Would that explain the difference in handling, especially the steering?
Just a few thoughts and suggestions on your inquiry:
Do you have actual differences in handling or just differences in perception of it?
Are the forks mounted to the same height stock on both or on the ones you've ridden?
Are the two bikes otherwise dimensionally the same? Differences in weight, height, weight distribution, seating, reach to the handlebars or relative height/angle of the bars affect feel.
Are the tires the same? Differences in brand, type, even age and wear affect feel.
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