with handling ?

see my posts about installing I/S triple clamps on my std and the resulting better handling.

https://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,105991.0.html

[mbramley]

 Nice article on the triple tree and head mods. I'm considering a second Valk for a solo ride. That sounds like a good addition to the project.

[98valk]

whatever u decide to do make sure the fork caps are even. just did mine left side required the locknut to be adjusted half a turn. I did have an early right side bearing failure and inconsistent fork seal leaking, was never constant leak and the fork axle was never easy to remove or install, now it just slides in and out like it should.

https://tech.bareasschoppers.com/suspension/fork-spring-replacement-vtx-1800/
If you do not make these adjustments so the fork caps bottom out simultaneously it can make removal and installation of the front tire difficult (the axle won’t line up), it can cause premature bearing failure in the wheel, and seal failure in the forks.

[RonW]

Using the lid on both fork caps as a reference point, their distances to the front axle's axis should be the same for the axle to line up on the money.
You could push or pull a fork up or down a smidgen to line it up with the axle, but the forks will be exerting unequal pressure on their end of the axle.





Below, A & B represent the threads that screw into their respective fork caps. Theory has it, A & B should be the same in order for the front axle to line up.
However since both rods sit on springs and springs fatigue unevenly the theory might need to be adjusted accordingly. As 98valk noted, a half turn here, a half turn there.

[98valk]

nice post and pics RonW.   

[mbramley]

 Thank you everyone. Great info and pics. I had Honda rebuild them for me so I'm hoping that part doesn't need adjusted, but with this info I will double check them.

[98valk]

Nice article on the triple tree and head mods. I'm considering a second Valk for a solo ride. That sounds like a good addition to the project.

thanks