February 19, 201412 yr Hey guys, I dont have my TLR200 restoration bike yet, still keeping my eye out (pretty hard to find in Canada). In the mean time, I have been reading and reading the various restoration projects. I plan to modify the steering head angle. I have read a couple of posts and I will insert 6mm in the top tube for a 2 degree angle change. But what about the swing arm? How much do I lengthen it out? Where should I make the cut - will it screw up the shock length? If anyone has any pictures.... thanks!
February 20, 201412 yr Personally, the front end does need fixed. I would leave the rear alone until you think it has a problem. A shorter turning bike can be much better to ride than what is considered `best`.
February 20, 201412 yr Author I have read several complaints about the front end being much too light when the steering head angle is modified. I figure I may as well fix it up while doing the rest of the bike. ... and I found one, so I will be picking it up Friday - yippee!
February 20, 201412 yr Yeah, would not want it to handle like a modern bike, Huh? Just kidding, I`ve had a few tlr`s and they are disappointing at best. For some reason everyone has a soft spot for the little Honda`s.
February 20, 201412 yr Author Interesting point - I will ponder it. And yes, I very much have a soft spot for these pokey little bikes.
February 20, 201412 yr I recall reading on one of the TLR specialist websites in the UK that they lengthen the swingarm behind the shocks in the axle mounting area. By doing so you keep the original shock location. You are steeping the forks? I have a TLR250 and it appears to be less steep than a Reflex (yours is a Reflex?) from the riders position and I have no steering issues. Subjective opinion of course.
February 21, 201412 yr I see no need to lengthen the swing arm on my TLR200. I did find the bike to be quite top heavy and have lowered the peg mounts (1" down and 1" back) and it helped a lot. I did not steepen the forks because O still use it on the road and did not want it too twitchy. Some people have suggested advancing the cam timing by about 6 degrees to wake up the sleepy motor. I have a new cam sprocket but have not installed it yet so no field report on that. Have fun!
February 22, 201412 yr I see no need to lengthen the swing arm on my TLR200. I did find the bike to be quite top heavy and have lowered the peg mounts (1" down and 1" back) and it helped a lot. I did not steepen the forks because O still use it on the road and did not want it too twitchy. Some people have suggested advancing the cam timing by about 6 degrees to wake up the sleepy motor. I have a new cam sprocket but have not installed it yet so no field report on that. Have fun! Hi, where did you find the cam sprocket?? thanks
February 23, 201412 yr Hi, where did you find the cam sprocket?? thanks I can't really remember where exactly I bought mine, but Dennis Kirk has 'em in stock - https://www.denniskirk.com/51218.sku?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cse&gclid=COj54-et4rwCFYtDMgod_XsAvQ It really woke up my 'Flux. LOTS more bottom-end oomph for $20 and about 45 minutes work.
February 23, 201412 yr Hi, where did you find the cam sprocket?? thanks I got mine on eBay. Predrilled for the advance.
February 23, 201412 yr I agree with other posts, try before you extend. Mine works fine with head angle mod and standard swinging arm length.
March 7Mar 7 One reason to extend the swinging arm by 1.5 " - 2.00" inches is to keep the front end on the ground when accelerating uphill.
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