America Yet Another Modification

OK here we go, yet another thread from me; well having posted how pleased I am with my America and posted the mods undertaken to make the bike my own, I have gone a step further which might interest some of you. Especially those of you who expressed concerns over lack of confidence in the front end.

In my 50 years of motorcycling I have ridden competitively in trials in the North West of England undertaken many many miles of touring taken part in Transponder testing on the Isle of Man, ridden a few track days, including Misano at World Ducati Week, rebuilt a good few bikes; I have also modified a few bikes for the track which included having to have a good understanding of suspension.

So here we go with my latest modification. Having been out and about just lately and now in a position to evaluate the bikes handling (which is to my surprise quite good), I found yesterday when out with my nephew on his Ducati that my bike did not easily drop into corners and had to be driven or slightly steered more than I would have liked, plus the bike did not track nicely around the corner. It was not a nice easy flow. So having brought the bike home I knew that I could improve that by adjusting the forks. This morning I decided to give it a go. You will most likely have seen or know that some bikes front forks have rings of adjustment above the top yoke. Dropping the front (moving the forks upward increases turn in and tracking) is what I wanted to do. Well the America has no rings and the book tells us the standard setting is with the fork tube level with the top yoke and to be truthful it is quite good but not quite right. (Not for me). So I have lowered my yoke or, if you like, lifted my forks 3 mm. Dropped the front end. I have been out on the bike and for me it is a transformation, the bike does exactly what I expected. So I am very pleased.

I have also to report that 32 lbs is perfect for the front tyre pressure. The front end now has very positive feedback and the bike is more of a pleasure to ride.

So how to do it, nothing difficult but a bit of care needed. I have fitted a centre stand which makes maintenance easier certainly for the back wheel, chain adjustment etc. So place bike on stand. Loosen the pinch bolts on 1 fork leg only, but not that loose that the fork leg could drop through. It needs a little friction or grab if that explains it. Take a piece of wood 2x2 as a soft drive and place against the mudguard bracket fixings on the fork tube. You now need a good heavy hammer, I use a copper hammer. Now drive this piece of 2x2 upwards with a good solid blow to start the fork leg moving. Be careful not to over drift the leg, I use a Vernier to measure the distance moved. I think it might take a few taps to slowly reach the desired measurement. I have moved mine 3 mm. Tighten the pinch bolts and repeat on other side.

So there you have it, my latest modification. It works for me.

Ride safe all Ken. Need to chat drop me a line.
I have attached pics of my bike and example of the adjustment rings found on some bikes.

 

I can understand your comments, tyres can an do make a big change. I have the Metz as the standard they seem to work ok for me.
I have tried a few pressure settings now and they are critical to the bike more on this bike than any other I have owned.
I have now settled for the front 32 and 42 rear, mostly 2 up, but would go to 30 front an 40 rear if mostly ridden 1 up.
Interesting the Haynes manual says 30 psi.
Ken.

 

https://normanhyde.co.uk/hinckley-triumph/america-speedmaster/hyde-cruiser-centre-stand.html

Here you go mate. Big old bike to haul onto it though. They also do a lifting handle but it will not fit my America the seat gets in the way. But my misses and I can easy do it. Ride safe Mate Ken.