Inverted fork length increase?

G

GQ88

New Member
Hey Guys,

I have not much research on this but I was hoping I could get some help. I have a pair of inverted forms from a 2004 Kawasaki ZX-6R. I'm planning on putting them on my 1985 Honda Shadow VT700 but the front tire is way to close to the radiator once fully assembled. Does anyone know if inverted forks come in lengths any longer than the standard model? Of it is even possible to increase the length of the forks I have now with longer springs?

I have uploaded a picture of what the forks look like and how close it really is to the radiator. Please advise.
 

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This is a common oversight.
A 17 inch wheel will help, but at full compression you will still likely be too short.
Some USD forks are longer than others, but many of them are too short for vintage water cooled bikes.
One exception I am aware of is the Suzuki Marauder VZ800.
These are not as highly adjustable as sport bike forks, but they are longer and could be a good option for you.


Please be aware that shorter forks change the geometry of your suspension and will affect stability.
 
Those look too short and there is no easy way to lengthen them. Some GSXR forks are longer than others and may work for you. Ask the seller to measure mid axle to top of the cap length and compare that to the pair you have and to your stock forks.
 
Yeah great suggestions. I've considered possible messing around with the radiator. I would have to remove the fan completely. If I did this I would get a more efficient radiator and I could tuck it in closer to the engine, giving me about 2 more inches if clearance.

If you look at the picture, the orange rectangle is the radiator. Moving the radiator would tuck in the radiator into the frame just of the left of it.

Recommendations?
 
the bottom line is that is about as wrong a bike you could choose for the swap :'( the best solution is a custom frame
you can get extenders that screw in place of the caps, looks like they are good for a couple inches which still looks like it may not be enough for good cornering clearance that poor bike is WAY slammed down to the floor !!
or do you not care about cornering clearance ? so many people putting these forks on with no consideration of the issues the other issue being the offset of the triples is all wrong for your steering head angle once you do get the bike back up off the floor
check out this page http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=57497.0
 
Sport bike forks are typically short due to the steep stealing head angles.
If you can't find fork extenders consider looking for forks from a bike with more travel. Triumph Tiger, Ducati Multistrada are two that come to mind.
How long are the stock forks?
 
FunJimmy said:
Sport bike forks are typically short due to the steep stealing head angles.
If you can't find fork extenders consider looking for forks from a bike with more travel. Triumph Tiger, Ducati Multistrada are two that come to mind.
How long are the stock forks?
Click to expand...
it is more than a steep head angle the steering head is a lot higher on a cruiser bike... that was done on almost all of them to get closer to that long fork, chopperish look
 
xb33bsa said:
it is more than a steep head angle the steering head is a lot higher on a cruiser bike... that was done on almost all of them to get closer to that long fork, chopperish look
Click to expand...

Another good reason why sportbike forks are a poor choice.
OP should have measured the stock fork length then set put to source forks of a similar length.
 
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