forks

How to make an old bike handle like a new (factory) one!
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Venny
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forks

Post by Venny »

hi guys just a quick one how far past the top of the fork yoke do the top of your fork legs travell .
Venny
longfiredragon
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Re: forks

Post by longfiredragon »

Venny

If your talking about how far they sag when you just center the bike? Then only going by memory here around 4 or so inches. Also assuming we are talking about the OEM stock forks? However I was told not to run any air in them as it doesn't do anything except contribute to premature failure of the seals. So that 4 inches of sag was with no air in them. I am know expert on motorcycle suspensions though. Are you looking to upgrade the OEM forks?
Venny
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Re: forks

Post by Venny »

sorry didn't see the reply .. and yes I want to replace them but Christ it's not cheap nor easy
Venny
longfiredragon
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Re: forks

Post by longfiredragon »

Venny all good. You are correct in most cases it will not be cheap. Replace them with what? I invested a considerable amount in the stock forks a few years back just so I could ride. New inner tubes, progressive springs, powder coated outer tubes, all new seals and rubber bits and block off plates to get rid of the ant-dives. Granted the front end is better than it ever has been, but still not where I want it to be or anywhere near what a newer setup would be.

Now I am in the process of collecting parts to swap the complete front end to the ZX11 front end. Want to hear the funny part, when all done I won't be much over what it cost me to rebuild the stock front end. But I will have much better brakes, full adjustability, bigger tubes etc.

Most on here have bought newer front ends off various different bikes off eBay and just refurbished them and swapped everything over. Do some research on here and that might help you decide which direction you want to go. Myself I have to buy parts as I can until I get everything and then I can swap it all over.
Venny
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Re: forks

Post by Venny »

also thinking of a bigger set of forks as mine is not standard any way .. zx 1100 you say .. would be nice to hear how that goes but once done I'd be propper happy with that ..
obviously it doesn't just slip in ...
Venny
longfiredragon
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Re: forks

Post by longfiredragon »

Venny, from what I have learned, and researched the Zx11 is one of the better easier swaps you can do. Besides the fact that Lorcan went 211 mph on his top speed record with a Zx11 front end on his bike. The Zx11 was a purpose built bike to take on the top speed kings of the day and went 178 mph out of the box. The front end makes for a very well mannered machine with excellent high speed and low speed tendencies. The Zx11 also is very close in wheel base, and weight of the turbo.

Correct in that it is not a direct bolt over, but then no front end is that I am aware of. That said with the Zx11 all you have to do is swap the stem from turbo over to the Zx11 triple tree which if I remember right does require a spacer and to be welded in place. The lower part of the upper fairing needs to be widened a little because the Zx11 forks have a wider stance. In the how to section Lorcan posted pic.s and drawings of the 2 blocks needed to mount the turbo clocks. The ignition switch mounts right up, the Zx11 used a cable speedo drive so you can use the turbo speedo. ( Otherwise you may have go with a satellite driven one and they are not cheap) then you have a choice of a couple different wheels which will carry as big as 320mm rotors and much better calipers. And yes the forks are bigger, 43mm vs 38mm of the turbo. The last thing is you will have to make something different for your turn signal, high beam, and all in that cluster. I bought a water proof box and some LED lights and have about 30$ in it. There is a little more specifics on what year of front end and wheels and axle and things but I listed the major stuff I can remember.

Of course there are other front ends so it's all in what you want. This may seem like a lot but like I said as far as I know the Zx11 is one of the easiest and requires the least modification, and works on turbo exceptionally well.

I will be posting specifics with pic.s and stuff in my project section when I get it all done. :thumbup

Oh, forgot to mention also that because the Zx11 was a sport touring bike the whole front end only sits 1 inch lower ( if I remember right) another words you won't be laid way over so there will still be some comfort there if that matters to you.
Venny
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Re: forks

Post by Venny »

well you certainly planted the seed again . I was thinking of that front end before but then got tied up with engine and turbo issues . how ever I was lucky enough to buy a complete bike (project) with 26.000miles so I took all the good stuff and sold the rest .... and here I am bike never been more sweet looks great.but now the critical eye is on my skinny flexy forks...I capped the anti dive and that is it .....I'll wait for you to post the
effort + money = reward and see if it adds up for me , :)
thank you for very much for your time to give me a break down on the requirements for said swop .
please keep me updated :thumbup
Venny
Venny
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Re: forks

Post by Venny »

would post a pic but i forgot how to
Venny
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