Just found the thread........as Tweak said "why didn't you just ask me?"
To confirm it is a Sachs (Mille) yellow spring shock of 2003 vintage (I think) The guy doing my powder coating on my little Yam restoration did the spring for me in Red (I had a plan ... don't ask ....)
I'd just extend the shock to it's maximum length (that's what I do with my Ohlins) as long as you have the correct linkages the ride height should actually be a bit higher (hence the potential stand extention requirement)
FYI,
I've found huge improvements in both the handling and feel from the front end this summer by using the shock on it's maximum length and dropping the forks down 3 rings on the Tuono. As to whether this will work on the Falco is another question as the bikes have different geometry of course. But IMHO it is worth having a go (drop just one ring at a time of course) and seeing how it affects the bike and how you feel. The main benefit appears to be an obvious quickening of the steering, but the flickability is hugely improved with no loss of stability either upright or once settled into a corner. I do have a damper fitted (it's std) but even with the big wide bars on the "T" I have had no real moments (unlike on the Falco!!)
However upon my return from the Picos mountains in Spain this September (So many fantastic roads and bends) I found the front tyre had been rubbing on the radiator shroud so I've now had to lift the forks a ring to get some clearance, but never the less the way the bike dropped into the corners and stayed planted was sensational.
Whilst in Spain I rode in the company of a seriously competant 1098S rider and was never left behind (well on the straights he buggered off of course) The Tuono was superb. The last time I got my knee down was about 30yrs ago at Haigh roundabout (Jnt 39 M1) on my LC250. In Spain I wore away both knee sliders, both toe sliders and even got the little slider on the top of my boot down as well. If you ever get the chance to ride the roads around the lake at Riano in the Picos (Google earth the name "Riano" you'll see what I mean about the roads) you will do exactly the same!!! Superb doesn't come close, the roads, the weather, the location..............wonderful!!
I was like a little (well huge now to be honest) boy in a sweet shop, at 47yrs old I never thought I'd ever get my knee down again, so for a little while I felt like I was 17 again even if the reality is another matter (lol)
Oh.... and I'm not rising to the Leeds comments Tweak..........coming from a Town fan I know when to keep my head down..........just wait for the return game at the Galpharm..........we'll have our revenge then
F9
