New Here

[bimota]

I am Bruce Johnson
I live in Powder Springs, GA
I am riding a KTM 200 exc.

I formally had a Husky for 4 years and I sold it due to problems with reliability.

It had several electrical problems and finally blew the engine big time, $3700.00.

I am 74 years old and bought a 2 cycle that is more affordable than the 4 cycles.

I enjoy dual sports but my bike cannot be plated in Georgia.

I have a question, I am short at 5'7" and would like to raise the fork tubes about 4 to 5 mm to help me with being a runt. Will there be any real negative effect to the handling if I do this?

Thanks
Bruce

[bajadog]

Cheers and welcome Bruce.

I guess there is hope for me still if you're riding
into your 70's.

If you raise the fork tubes up in the triple clamps, the
bike will corner better, but not be as stable on high
speed sections.

[bimota]

Thank you Bajadog. I think I will try raising them. I can always return to standard if it is too twitchie.

Yea, my neighbors think I am too old to ride. I have ridden street all my life, since 14 years old, but I started dirt late in life and love it. I have hurt myself a few times, cracked ribs, 3 cracked vertbra, tail bone, shoulder blades, etc.

[bajadog]

I think when you "think" your to old to ride then that's that.

Malcolm Smith is 70 and still rides like a crazy teen.

I was riding down in Baja about 15 years ago, and this party
of guys smoked us (we were pushing our limits at 65 mph).

We got to Mikes Sky ranch to find out it was Malcolm in his 50's.

We were in our 30's.

[bimota]

I do have to ride my bicycle and do some stretching but riding with Malcolm Smith would be crazy. I did a Shane Watts school and he is also an excellent rider.

Malcolm Smith helped my grandson and a lot of kids that want to ride when he fought the stupid lead law the government tried to put on small bikes and won. I admire him for his support as well as his skills.