Raising forks through yoke to cure understeer on TDM9?

[twinrider]

My 2005 TDM takes a little more effort to tip into corners than I'd like and it also tends to understeer (run wide) in corners. Tires are Z6 in good condition and the bike's never been crashed. Ohlins shock and fork springs, so it's sprung much firmer than stock. I'm thinking of raising the front forks a little through the yoke to improve the handling. If any of you have done this and have a recommendation as to how many millimeters I should raise them, I'm all ears. Cheers.

[iand1947]

<!--quoteo(post=23703:date=Mon 4th Dec 2006, 04:32 AM:name=twinrider)-->QUOTE(twinrider @ Mon 4th Dec 2006, 04:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->My 2005 TDM takes a little more effort to tip into corners than I'd like and it also tends to understeer (run wide) in corners.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Would also be interested, having had similar experiences. Tyres (or rear at least) will soon need changing anyhow.

[duibhceK]

I dropped the yoke about 10mm on my 9'er and it helps with reducing the effort needed for a flic-flac and also makes steering in a little lighter. But it doesn't cure the understeer as imho the main factor in that is the front suspension.
I just put thicker oil (15W) in the front fork legs and that does help a lot. Makes the bike feel a lot less bouncy as well.

[dandywarhol]

I agree Duibhce, I also raised mine 10mm but the understeer has been all but eliminated by fitting a different damping valve arrangement which has 2 stage variable compression damping. this set up keeps the tyre hard in contact with the road even braking into corners.

RACE TECH

[Jez]

Dropped my yokes 20mm on my '96. Woah! felt like all my weight was on my arms and my arse was in the air - quickened up the steering a lot too, possibly too much. Scratchers may like it.

Immediately didn't like it meself so settled on 10mm for the balance between quicker steering and retaining the riding position. I was amazed at the difference a small adjustment makes . Costs nothing too.

Try it, I think you will be surprised .

[twinrider]

<!--quoteo(post=23746:date=Mon 4th Dec 2006, 04:59 PM:name=Jez)-->QUOTE(Jez @ Mon 4th Dec 2006, 04:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->Dropped my yokes 20mm on my '96. Woah! felt like all my weight was on my arms and my arse was in the air - quickened up the steering a lot too, possibly too much. Scratchers may like it.

Immediately didn't like it meself so settled on 10mm for the balance between quicker steering and retaining the riding position. I was amazed at the difference a small adjustment makes . Costs nothing too.

Try it, I think you will be surprised .<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Yeah, I think I will drop 10mm and see what happens. Interesting, a reviewer also commented on the same trait and blamed it on the 18'' front wheel. http://www.motorbikestoday.com/reviews/Art.../yam_tdm900.htm

That said, my 1100GS had a 19'' front wheel but turned very quickly so I think that rake is also involved. Probably Yamaha just wanted to give it a stable, conservative setting from the factory.

[Jez]

I have read elsewhere that some 900 owners drop there yokes by 40 or even 55mm . This seems frightening to me but, hey, strokes for folks.

Dropping the yokes not only moves C of G but shortens the wheelbase and reduces the rake too, as I am sure you know

[twinrider]

<!--quoteo(post=24149:date=Sun 10th Dec 2006, 04:26 PM:name=Jez)-->QUOTE(Jez @ Sun 10th Dec 2006, 04:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->I have read elsewhere that some 900 owners drop there yokes by 40 or even 55mm . This seems frightening to me but, hey, strokes for folks.

Dropping the yokes not only moves C of G but shortens the wheelbase and reduces the rake too, as I am sure you know <!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

I raised the forks tubes 10mm this weekend. Very pleased with the results. Very agile, nuetral steering but still nice and stable. Also no doubt helped that I ran the tires with the correct amount of air pressure this time