Springs on the outside?

[factive]

I believe these were stock on the early cb350s but was wondering if anyone knew where I could get a set that would fit my 400f. Even if they're non-functional (i.e. for looks). If that's not possible, can I swap out my forks my some of these and would there be any downside to that?

 

[Kanticoy]

Re: Springs on the outside?

The cb350 and the 400f forks are both 33mm. You could get a set of the early 350 forks and make that work. Probably going to need the trees and wheel as well to do that as the tree has a pocket for the spring on the 350, and the early ones used a drum, so no caliper brackets on the lower stanchion. Anything is possible, but that would make a place to start.

 

[axeugene27]

I have extra all those things i would swap front ends if you are local... Ohio?

 

[trek97]

My bike is a 76 360 BUT I swapped to a 69 CL350 front end. the trees do not have have a pocket for the springs. just pull the little metal cups out of the boots and thats what keeps the springs in line along w the plastic sleeves inside the springs. the springs are a larger diameter than the tree/ fork clamp...thats why you need the cups. Also the bottom of the spring does fit inside the top of the fork on a metal washer that sits on top of the rubber fork seal. As long as the spring fits in there you should be good. Its exactly as it came stock...minus the rubber boots. Heres mine. exactly as the pic you posted. only I painted my cups black and his are silver. I have no reason to believe they wouldnt fit a 400f perfectly...to bad my brother is 7 hours away in memphis I could compare my cl350 to his 400f. I can get you the OD of my springs and you can compare to the top of your fork if you need. Just to make sure it will sit down inside properly.

 

[axeugene27]

those firestones look sweet trek

 

[trek97]

OK I got you better pics and some measurements.

the cup just pops out of the rubber boot.

The spring goes down into fork and sits on a steel flat washer that just sits on top of the clip and seal.

43.42 mm is the measurement of the outside of fork clamp. its a little hard to see at that angle. not the cup

46.75 mm OD of spring. the top of your fork need to be a little bigger than that so spring can go down inside and sit on washer.

If you need something else let me know.
My bro gets on here his user name is mitchellsk he has a 400f if you need any info from him.

 

[trek97]

those firestones look sweet trek

Thanks bud and they have been good tires but at some point (this winter) gonna powder rims and swap em out to Avons. I would hate to get caught in the rain w these.

 

[swan]

Why would you do it just "for looks"? Why add unnecessary weight and excessive dampening to your bike? If you are going to do it, do it and remove your internal springs. Use the OEM Honda springs and cups or mill your own spring cups like the ones used on Norton Roadhoalders. http://www.clubmanracing.com/suspensionforksnorton.php

 

[trek97]

As long as the 400 fork seal clip is exactly the same as the one used in the 69 CL350. And the top of 400f fork lower isnt so big as to allow "slop" enough for spring to contact chrome fork tube. spring should never contact fork tube. Stock the 400f is approximately 50lbs heavier than the 69 350. So weight should be non-issue. Unless your big enough to squish the 400 springs now. In that case maybe you should consider using both sets of springs simultaneously.