Raising Fork Tubes to fit clipons...

[lloydbanks]

Hello there.  I am new to this site and fairly new to this sport.  I picked up a GS earlier this month for commuting and discovered that the front suspension was way to soft for city riding.  So thanks to this site I changed the fork springs & fork oil which helped tremendously.  I also put on a pair of clipons above the top triple which quickened the steering and gave me more leverage when counter-steering.  

However, I came across a problem that I don't think is too serious.  But I wanted to get some feedback from the people on this list.  

When I ride over pot holes, the fork leg slider hits the lower triple.  I figured that it was because I raised the forks legs to accomodate the clipons which in turn shortened the travel.  

What harm will this do to my forks?

Any solutions to this problem without having to move the clipons below the top triple?

Should I just suck it up and try to avoid pot holes in New York City -if that's possible.

BTW - the magura clipons were purchased on Ebay from someone on this list.  JUst wanted to say thanks again for the fast & easy transaction.  

[Black Snowman]

If you haven't already you can try trimming some metal off the aluminum mount for the handlebars and intruments where they suround the tubes. That should give you and extra 1/4-1/2" clearance.

I'm not exactly sure which part you say is hitting. I'm guessing the tops of the tubes themselves? If that's the case it will tear up your dust covers and wear out your fork seals faster. Not sure if there would be any other reprocussions. I'm not familiar enough with the design of the forks.

[JamesG]

Yeah bottoming out the forks like that is a VERY bad thing.  Besides the obvious damage you will do to the fork seals and the fender.  If you are cornering and hit a bump that bottoms out your forks you can get into trouble fast.

Try putting them under the top clamp.

[lloydbanks]

thanks guys for the quick reply.  i think i'm going to try to place the clipons below the top triple.  i'm sure that will solve all my concerns.

btw i'm going to install a 92 GSXR rear shock this weekend. got it from ebay for $35.  CAN'T WAIT !!!