https://www.oppracing.com/product_display/8639-nichols-triple-clamp-kit/ I have been using a set of these for a year now in my 748E framed track bike. Same headstock dimensions as an 848 and non-adjustable. I originally fitted them using the centered tube - 30mm offset. I have decided to experiment with a further reduced off set, which according to to the instructions means changing to the eccentric tube supplied with the kit. Now this is where I'm confused.... As i understand it the fork off-set is the distance between the center of the centre stem and the centre of the fork leg(s). So, looking at the pictures and the instructions, fitting the eccentric tube isn't going to change this dimension. It will move the whole fork assembly back or forth, depending which way around the tube is fitted, but the actual off set remains the same. Anyone fitted a set?
I've never seen a pair of those triples in my life but from your description it sounds like the forms move back or forth relative to the centre of the steering head. i.e. varying the offset, although the distance between the centre of the steering stem to the centre of the fork legs remains the same.
@Nelson, I'm curious as what you're hoping to improve by reducing the offset. It will make the bike more stable but also make it slower steering. Reducing the fork offset increases the trail, which increases the effort required to initiate a turn.
Ok-Further guidance needed! Firstly I'm trying to reduce off set and increase my trail number. I'm a bit confused as to the orientation of the tube within the frame stem to achieve 28mm. Intuitively I want to fit them with the lobe (circled) away from the tank/over the front fender, thus bringing the wheel and forks closer to the bike/tank/ engine. (Opposite to pic) Not my bike btw. But this makes me think I'm actually increasing the distance between the centre of the stem and the centre of the forks, thereby actually increasing the off-set. There's quite a lot of old post referring to 749R yokes that work the same way, but all the bloody images have fallen foul of the photobucket purge. Confused!
What angle is your non adjustable headstock? This would determine what would be the best offset to set your yokes to.
Says on your link 30mm is best Item Summary •Alters bike geometry for agility or stability •Stock Offset is 36mm •Variable Offset 28, 30, 32mm •Specify Ohlins or Showa forks •CNC machined from 6061 & 7075 aerospace alloys. •Optimum Offset is 30mm for 848-1098 for track About the Product Nicholas adjustable offset triple clamp kits are designed to alter the geometry of your bike. Changing the angle of your forks can make the bike more agile (using a smaller offset) or more stable (using a larger offset). The stock offset of a Ducati 848-1098-1198 is 36mm so installing a Nichols triple clamp will automatically make your bike more agile. Nichols triples can be set to 28mm, 30mm or 32mm offsets. Each triple clamp kit includes a centered sleeve and a sleeve that is offset by 2mm. The centered sleeve is already installed in the clamp kit and is set for 30mm. In order to change to a 28mm or 32mm offset, remove the centered sleeve and install the off-center sleeve, depending on whether you want 28mm or 32mm. Optimum Offset is 30mm for 848-1098 for track. Superbike Forks Triples Available Extra Cost.
Thanks DD. I have read all that and I have been using the bike at 30mm off set for a year or so. I want to try 28 - hence my question. thanks
I've seen special 749R(S) set-up, in that the main stem (top part of item #1) is offset too. The part that goes into the offset tube #6 Maybe @Air Duck can help. I know he has IMA yokes
You can see that the stem and inner sleeve are adjustable for 4 positions of offset. The standard 749R has adj for 2 positions only.
The eccentric steering stem moves the bearing effective center, has same effect as welding and moving the stem boss on the yokes, so does change the offsets
To reiterate, decreasing the offset make the steering *less* agile. This is not the same as changing the head angle, where a steeper head angle reduces the trail and make your more agile. Offset and head angle are two different variables. The above quoted text from Nichols is incorrect. Fitting yokes with less offset does *not* make it more agile. It makes it less agile.
Correct - What I need to know understand is which way around it goes to get the reduced off-set. Part 6 goes one of 2 ways. 180 degrees around, giving different off sets.
Quicker steering, i.e. less effort required to initiate a turn? That will also make it more likely for it to shake it's head under acceleration.
