Question regarding fork tube height in triple clamps

[Erdoc48]

I was able to source a used Superbrace for the 1100 - thank you michael g (already have one on the 2000)- the one I just received is an earlier version of the one I have on the 2000. On the 94, I have the fork tube height about 2-3 mm above the top of the upper triple clamp (see pic):



And have roughly the same setup on the 2000. The issue is that I can’t get the Superbrace to fit on the 94 (which is an ABS1 bike) and I can move a line out of the way to allow the brace to fit if I raise the fork tube up ~ 2 cm from where it is now (I have Progressive springs put in by the prior owner and the 2000 has the OEM springs if that makes a difference). So on the 94, the rake would change just a bit (and in the service manual, there is no mention of how many mm above the upper triple clamp the fork tubes should be set at). If I measure from the lateral top of the front fender where the fork tube lower is to the junction of the tube and lower, it is just about 3/4” difference (so 2.5” on the 2000 and 1.75” on the 94).

What I did today was install the earlier version on the 2000 (very tightly on there so no worries) and I was going to use the newer one on the 94. In the old days when Superbrace made them for the ST1100, it indicated it would not fit the ABS bikes because the fenders were different (on the ABS2 bikes)- but on the bikes I have, the fenders are the same.

So here is the question: Does the change in rake matter all that much as we’re talking about just raising the fork tube just a bit to allow installation of the brace? Thanks as always for any replies.

Here it is on the 2000:


^^ That’s not paint damage, that’s sweat on my fender since it was so dang hot in the garage despite the AC and fan on in the garage.

Also, new version requires removal of the plastic fork protectors, prior version requires them in place as a clamping surface/ spacer, so I placed them carefully (were cut previously) and clamped the old brace in place.

 

[dduelin]

That small amount in the first picture is not likely to make any difference to you. I recall that a good rider on a bike he knows well can tell the difference that 4 or 5 mm raise or drop makes in steering geometry. It's likely that the difference in springs makes more than 4 or 5 mm difference. To definitively know where the two bikes compare you need to measure sag of both ends of both bikes.

 

[Ron]

The ABS II ('96 and newer) have different front fenders. There is a "horn" type feature, on the front half, that acts somewhat like a fork protector. The fork would have to be machined to fit a brace on them. Since they have been out of production for over 20 years, I don't see one getting developed for the ABS II.

All other 1100s have the same 1 piece front fender. All of them.

 

[ST1100Y]

... I have the fork tube height about 2-3 mm above the top of the upper triple clamp ...

Which bears the question: why?

 

[Erdoc48]

Which bears the question: why?

OK, so question is…how do others have their fork set (like how far above the upper triple clamp)?- if question is why, it’s been like that since I bought the bike and pretty much left it that way.

But, since I’m not a professional rider/racer, it sounds like it likely won’t matter to raise the tubes just a bit for clearance.

I appreciate the responses.

 

[Uncle Phil]

IT probably won't make much difference at all.

 

[ST1100Y]

... it’s been like that since I bought the bike and pretty much left it that way.

Tube flush with upper clamp, only cap protruding...

 

[Bmacleod]

if I raise the fork tube up ~ 2 cm from where it is now

2 cm seems like a lot to raise the forks. I would think you would notice a difference in handling. Could be good or bad, depending on how you like your steering to behave. The thing that stands out to me is that on my 1300, there is only about about 2 cm of clearance between the underside of the headlight cowl and the top of the fender at full suspension compression. I have no idea if it will be an issue on an 1100, but I thought I would throw it out there for you to look at, to be safe.

Edit: I am assuming that 2 cm (20mm) is not a typo. I am thinking it is not, as 2mm really wouldnt help much in the way of clearance for the brace fitment

 

[Sunday Rider]

Here is a pic of mine

 

[Uncle Phil]

One thing is for sure - try it before you install the superbrace.
If it works then install the brace, if it doesn't then no harm no foul.

 

[Andrew Shadow]

(and in the service manual, there is no mention of how many mm above the upper triple clamp the fork tubes should be set at)

From the Honda Service Manual;

 

[dwalby]

I just woke up, so maybe I haven't thought this through, but since the brace fits on the lower fork tubes, why would it make any difference where you position the top tubes in the triple clamp?

I don't understand the problem you're encountering that requires changing the fork position in the triple clamp, could you explain? edit: is it a brake line isn't long enough after the brace is in place?

Regarding the 20mm drop, that's not very much in terms of rake change, but it does reduce the amount of travel available for the forks since the lower triple clamp is now 20mm closer to the top of the fender. Before you installed the brace, did you happen to notice how much of the upper fork tube was not being used by the available travel (dirty vs. smooth)? Since you have aftermarket springs, the travel distance may have changed from stock anyway, so I'm not sure if this could be an issue, but I'd keep an eye on it.

 

[Erdoc48]

Ok moment of clarity
Raising fork tubes will do nothing

D’oh!

I guess I can’t use the brace on this bike

 

[ST1100Y]

I guess I can’t use the brace on this bike

FYI, you already got one, OEM...

loc 7...

 

[Erdoc48]

Of that I am aware

I might resell this for what I paid with shipping included ($45) but I’ll make an official for sale entry if anyone wants it