Custom triples for modern front end

[Maineiac]

Anyone have experience with having custom triples made up for modern front ends? I'm looking to have a set made up for a GSXR frontend on my CB750, but would like to keep the rake and trail as close to stock as possible by using a 50mm offset. The only place that I've found that makes something like this is customtripletrees.com, but I was hoping there was a brother out there.
Also, for those of you that have swapped to the USD front ends, with donor bike triples, what's the handling like? How did you solve tank clearance issues? No one ever really talks about the handling after the swap has been completed

 

[50gary]

I have a set of GSX-R 750 (06) USD forks on my CX500 with the Suzuki triples and the Honda stem modified to fit. I wanted the shorter offset to help quicken the steering on the CX. The bike is much improved, steering is more intuitive, the CX is top heavy and the forks help. I did a foolish thing after the swap was complete. I went to a "test" road out in the country a very bumpy road, non-stop bumps and went pretty fast, then faster, I was amazed at how well the front end behaved at speed on the bumps, so I went faster and stood slightly on the pegs. Finally the bike went into a horrific wobble and I had a moment, nearly crashed the thing. Like I said I did a really stupid thing. The feeling is plush, compliant without mush, great grip and good feedback. I have 5wt Belray fork oil and Continental "Conti Go" tires also with quite good feel, and revalved and sprung ZRX1200R rear shocks. This helps for the total package, as one element effects the overall impression. The original CX forks are broomstick skinny at 33mm so it's not fair to compare to the modern. The CX forks are primitive, screen door closer technology. Sorry if this is too wordy.
Cheers, 50gary

 

[notlob]

You might want to consider having step down top yoke made, the gsxr forks are probably 3" shorter than the CB forks and lowering the front that much is probably not a good thing. You'll shorten the trail, steepen the steering angle and lose ground clearance for those vulnerable stator and pulsar covers, more so if you go to a 17" wheel. I have gone for RWU zx9r / zx6r forks that are only 1" shorter than CB forks on my current build. Not ridden yet so cant comment.

 

[50gary]

For the record my GSXR forks are 28" (top cap to axle center) with normal sag (about 1") installed length my CX500 weighs 422# actual, ready to ride. Weight distribution is 50/50. Hope this helps?
Cheers, 50gary

 

[rockcitycafe]

http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=49223.60

see above.

if your forks are the same length as stock, and you're using the same diameter front wheel, then you're right to want to have the stock offset. if you're using the modern front wheel and modern rear, then the same applies (if you're going from 18/18 to 17/17). sometimes you're going from 19/18 to 17/17 and you want less offset. most swaps are done using the modern triple clamps, which is the easy way, but it's not really going to work well unless you rerake the bike or jack up the rear to bring the trail back close to something that handles well, and jacking up the rear will open its own can of worms. I guess it depends on your goal, if you want something that looks cool, then use the modern clamps, it's easier. if you're trying to improve suspension and handling, then having a custom set made is the way to go.

 

[rockcitycafe]

You might want to consider having step down top yoke made, the gsxr forks are probably 3" shorter than the CB forks and lowering the front that much is probably not a good thing. You'll shorten the trail, steepen the steering angle and lose ground clearance for those vulnerable stator and pulsar covers, more so if you go to a 17" wheel. I have gone for RWU zx9r / zx6r forks that are only 1" shorter than CB forks on my current build. Not ridden yet so cant comment.

quite right.