Thanks Barry. That worked (after splitting a number of pieces of lesser quality timber).
Anyway, I pushed the stanchions up through the top clamp by 25mm and fitted the Tarozzi clip-ons above the top clamp and this solved all my issues with riding stance, but preserved the look of the bike.
Georgesgiralt, this is a custom bike, but a set of original LS bars would have suited the look. There are 2 types of bars for the LS and 2 part numbers on the parts microfiche that I've seen. One is described as "handlebar" and the other is described as "handlebar broad high". Unfortunately, my bike had fitted the "handlebar broad high", but I need the 'handlebars" which are lower and narrower and would've suited my bike. I couldn't find them anywhere in Australia. Pretty sure they are available in the US and saw a price of $160 US. Considering the exchange rate for the Australian $, I would've been paying about $300 for the bars - and then add freight (in US$ also). I decided to stick with my Tarozzi's thanks.
As for the effects of changes in the fork dynamics, what I noticed is that it probably tips into corners a bit more easily then previously and the steering feels just a little bit more positive/direct/stable through the bars in corners at higher speeds. That's a plus, I figure.
There was, however, another trade off. The pivot point of the centre stand is positioned perfectly so that the balance of the bike, as you would know, makes it really easy to pop it up onto the stand. When you drop the front a little way further down the forks (even as little as 25mm), it changes the balance and now it's a real chore to get it up onto the centre stand. A very small price to pay.
If anyone is looking for a set of "handlebar broad high" part # 32 71 1242959 I don't think I'll be using mine again any time soon.
Cheers
