Where to buy fork tubes?

[bex]

Hi there,

I need some replacement 31mm fork tubes for a CB200.

Mine are really pitted and beyond decent repair. Any I've seen on eBay etc look in a similar condition and I'm struggling to find anywhere that does replacements.

Does any have suggestions, preferably UK based sources but further afield not a massive problem.

Many thanks,
Rebecca


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[Kamn]

Forks by Frank

Sorry but its not in the UK, they are a family based business in the US that has been making fork tubes for a REALLY long time, and they are supposed to be top notch

Good Luck Rebecca

 

[bex]

That's ok I will check it out thanks for replying

Other suggestions also of course welcome


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[Kamn]

Also,
other models of hondas used 31mm forks.......maybe there are tubes from another model that could cross over
Post some pics of just the tubes and if you could get measurements that would make it super easy to see if something like a CX500 fork tube would work for you since they use 31mm forks

 

[bex]

Ok. Looks like I need to get them apart, I was trying to avoid it for the time being to keep a rolling chassis for as long as possible but suspected that would start to be a hindrance. Messaged franks but a lot of forums in google search results show people asking if they closed down. Perhaps just slow on replies so will see if I hear anything. Will also see if I can find the tube length online without dismantling my own just yet


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[irk miller]

This thread has fork diameters for you to cross reference. No lengths, but it's a start.

http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=20950.0

31 Honda CR-80R (82)
31 Honda CR-80R (83)
31 Honda SL-100 K (69-70)
31 Honda XL-100 (74-78 )
31 Honda XL-100S (80 From 5103464)
31 Honda CB-125TT (90)
31 Honda CR-125M/M1 "Elsinore" (74-75)
31 Honda MT-125K (74-76)
31 Honda SL-125 "Motosport 125" (72-73)
31 Honda TL-125K "Trials 125" (73-75)
31 Honda XL-125K/K1 (74-78 )
31 Honda XL-125S (80 From 5005876- 82, 84)
31 Honda XL-125S (85)
31 Honda CB-175K3-K7 (69-73)
31 Honda MR-175 "Elsinore" (76-77)
31 Honda SL-175K1 (71)
31 Honda CM-185T "Twinstar" (78-79 To 2111990)
31 Honda CM-185T "Twinstar" (79 From 2111991)
31 Honda XL-185S (79-80 To 5006890)
31 Honda XL-185S (80 From 5006891 - 83)
31 Honda CB-200T (75-76)
31 Honda CM-200T "Twinstar" (80 To 2012204)
31 Honda CM-200T "Twinstar" (80-82)
31 Honda TR-200 "Fatcat" (86-87)
31 Honda XR-200 (80-84)
31 Honda CB-250 "Nighthawk" (91-04)
31 Honda CM-250C "Custom" (82-83)
31 Kawasaki KX-80 C2 (82)
31 Kawasaki KX-125/ A1-A3 (74-77)
31 Kawasaki KZ-200A1/A2 (78-79)
31 Kawasaki KZ-250D1/D2 (80-81)
31 Kawasaki KZ-250L1 "CSR" (82)
31 Kawasaki EX-305B1 "GP" (83)
31 Suzuki SP-100 D (83)
31 Yamaha DT-125 E (78 )
31 Yamaha DT-175 E (78 )

 

[bex]

Thanks!!


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[trek97]

Not the most accurate measurement for you. But heres what I can give you...

My wifes 1980 CM200, sitting parked on its side stand, fully assembled and ready to ride.

Top of fork tube to center of axel.

69.55 cm

 

[bex]

Thanks for that - i could measure mine I guess but I'm not sure where the tube ends inside....?!


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[J-Rod10]

You'll have to pull them a part and measure the stanchions.

Forks by Frank is top notch.

 

[bex]

Jeez what a palaver, I thought I'd pull them apart as a quick job yesterday. Who was I kidding? Took ages, everything seized to everything else. Had to completely destroy the oil seals to get them to budge.

Judging by the colour and stench of what came out of the forks they've not been opened since the day they were closed, so about 38 years then.

Which bit exactly should I measure? The tubes only or the the tubes plus the extra part that drops down them and bolts at the end of the lower fork?

An engineering co. local to me reckoned they might be able to rechrome so I will take them over to have a look. Otherwise they can make me a new set which is good news. Still also awaiting response from Franks, probably in the new year and beyond.

Some pics of the 7 hour palaver

And finally,

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[xb33bsa]

yours look fine i dont see the issue ? unless are they pitted in the area where the seal travels ?

 

[DohcBikes]

Same here. I have a set of cl175 forks that looked just like that as almost all cb/cl175/200 tubes do these days and i taped them off, blasted the rusty areas and painted them with chrome spray paint. Ghetto fabulous and leak free.

 

[bex]

Happy days if all of that can be removed and rechromed. Differing opinions from friends who've been passing etc.

What's the best way to treat them? I don't have access to any blasting gear unless I get them professionally blasted.

Will sanding them through the grades work as a start?


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[xb33bsa]

aren't they covered up anyway ?

 

[bex]

On the original yes but they won't anymore - loosing the sleeves in this instance.


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[DohcBikes]

You could certainly sand polish and clearcoat the steel provided you stay short of the path of travel. I'd probably start with a soft wire wheel or brush to get the rust out.

 

[jpmobius]

You may be able to get them repaired locally. Look for a business that repairs hydraulic rams for industrial machinery and heavy equipment (like bulldozers and such). The process for creating/repairing the surface of hydraulic rams is the same as that used for fork tubes. Should be cheaper than new parts and you may be able to get a greatly improved material for the surface than the existing chrome.

 

[XVRacer]

Try Race Tech.

 

[grcamna5]

You may be able to get them repaired locally. Look for a business that repairs hydraulic rams for industrial machinery and heavy equipment (like bulldozers and such). The process for creating/repairing the surface of hydraulic rams is the same as that used for fork tubes. Should be cheaper than new parts and you may be able to get a greatly improved material for the surface than the existing chrome.

That's a good idea.