How to Shorten Motorcycle Forks for a Cafe Racer

Lowering the front end can make a huge difference to the stance of a cafe racer, but simply dropping the forks through the triple trees isn't always the answer. Shortening the forks internally can provide a cleaner solution while maintaining the look and proportions you're aiming for.

In this guide, we look at the process of shortening conventional motorcycle forks, including removing and disassembling the fork legs, dealing with the springs and internal components, making and fitting spacers, reassembling the forks and setting the fork oil. The video demonstrates the process on a cafe racer project and shows the steps involved from removing the forks through to putting them back together.

Shortening forks also changes the motorcycle's front-end geometry, including rake and trail, so the amount of lowering needs to be considered carefully. Ground clearance, suspension travel and the relationship between the front and rear of the motorcycle all need to be taken into account before making the modification.

Whether you're building a cafe racer, bobber or another custom motorcycle, understanding what is involved in shortening the forks can help you achieve the lower stance you're looking for without compromising the way the motorcycle handles.