Are fork caps interchangeable? (Standard to Special)

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  • 11Rider
    XStremely XSive
    • Aug 2010
    • 331

    #1

    Are fork caps interchangeable? (Standard to Special)

    Hi guys, I'm getting the Progressive springs for my forks ('79 Special) and want to get the plain caps for my forks. Besides supposedly not needing air pressure with the new springs I am missing the valves that go on my caps. Just wondering if caps from a standard would fit my Special.
    '79 XS11 Special, fork gaiters, Uni pods, 45 pilots, 140 mains, ditched the octy, solo seat, T kat fork brace

    Purrs like a kitten, runs like a scalded cat
  • bikerphil
    Master of XSology
    • Jan 2008
    • 8629
    • South Flori-DUH

    #2
    In a short answer, No, they have different threads. The air valves you are missing can be permanently sealed off with a bolt and teflon tape or RTV.
    2H7 (79) owned since '89
    3H3 owned since '06

    "If it ain't broke, modify it"

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    • skids
      XS-XJ Super Guru
      • Jul 2002
      • 5046
      • Florissant, CO, USA

      #3
      This wasn't your question...but also worth noting, you can't put 78 caps on an 81 standard (and probably an 80). They look to be the right diameter, but no-go.
      Skids (Sid Hansen)

      Down to one 1978 E. Stock air box with K&N filter, 81H pipes and carbs, 8500 feet elevation.

      Comment

      • 11Rider
        XStremely XSive
        • Aug 2010
        • 331

        #4
        Wow, I was expecting to hear a verification of my suspicion that they WOULD be interchangeable, but I'm glad I asked. I'm watching some caps on ebay for 25bucks a piece so I must be careful. Thank you so much.
        Last edited by 11Rider; 08-14-2011, 08:12 PM.
        '79 XS11 Special, fork gaiters, Uni pods, 45 pilots, 140 mains, ditched the octy, solo seat, T kat fork brace

        Purrs like a kitten, runs like a scalded cat

        Comment

        • bikerphil
          Master of XSology
          • Jan 2008
          • 8629
          • South Flori-DUH

          #5
          Originally posted by skids
          This wasn't your question...but also worth noting, you can't put 78 caps on an 81 standard (and probably an 80). They look to be the right diameter, but no-go.
          Yep Skids you are right. AFAIK, there are 3 different caps. 79-79 Standard with preload adjustment, 79-81 Special with Schrader valve, 80-81 Standard with Schrader valve. None will interchange with each other.
          2H7 (79) owned since '89
          3H3 owned since '06

          "If it ain't broke, modify it"

          Comment

          • BA80
            Doctor of XSology
            • Oct 2010
            • 9980
            • Tulsa, Ok

            #6
            Trying to wrap my mind around why you would want to change from air adjustable (infinite) to standard (3 settings)
            Greg

            Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”

            ― Albert Einstein

            80 SG Ol' Okie;79 engine & carbs w/pods, 45 pilots, 140 mains, Custom Mac 4 into 2 exhaust, ACCT,XS850 final drive,110/90/19 front tire,TKat fork brace, XS750 140 MPH speedometer, Vetter IV fairing, aftermarket hard bags and trunk, LG high back seat, XJ rear shocks.

            The list changes.

            Comment

            • 11Rider
              XStremely XSive
              • Aug 2010
              • 331

              #7
              In both Specials I've owned I've never added air to the forks anyway. I read on this forum that with the new Progressive springs it's even less relevent. On the other hand if I could find the air valves at a decent price I'd just put them in but I've only seen one on ebay and it was 35 bucks. I don't want to put out 70 bucks plus shipping for something I don't need.
              '79 XS11 Special, fork gaiters, Uni pods, 45 pilots, 140 mains, ditched the octy, solo seat, T kat fork brace

              Purrs like a kitten, runs like a scalded cat

              Comment

              • skids
                XS-XJ Super Guru
                • Jul 2002
                • 5046
                • Florissant, CO, USA

                #8
                Originally posted by BA80
                Trying to wrap my mind around why you would want to change from air adjustable (infinite) to standard (3 settings)
                I like the early standard fork settings. No worries about air caps. Manual preload works. I think airforks were a "high tech" fad.
                Skids (Sid Hansen)

                Down to one 1978 E. Stock air box with K&N filter, 81H pipes and carbs, 8500 feet elevation.

                Comment

                • CaptonZap
                  XS-XJ Guru
                  • Jun 2010
                  • 1748
                  • Denver

                  #9
                  Take two 1/8 inch pipe plugs and put them into the holes that the air fillers went into.
                  If you want to be fancy, you can get them in blue anodized aluminum, down at the car speed shop.
                  All you need to do is keep the dirt out of the fork tubes.
                  Po boy say "Aw got sum bubba gum?"
                  CZ

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