Dropping the DL650 suspension

[Don_Alejo]

I dropped my DL650 K6 front suspension almost a full inch. Very easy and straightforward mod. It involves less than 10 minutes and it can be done even without the aide of a centerstand; the sidestand will sufice.

What a difference in handling! I feel like I am turning on rails! Steering feels more precise, I throw the bike in a 90 degree turn (you know, the left turners at the light) accelerating with a big grin in my face!

Slow speed maneouvres are easy as cake, and I could swear I can ride in circles tighter than before!

Easy reversible mod! I recommend it!

[prhaussies]

What did you do?? RH

[Don_Alejo]

What did you do?? RH

Loose the upper and lower clamps, let the suspension tubes come up, tighten up a bit, measure, tap to precision, tight up.

Nothing to it, really.

[Calgary-Yogi]

Drop the front 12mm at the tech day on the 1000. I agree want a difference in handling. There is no more of that famous head shake when riding close to big trucks.
FYI - Use a torpue wrench on the head bolts. I would have never guess how little torque they need.

[Don_Alejo]

Drop the front 12mm at the tech day on the 1000. I agree want a difference in handling. There is no more of that famous head shake when riding close to big trucks.
FYI - Use a torpue wrench on the head bolts. I would have never guess how little torque they need.

Finger tight.

[10-95]

Any issue with the center stand or any other hard parts dragging???

[Squeaky]

He dropped mine too, and so far all I can say is that it feels funny. Combine that with a few days of no riding, a new front tire, and stiffened front suspension - and it felt REALLY weird. We backed off the spring adjustment a bit so I can get used to it a little at a time.

I'll probably have to take the center stand off for the next track day.

[prhaussies]

:zen: I bought my bike w/less than 200 miles on it. I softened up the frt an rear suspension right of way. Someone must have raised the fork tubes, they are .5 above the clamps. I unloaded the front spring to the point of touching the handlebars. Dampening could be improved in the front for small$, the rear, lotsa skins. Overall I am very happy. I have not experienced the problems I have read about. This is the best M/C I have ever had and there have been bunches of them. RH:sun:

[anaconda]

Thanks for the report Alejo. I've been thinking about raising the forks on mine as well.

[Don_Alejo]

He dropped mine too, and so far all I can say is that it feels funny. Combine that with a few days of no riding, a new front tire, and stiffened front suspension - and it felt REALLY weird. We backed off the spring adjustment a bit so I can get used to it a little at a time.

I'll probably have to take the center stand off for the next track day.

Update this, slacker:
:trust:

[Don_Alejo]

Thanks for the report Alejo. I've been thinking about raising the forks on mine as well.

Start with 10mm at a time.

[Squeaky]

Update this, slacker:
:trust:

Yessir... :giveup:

Feels good. Nice and nimble. Might move it a bit more and just get used to it a little at a time.

Sill needs valves and TB sync before too long. I just can't seem to find the time... :rider:

[anaconda]

Start with 10mm at a time.

Oops, didn't read your reply until now. I got them raised 15 mm last saturday. I then rode home (only from downtown Houston) on I-10 and the bike felt oh so planted. No head shake at all, although I didn't happen to be near an 18-wheeler, which is when it was the worst. I had the preload maxed out before, so I backed it up one notch when I got home. The front end doesn't dive nearly as much when I hit the brakes. :sun: