'79 XS1100SF Aynor SC

[MPittma100]

Forks

Yes, Standard forks will except brake modifications better than the Special forks. The Special forks do utilize an extra internal slider bushing which may/may not improve performance.
Yes, there will be handling issues if just the forks are swapped and not the TT's.
The way to tell the two types of TT's apart are the Standard lower TT pinch bolts are in the front and the Special's are on the side.

Thanks Phil, I will put this information in a safe place where I can find it again.

Mike

[Gallaecus]

this is a triple tree from a standard

http://www.ebay.com/itm/YAMAHA-1980-XS1100-XS-1100-TRIPLE-TREE-w-HANDLE-BAR-CLAMP-/400637949429?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5d47e1f5f5&vxp=mtr

this is a triple tree from a special

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Yamaha-XS1100-Special-1185-Triple-Trees-Clamps-/110753517737?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item19c96c90a9&vxp=mtr

the standard forks have the axle at the bottom of the fork, whereas the special forks hold the front axle in front of the forks. which is why the standard trees have more rake. and if you try to put a standard tank on a bike with special trees, the trees with hit the tank when the bars are turned all the way.

somehow, i think you are looking for a more technical answer.

[bikerphil]

I had Special forks in Standard trees for a while, the front wheel sticks out a bit further. Handling was shaky at 75MPH.

[MPittma100]

Triple Tree

Here's another Pix. I am very curious how you can tell this has a standard front fork? Yet the gauges are round? How do you tell the between the two?
Thanks
Gordon

It appears that this bike (with the Standard forks) still has the Special triple tree. Am I seeing that right?

Mike

[bikerphil]

The above bike is a 79 Special with standard forks in the Special TT's. Yes Mike you are seeing it right.

[MPittma100]

Forks

The above bike is a 79 Special with standard forks in the Special TT's. Yes Mike you are seeing it right.

Since it is an apparent disadvantage causing handling problems, I am trying to figure out why someone would do that. What am I missing?

Mike

[Giggity]

Perhaps the bike was in an accident and the forks were bent. Whomever replaced them didn't know the difference?

[IanDMacDonald]

Or, the guy just had a pair of standard forks and knew they'd go on with no issues, lol.

[DCII]

You would think they might notice the difference pretty quickly when they tried to mount the calipers.