Shorter fork tubes = shorter springs?

[Bouncer]

So in my search to get low, I have run into a question or 2.

I am planning on getting -2 shorter fork tubes for my 78 750F. I have run into the question of do I need to get shorter springs? I assume that if I use the stock springs it is going to ride real hard. What have some of you guys done? Is their a source for shorter springs up front?

 

[junkyard jon]

CB550 forks are shorter and are a direct swap. they even share the same axle.

are you lowering the rear also?

 

[Deli Sandwich]

Revamping this thread.
I'm considering chopping down my fork tubes on a cb450.
I've heard that all you need to do is rethread the tops and you should be good to go.

do the 550/750 tubes work for 450s? they are both 35mm

cyclexchange sells shortened tubes as well for for cb750s at $150 a pair
http://www.cyclexchange.net/Honda%20Cafe%20Page.htm

any insight towards shortening fork tubes otherwise?
cut springs as well?

 

[crazypj]

chop the 'closed' coils off 2" or get new springs.
I fitted CB750 tubes and springs to my CB 550 (and rear shocks)
The heavier springs front and rear plus longer forks/shocks gave enough ground clearance for high speed cornering without grounding solid bits of frame ;D.
After exhaust change, it would go a long way over before anything touched down ( still managed to grind most of right footrest away though)

PJ

 

[hillsy]

Gee I love whoring this pic ;D

Do you have spacers under your fork caps? If so, you can shorten / take them out. Otherwise, cut them as PJ said.

 

[Deli Sandwich]

I dont think i understand that diagram.
Isnt #8 the fork tube that i want to cut down?

 

[hillsy]

No need to cut the forks - you put a spacer under the damper rod and the fork slides into the fork leg.

 

[Deli Sandwich]

how is that going to shorten the overall length of the fork tube?
i want to cut about 2 inches off the fork tubes, cause they stick out above the triples too much.

 

[crazypj]

The damper rod (#11) stops the fork from flying apart when wheel leaves the ground, if you extend the 'bottom' of it, the fork cant extend so far.
You dont have a spacer to cut down so you need shorter springs.
I wouldnt go with 550 springs as its a much lighter bike, cut original springs where I told you, the 750 is too soft and needs heavier springs

PJ

 

[Deli Sandwich]

Thanks PJ,
what are the "closed" springs that you speak of?

 

[darkhorse]

I have the same question. I have new forks from franks that are 1" shorter and I'm not sure which side of the spring I should cut down. From reading above I assume I need to cut the "closed" side which I'm guessing is where the spring's coils are closer together?