Front Forks: Do I need to replace
- Thread starter Cbone
- Start date
because i started with a decent shell i have an ok budget. I am comfortable ripping something apart and putting it back to together with little extra pieces ;D. but as far as fabrication and parts modification goes i am a bit of a novice. So i guess i would have to lean towards a performance upgrade/bolt-on.
VonYinzer
Over 10,000 Posts
Being as this is your first attempt at a build, keep it SIMPLE. Use as many stock parts as possible. Spend your time learning how the bike works and how to systematically upgrade the factory bits. Once you've really become comfortable with the workings of a motorcycle, then you can start to heavily modify and upgrade. The cb350 is a great learning platform. Cheap, reliable, relatively simple. Be wary of running headlong down the rabbit hole right now.
That is an amazing offer that I will definitely take you up on. And this is exactly the route I am trying to take. I see way too many people try to take something on that they can't handle and there for never finish. My plan is to build this bike up get it on the road and take things as they come from there.
barnett468
Coast to Coast
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would need better photos straight down at the top of the legs with the tubes out but there are no obvious probs and they will probably seal just fine.
would need better photos straight down at the top of the legs with the tubes out but there are no obvious probs and they will probably seal just fine.
Looks like someones tried to take out the fork seals with a claw hammer.
As long as there's no damage to the area where the seal circlip goes and the tubes aren't pitted then they will still be usable. Looks like you have them covered with gaiters so keep them on and you won't see the butchery.
As long as there's no damage to the area where the seal circlip goes and the tubes aren't pitted then they will still be usable. Looks like you have them covered with gaiters so keep them on and you won't see the butchery.
That was my first thought as well, but on a second look, it appears there is quite a dreadful amount of material missing, and I would be concerned with the seal leaking from the outside, not where it seals against the tube. You could try it, but I wouldn't invest any time with the appearance of the lowers until I was sure the seals didn't leak. As has been mentioned, the lowers should be pretty easy to find for cheap or even free since they made so many, so that may be easier. Another point to consider, if you try to salvage the ones you have and they leak, you will likely have sacrificed a set of seals - not an easy thing to remove without damage. Not that expensive, but everything counts when you are an a budget!
barnett468
Coast to Coast
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the top area is for the dust seal . . this area can be completely removed . . it has 0 affect on the oil seal area . . you would have to hit the oil seal area with a sledge hammer to damage/break it.
the top area is for the dust seal . . this area can be completely removed . . it has 0 affect on the oil seal area . . you would have to hit the oil seal area with a sledge hammer to damage/break it.
Well, I do not have one here in front of me, but evidently I remember these incorrectly. AFAIK there is a snap ring with the main (and only) seal directly under it. The gators are the dust seal. I have an old Honda in my shop now, (a couple years newer and a 450, but it looks exactly the same) and that is its internal arrangement.
