Woodsy is right, the same principle applies to both the old and new forks. As a note, I don't run a lot of drop for most high speed Hare & Hound events, but run at least some to help the steering. However, when I travel to a National H&H in Southern California, the forks go level with the top tripple clamps because of the extremely high speeds on the dry lake beds. For tighter woods riding like the two day event I will race this weekend, I will drop the fork 1/2 inch. Since there will not be any high speed sections, head shake will not be a problem.
Finally, you will not see as great an impact at slow speed as you will at high speed. Here's a test. Find a sweeping corner with a decent trail type berm that you are comfortable riding in mid second gear, and practice the corner with your forks in their current position. Your not looking for a corner where you slam the berm and make a 90 degree angle, but rather one that will allow you to drive around the corner. Now adjust your forks about 1/4 inch higher in the clamp, and ride the corner at least 15 times. Keep your feet on the pegs (I never drop my inside leg like you see in MX racing, as roots, rocks, stumps, etc. will send you to the Ortho doc for ACL/MCL repair when you hook one of these obstacles), and let the front end drift into the berm. Next, click up one gear, and practice the same corner another 10 times, trying to go faster each time. Remember, keep your feet on the pegs, and let your body slide forward on the seat. Once your comfortable with the new setting, add another 1/8 inch and repeat the process. I am confident you will find that you will be able to increase your speed through the corner by just raising your forks in the clamps.
Give it a try. I think you will be surprised.
Rick
The tough part is getting past the mental side of letting your front wheel drift into the berm. Your not trying to slam the berm, just drift into the berm.
