Page 99 - Motorcycle Trader (February 2020)
P. 99
LEFT AND BELOW Groff had top tripe-clamp, remove the retaining nut DID IT WORK?
issues with the generic (remembering it has some spring force My rough measurement indicates a
instructions, regarding
which end of the spring behind it so expect it to jump a little when lowering of closer to 40mm than 30 but it’s
goes at the top. HyperPro it comes off), remove the spacer, hook now a perfect fit for Ms Spanner and she’s
prefers the tighter out the stock, replace it and put it back keen to start putting up distance on it.
windings at the top.
together. That amount of lowering should have
When Ms Spanner has given me some allowed for the original sidestand to
rider feedback, I’ll try to establish static remain unmodified but Ms Spanner felt
sag at around 70mm at the front and 65mm the bike was too unstable (ie, standing
at the rear. I’ll also change the fork oil to too upright) on the stand so off it came for
an SAE15 and go with the recommended a cut-and-shut of about 20mm. If you’re
220mm oil level. doing this yourself or advising a light
The fitting instructions that came engineering business to do it, make sure
with the kit are generic and can be a you remove the 20mm from just above the
bit confusing. The closer windings on base plate (and stick a sleeve in there to
the springs for the fork are supposed make it stronger) or you’ll have to find a
to be, according to HyperPro, at the top new sidestand spring as well.
of the fork but the originals are at the As I expected, it’s now too low for me to
bottom. If I followed the instructions, the be comfortable and the reduced ground and
displacement of the oil in the fork would cornering clearance would be a nuisance on
change. It’s not that important in that the faster rides. None of this is an issue for the
springs will work the same way, but it new owner so my job is now to encourage
will be interesting to see if I can feel any her to move up to something faster. Triumph
difference in damping. and BMW both have factory lowering
Similarly, the rear spring instructions available on their mid-range adventure bikes
can’t be followed because the retaining so that might be the way to go.
collet will only fit in one end of the As for me wanting a Himalayan for my
spring. Again, I don’t think it will make personal use, good things always come to
any discernible difference in operation. those who wait…
Any mechanics
out there know
OUR BIKES that refitting it
requires three
hands and an
ability to work
only by feel
MOTORCYCLE TRADER 97
