Fork extensions without lowering

Vray69 · 10-23-2012, 01:19 PM

I've read numerous posts that advise against using 3" and 4" extensions without lowering the rear. It's my understanding that this affects the trail and thereby affects the handling and possibly makes the bike dangerous. I'm asking because another member had stated that he was adding the 4" extensions and it did not sound as if his rear was lowered at all. For his, and others safety, can anyone elaborate? What are the real life effects of altering the trail in this manner?

Night Fury · 10-23-2012, 01:33 PM

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/choppers2.htm

Night Fury · 10-23-2012, 01:39 PM

Explains it even better:

http://bikearama.com/theory/motorcyc...ail-explained/

Vray69 · 10-23-2012, 02:06 PM

Good info Scott. So if I understand it correct, the extensions will increase the trail, making straight riding more stable but harder to turn? But also, by my logic, the extensions can't alter the rake or lengthen the wheelbase much, they just raise the frame in the front? Or does the raising of the frame also alter the rake?

460brevill · 10-23-2012, 02:19 PM

putting extenders on dose'nt alter rake.

Night Fury · 10-23-2012, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vray69

Good info Scott. So if I understand it correct, the extensions will increase the trail, making straight riding more stable but harder to turn? But also, by my logic, the extensions can't alter the rake or lengthen the wheelbase much, they just raise the frame in the front? Or does the raising of the frame also alter the rake?

I'm not professional. I can tell you that using the 1" extensions is supposed to lift the front by 1/2" according to L&M. I would assume that doesn't alter the rake by a noticeable degree. But using 3" or 4" just might be slightly noticeable. MFR has 10 degree raked trees plus 3 degree cut neck and uses 3" extensions with a stock wheel.

Night Fury · 10-23-2012, 02:24 PM

My old Ace had 4* trees; rear end lowered 1 1/2", and replaced 17" front wheel with 19". And it rode fine. I noticed a very slight vibration over 70 mph. Not sure if it was attributed to these mod's.

Vray69 · 10-23-2012, 02:35 PM

Cool. As long is doesn't make the bike a deathtrap... Lol. My take is that the longer extensions are pointless unless you actually alter the rake angle then?

Night Fury · 10-23-2012, 02:37 PM

I can't comment on that with any intelligent argument. I can say that it's always been said of stretched choppers that the further out the front wheel is the harder it is to turn.

Vray69 · 10-23-2012, 02:52 PM

Yeah.... I'm not smart enough to understand all the math of it. I always heard that too.