Fork uppers

[mack]

Anyone know if the fork uppers are interchangeable between specials and standards?

[bikerphil]

No they won't, different lengths and different type of slider bushing. All Special 79-81 will be the same.

[mack]

Thanx

Think I may have done a lot of work for nothing, Andreas only has standard forks left and I can't get the c clips out of the lowers from the rust and crap that has distorted them. I may be able to cut them out but the washer is toast as well and they're not aqvailable.I see a set of forks on flea bay but who knows if they're any better than what I have now. Not a good day!

[cywelchjr]

Think I may have done a lot of work for nothing, Andreas only has standard forks left and I can't get the c clips out of the lowers from the rust and crap that has distorted them. I may be able to cut them out but the washer is toast as well and they're not aqvailable.I see a set of forks on flea bay but who knows if they're any better than what I have now. Not a good day!

Check with Greg (BA80) he might have some. You can also get NEW fork uppers from forking by frank as well, so the issue is going to be finding the c-clips and washers which I'm sure someone on here probably has some in decent shape (I don't, I only have standard parts aside from the non-titled special frame I have). The other option on those washers might be to find out if there is a replacement that can be used from something else, since that part is NLA it might be worth either finding a replacement or finding someone who has the machining equipment to run off a few of them. It would seem that there might be another bike somewhere that would have one close enough to do the job?

[DCracer25]

forks

don't know if I can help but I have complete set of standard forks,calipers,fender,master cylinder if need be. the forks did work but needs new seals. Pm me if you want them and we can discuss a very decent price for all or part of it.

[BA80]

Check with Greg (BA80) he might have some.

I've got one extra set of special forks but I think I should hang on to them................just in case.

Keep watching fleabay, they show up cheap every now and then

[bikerphil]

JAT, ask Andreas, he might have some good ones.

[Rasputin]

I have a really nice set of lower tubes for the 81LH here and no use for them. I have 2 uppers but I changed them out for a set from Andreas as mine have some rust pitting on the area where there is no fork travel. Either or are yours for shipping, but as I have seen pics of your build I am sure you would not want my uppers.

[Eveready1100]

Actually, Mack. They will interchange.
Here's a couple of links to past discussions -

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20283

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24996&page=2

[mack]

In for a penny

in for the pound. I have one good spare upper here already that will work. I've gone this far now, sort of toying with the idea of taking one of the originals to the same guy that did my gold and have it stripped, repaired and re-chromed. I still have about six weeks before I can open the garage door to tune it anyway. I want to see if I can save my lowers first before I do anything else. Thanx everyone, I'll get back to you.

[crazy steve]

.. I have one good spare upper here already that will work. I've gone this far now, sort of toying with the idea of taking one of the originals to the same guy that did my gold and have it stripped, repaired and re-chromed...

Mack, I've got a set of Special forks that aren't bad; one only has a few very small pits right below the lower tree, the other one a bit worse. No pitting in the seal area. Pics if you're interested, send me a PM.

Don't have a 'ordinary' plating shop re-do yours; that's a special type of plating, and a 'normal' polished finish won't hold up. Just ask the Harley guys that buy the polished tubes... it peels off after a bit of wear, then they're trash...

[mack]

I think I'm

going to be ok Steve. I measured the travel and the bad area's on my spare forks should miss the seals. I put the uppers in my lowers today and the bushings are pretty good, no play at all through the entire stroke. I have a smile once again. That box of carb parts you sent me in the summer sure came in handy. The bodies with intact posts have be sent to members who needed them and the rest of the parts I used to rebuild three sets of 80-81's and three sets of 78-79's. a lot of good stuff there. Thanx again.