Anyone know anything about this bike/fork set-up?
- Thread starter D_Howard
- Start date
VonYinzer
Over 10,000 Posts
The best way to do it is to take both the GSXR (or CBR, or R1, etc...) triple trees as well as the Stock units to a machine shop and have them swap the steering stems out.
Theres a few threads here explaining the steps, but any competant machinist/welder should be able to get ya straight. You may need a small spacer cut as well if the stems are different diameters, but again, any decent machinist should be able to help you.
Theres a few threads here explaining the steps, but any competant machinist/welder should be able to get ya straight. You may need a small spacer cut as well if the stems are different diameters, but again, any decent machinist should be able to help you.
ok so are you saying a gsxr triple tree and fork(or other) would work. it's kinda a budget build and i dont wanna grab an expensive triple tree just to end up standing there with my dick in my hands at the machine shop cuz they say it wont work, ya know. sorry if these are annoying noob questions. 
VonYinzer
Over 10,000 Posts
You will need a COMPLETE front end from a modern sportbike. Than, youll need to swap the original steering stem into the modern trees. Than you'll need to have a custom axle and spacers made to fit a vintage dual disk spoke front wheel, or get rid of one caliper from the new forks. Either way youll need to modify rotors that come from the modern bike to mount to the vintage wheel, and make sure they mate up to the calipers. Than... Long story short, if the word budget shows up in your build and its not preceeded with "massive" or "unlimited" I wouldnt even try. Just the front end is going to cost several hundred in good condition. Youre better off just rebuilding the stock front end with high end components.
Fuck! well that sucks. I just really love the look of those new forks and brakes. if i ran a new wheel with that then i wouldnt have to deal with the wheel spacer and axle? could i possibly run a new style back wheel to match? again thank you for your help. im just trying to lay out a game plan for my bike. i'll get a build thread goin so you can see this P.O.S. turn into something decent. thanks again.
VonYinzer
Over 10,000 Posts
D_Howard said:
You could, BUT then you would need to modify the frame or the swingarm to use a different swingarm that fits a rear tire of that width which would most likely end up being a mono shock swinger. SO, you would have to figuire out how to mount a mono shock (massive undertaking) or have dual shock mounts made and welded to the swinger (still, a lot of work). You may find a swingarm thats compatible that will bolt up, but thatll take some research. No matter, if the stock bike (not much known on my part about that model) doesnt have a disk brake out back you will need to modify the stock rear brake lever to work a master cylinder (you'll also need a proper master for the front, preferrably the OEM one from the modern front end) for the rear caliper, which you will most likely have to also have a custom mounting plate made to mount. If youre using rearsets, you'll also have to have a rear master cylinder mount made on the frame.
Its all possible, but if you arent a fabricator with really good welding skills... Its a VERY expensive venture. If you are, its still going to cost you a good bit.
And cost aside, its all overkill.
The modern front end has a completely different geometry than the frame was designed for, and whatever swingarm you use would also change the rear suspension geometry. Theres a ton of planning, fab work, and design that goes into mods like this. None of it is simple or inexpensive.
Again, your best bet is to look for a different front end of the same vintage that will offer greater performance and a better "look" like a Honda GL1000 setup. Dual disks, spoked wheel, and better components that the Kawaski. Rebuild that front end with progressive springs, and gold emulators. Out back, find a nice set of Ohlins or similar "piggyback shocks, and mount them up. Your suspension will be 10x better than stock, and look the buisness. And best of all, it will cost you a small fraction of what the earlier plan would. It woint have the exact "look" youre after, but it will be a massive upgrade, and still retain the vintage feel.
in the photo it looks like he's running a modern front end and everything stock out back. i'll look into your suggestions. thanks again for the help. i'd really like to get the look of the anodized front forks, but hell i think that'll be a little out of my skill set i suppose. damn shame.
