Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: triple clamps and handling, yamaha xt500, triple clamps

Question
The 1978 Yamaha XT500 and SR500 have triple clamps with different fork offsets from the steering head.  The XT has the fork clamps offset about 1 inch further forward than the SR triple clamp which has the fork clamps only about 1/2 inch out of line with the steering head.  What are the consequences if I switch out the SR triple clamps for the XT?  

Thanks

Answer
Nord,

I'm unfortunately not an engineer, so take this advice for what it's worth:

Assuming that the angle of the triple clamps (forks) will remain unchanged, lengthening the wheelbase (by adding 1/2 inch) will make the bike more stable in a straight line, but the bike will turn in slower.

It would be possible to then lower the forks in the triple clamps to counteract this effect. I don't know how much you'd need to lower them. It may require some experimentation. I'd guess only a few millimeters.

Good luck,

Pat