Just picked up a '99 Firestorm VTR 1000, and love it so far! A few kinks to work out but nothing major.
One of the projects is to create a slightly more upright seating position, and have already seen some of the threads re: risers, superbike bar conversions, etc., which re very helpful!
My question is, based on the following picture, has the PM of this bike dropped the bike down on the fork tubes, or is this the normal position?
If I drop the tubes back down in the triples, obviously this will bring the front end up a bit, understanding it has an impact on the steering geometry, but just wanted to know what the baseline actually should be.
Thanks!

 

See the snap ring there, almost at the top of the tube? The OEM installed tube position is to have that sap ring seated against the top side of the clip-on.

So yes, someone as slide the forks up a few mm in the clamps, by design or mistake who knows.

A common MOD is to RAISE the REAR of the SH a few MM ... Most would not want to lower it in front for several reasons the least of which is ground clearance.,, the SH has little to start with and will drag hard parts when run hard

 

Thank you Sir!
I thought that might be the case, but thought better to ask the experts ;-)
This will help the cause a little bit, and now I can figure out my bar options...

 

Have a look at Apex
(look at my signature and click the link)

 

Could you not just raise the handlebars on the forks but leave the forks clamped to the trees in the same place? Im thinking of doing this for a bit once I can ride again after my hand surgery. Would drop it back once properly healed.

 

Something else to try is to cut the nubs off the clip ons so you can rotate them. Its easier on the thumbs and turns out was needed so the throttle lock clears the tank when turned all the way to the right. Are you picking up on a theme here? Yep I like to cut things

 

Yes you can. I have my forks raised 6mm. Just watch for clearance issues at full lock, especially if you have Heli's or the like.

 

Moving the tubes in the triples will have a slew of handling effects that are really not worth going through if you want a riding position change.

Its like jacking up the rear of a car cuz you dont want to un-recline your seat; its just wacky.