Lowering front end

[72cl350]

I was wondering how to lower the front end on my cl350?

[gr1976]

I've never touched a cl350, but its usually either buying shorter fork tubes or sliding the stock ones up through the triple. How low are you wanting to go?

[72cl350]

I'm not sure. I'm still debating on hardtailing it or making a cafe out of it.

[73cb500]

How does one go about sliding the stock tubes through the triple? Sounds like thats right up my alley! And if your tossing the idea of hardtailing yours around make some Temporary hardtail "shocks" and drive it around your neighborhood first..It will probably only take about 15 minutes for you to decide..Haha

[felkman]

Jul 16, 2011 2:27:20 GMT -4 @73cb500 said:

How does one go about sliding the stock tubes through the triple? Sounds like thats right up my alley!

Loosen the bolts on both the upper and lower triple tree and slide the tubes up the same amount on both fork tubes, tighten the bolts down. This will change the geometry of the steering some though and your fork tubes will be sticking up like this.

[gr1976]

also, you shouldn't lower the front without lowering the back an equal amount...the bike can become unbalanced and dangerous

the back can be lowered w/ shorter shocks (preferred) or lowering blocks (cheaper) that move the mounting point of the shock but decreases the shocks ability to work the lower you go

[sure]

Jul 16, 2011 2:27:20 GMT -4 @73cb500 said:

And if your tossing the idea of hardtailing yours around make some Temporary hardtail "shocks" and drive it around your neighborhood first..It will probably only take about 15 minutes for you to decide..Haha

a strutted bike and a true rigid framed bike ride totally different.
Rigid frames have some flex to them,plus a sprung seat, while struts just ram the seat up your a$$.

[cb500bobber]

Okay I have a rigid frame with no springs on the seat and it rides great. I have lowered bikes before with two ways with the sliding of the forks up and also using racing straps and both of them rode the same as stock height.

[73cb500]

I took a good hard look at the triple on my bike and it looks like my handlebars are directly in the way..So do you have to change the mounts for those as well if sliding the tubes?

I've ridden many a tardtail bike and do love them..I ride everyday to work long distances currently and my old rice crispy bones enjoy the suspension.haha!

But I wouldnt mind having a hardtail for when I just go out crusing

[leadkrm]

Well most people do clip on's
Who lower forks this way so then the rider needs to lean over farther and giving the bike a bit more aggresive riding position

[73cb500]

Hmm my chest is already almost on the tank when I ride..Ill have to look up clip ons to see just what they are..It does look cool in that picture though

[72cl350]

I was wondering if you could get shorter springs that are in the forks or could you cut the stock ones?

[Deleted]

that doesnt sound like a good idea.

[73cb500]

I wouldnt cut anything that holds my front wheel to the ground,but thats just me

[gr1976]

Not sure of the cl350's internals but you can cut the springs on the cb 750's, 550's etc. with the combination of custom spacers The spacers shorten the shock and cutting the spring changes the pre-load. My tubes were really pitted so I just bought the shorter tubes. I did not cut the springs. Getting the caps back on was a little tricky but doable. The front is probably stiffer due to the added pre-load but I can't seem to lock the forks from coil bind.